Festive Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole : A Make-Ahead Holiday Morning Classic

If there’s one thing better than waking up on Christmas morning to joyful chaos and twinkling lights, it’s waking up to the smell of a warm, cheesy Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole bubbling in the oven. This recipe is everything you want on a holiday morning — savory, comforting, and completely make-ahead friendly.

Made with layers of fluffy bread, hearty sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and rich eggs, it bakes into a flavorful strata that feeds a crowd with almost no effort on the day-of. Whether you’re feeding out-of-town guests or just making memories with the family, this easy holiday morning breakfast casserole belongs on your festive table.

Make it the night before, pop it in the oven on Christmas morning, and get back to what matters most — unwrapping gifts, sipping cocoa, and enjoying every bite.

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Why You’ll Love Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole

This classic breakfast bake is packed with flavor and checks all the boxes for the ultimate Christmas morning dish:

• Make-ahead magic: Assemble the night before for stress-free baking
• Crowd-pleasing: Serves 8+ hungry holiday guests
• Cozy and comforting: Cheesy, hearty, and filling
• Simple ingredients: Easy to find and easy to prep
• Versatile: Add-ins and substitutions welcome

Searching for more cozy breakfast recipes? Try our Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole — a warm, spiced alternative to this savory favorite.

Who This Christmas Breakfast Casserole Is Perfect For

This casserole is perfect for:

• Families celebrating with kids and guests
• Hosts looking for the best make ahead breakfast casserole
• Fans of savory breakfast dishes
• Anyone planning a relaxed, no-fuss Christmas make ahead breakfast
• People who want a Christmas breakfast bake that’s both filling and festive

Planning a full morning menu? Pair this with our Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins or Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars for a sweet-savory combo.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• 1 lb (450g) ground breakfast sausage
• 6 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed and cubed
• 2 cups (226g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups (475 ml) milk
• 1 tsp dry mustard powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Ingredient Notes and Easy Variations

• Sausage: Use breakfast pork sausage, or swap with turkey sausage for a leaner twist.
• Bread: White sandwich bread works great, but French bread or sourdough adds more texture.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack.
• Milk: Whole milk is ideal for richness, though 2% works fine too.

Add-in ideas:

• Diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms
• Spinach or kale for a veggie boost
• Cooked bacon (if you’re not avoiding pork)
• Diced hash browns or frozen shredded potatoes for a twist on a hash brown Christmas breakfast casserole

Looking for more breakfast casseroles? Try our Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole — a great alternative with crispy potatoes.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Skillet or frying pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Foil for covering
• Oven

That’s it — no special appliances needed for this Christmas breakfast casserole make ahead recipe!

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Add Sausage and Cheese
Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread. Follow with the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined.

Step 5: Pour and Soak
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Gently press down with a spatula to help the bread soak up the custard.

Step 6: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Bake
In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed and golden and the center is set.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Want a visual to go with it? Our cooking videos section includes more step-by-step tutorials like this.

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Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Let the bread soak overnight for the best texture
• Cover with foil while baking if the top is browning too fast
• Don’t overbake — check for doneness at 45 minutes
• Add a layer of shredded hash browns between the bread and sausage for a twist
• Make two casseroles if you’re hosting a big group — this recipe doubles easily

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using fresh bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better
• Skipping the overnight soak: Leads to uneven texture
• Overloading with toppings: Keep it balanced so the eggs cook evenly
• Under-seasoning: Taste the sausage before baking and adjust salt if needed

Need another holiday brunch idea? Our Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is festive, fast, and pairs beautifully with this casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Serve with fruit salad or berry compote
• Add a side of crispy roasted potatoes or oven-baked bacon
• Pair with freshly baked banana bread coffee cake
• Offer juice, coffee, and hot chocolate for a full Christmas morning spread

Hosting a Christmas brunch? This casserole makes a perfect main alongside lighter dishes and sweet baked goods.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Cut into squares and serve on a festive holiday platter
• Use cookie cutters to make fun holiday shapes (once baked and cooled)
• Garnish with rosemary sprigs and cranberries for color
• Serve in individual ramekins for a restaurant-style presentation

Make your Christmas table sparkle with simple touches that make a big impact.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Southwestern twist: Add green chiles, pepper jack cheese, and cilantro
• Vegetarian: Omit sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes
• Herbed version: Mix in chopped thyme, sage, or chives for added flavor
• Cheesy overload: Use a blend of three cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and fontina

Explore even more breakfast ideas in our brunch recipe collection — from sweet to savory and everything in between.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Microwave slices for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through

Pro tip: Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it moist and fluffy.

Make-Ahead Tips for Holiday Mornings

• Assemble the night before to save time on Christmas morning
• Freeze the casserole pre-baked (wrapped tightly) and bake from frozen—add 15–20 minutes
• Bake ahead and reheat on Christmas morning if needed

Make-ahead recipes like this are game-changers for stress-free holidays. Add it to your Christmas morning casseroles rotation!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! That’s the beauty of it. It’s one of the best Christmas breakfast casserole make ahead dishes.

Can I use different bread?
Yes, try French bread, sourdough, or even croissants for extra richness.

Can I make it without sausage?
Absolutely. Omit or swap with sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.

What’s the difference between a strata and casserole?
Strata usually includes bread and a custard mixture, just like this. It’s a type of savory breakfast casserole.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use two baking dishes or a deeper 10×15 pan.

Final Thoughts: Why Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole Is a Holiday Hero

The Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole brings together everything you love about a holiday breakfast: hearty ingredients, familiar flavors, and zero stress on the big day. With just a few minutes of prep the night before, you’ll wake up to a warm, bubbly, cheesy masterpiece that fills the kitchen with holiday magic.

Add it to your collection of favorite Christmas breakfast casseroles and start a new delicious tradition.

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