Hearty Christmas Casserole Delight
A beloved staple for Christmas brunch, this hearty casserole is a cherished recipe passed down from my mother-in-law. With layers of toasted bread, savory Little Smokies sausage, and rich sharp cheddar cheese, it captures the warmth of family gatherings and festive cheer. Not only is it packed with flavor, this make-ahead dish allows you to enjoy leisurely Christmas mornings without the stress of cooking. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste—try different cheeses or proteins for a unique twist—but we always find joy in preparing it just like Mom does. Serve alongside sweet rolls and fresh strawberries for a complete holiday breakfast experience.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
white bread
8 slices (cubed)
sharp cheddar cheese
3 cups (shredded)
Little Smokies sausage
1 lb (cut in thirds)
eggs
5 (beaten)
milk
2 1/2 cups (divided)
dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon
cream of mushroom soup
10 3/4 ounces
additional milk
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, start layering by evenly spreading the cubed bread across the bottom.
3
Next, scatter the cut Little Smokies sausage and top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring an even distribution across the layers.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add 2 1/2 cups of milk and the dry mustard. Blend until combined and pour this mixture over the layered bread, sausage, and cheese.
5
Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
In the morning, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the remaining 1/2 cup of milk in a pourable container. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
7
After the casserole has rested overnight, remove it from the refrigerator and pour the soup and milk mixture evenly over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, or until the casserole is set and edges are slightly golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
23.75g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in Hearty Christmas Casserole Delight?
The primary protein used is 1 lb of Little Smokies sausage, which should be cut into thirds.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this is a make-ahead dish designed to be refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) for this recipe.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours until it is set.
What type of cheese is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How many slices of bread are needed?
You will need 8 slices of white bread, which should be cubed.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13 inch casserole dish is the standard size for this recipe.
How much milk is mixed with the egg base?
You should whisk 2 1/2 cups of milk into the egg and dry mustard mixture.
When do I add the cream of mushroom soup?
The cream of mushroom soup mixture is poured over the top in the morning, after the dish has refrigerated overnight.
Should I cover the casserole while it sits in the refrigerator?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating.
What are the ingredients for the liquid egg mixture?
The liquid mixture consists of 5 beaten eggs, 2 1/2 cups of milk, and 3/4 teaspoon of dry mustard.
What side dishes go well with this Christmas casserole?
It is recommended to serve this dish alongside sweet rolls and fresh strawberries.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 eggs, which should be beaten before mixing with the milk.
Can I substitute the Little Smokies sausage?
Yes, you can try different proteins or cheeses for a unique twist based on your preference.
How should the bread be prepared?
The 8 slices of white bread should be cubed before layering them in the dish.
What is the purpose of the dry mustard?
Dry mustard adds a savory flavor profile to the egg and milk custard base.
How much cream of mushroom soup is required?
One 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup is used for the topping.
Is there additional milk used besides the egg mixture?
Yes, an additional 1/2 cup of milk is mixed with the cream of mushroom soup for the final layer.
What visual cues indicate the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when it is set and the edges are slightly golden.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday brunch?
Absolutely, it is described as a beloved staple for Christmas brunch that reduces morning stress.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, start by layering the ingredients in a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
Can I use a different type of cheese than sharp cheddar?
Yes, you can adjust the cheese type to suit your personal taste.
What is the calorie count for a serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving of this casserole.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 27.5g per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains about 22g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 23.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the first layer of the casserole?
The first layer consists of the cubed white bread spread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
How are the sausage and cheese distributed?
Scatter the sausage over the bread cubes and then top with the shredded cheese to ensure even distribution.
Should the soup mixture be prepared the night before?
The recipe suggests combining the soup and milk in the morning after the casserole has rested.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this is a cherished recipe passed down from the creator's mother-in-law.