Christmas morning is a time filled with joy, laughter, and of course, delicious food. What better way to elevate that festive spirit than with a cozy Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole? This dish not only fits perfectly into the holiday atmosphere but also saves you the hassle of spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine waking up to the warm and enticing smell of breakfast wafting through your home, thanks to your trusty crockpot working its magic overnight. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the world of this scrumptious casserole!
Why We Love This Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole
The Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a holiday favorite for several reasons. First, it beautifully combines a variety of textures and flavors, including cheesy goodness, savory sausage, and hearty potatoes. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Prep the ingredients the night before, set your crockpot, and immerse yourself in the holiday cheer without worrying about meal prep.
Moreover, this casserole is incredibly versatile. You can alter ingredients according to your preferences while maintaining the core essence of comfort food. Whether it’s a family gathering, a breakfast with friends, or just a quiet morning at home, this dish adapts wonderfully to any occasion.
Ingredients about Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole
To whip up this delightful casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 pounds hash brown potatoes
- 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage (cooked)
- ½ cup onions (diced)
- ½ cup bell peppers (red & green, diced)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded from a block)
- 1 ½ cups pepper jack cheese (shredded from a block)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
These ingredients come together to create a beautifully balanced breakfast that is hearty, cheesy, and sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole Directions
Creating this delicious Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole is quite straightforward. Follow these simple steps to get that casserole bubbling with holiday flavors:
- Prepare the Crockpot: Start by lightly spraying the inside of your crockpot with a no-stick cooking spray. This step is essential to prevent your casserole from sticking to the pot.
- Combine Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, vigorously mix the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until they are well blended. Set this cheesy mixture aside for later.
- Sauté Vegetables (Optional): If you prefer a fresher taste, take some time to sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until they are soft and fragrant. This step is optional, but it can enhance the flavors.
- Mix the Sausage and Vegetables: In another bowl, combine the cooked bulk sausage with the sautéed onions and bell peppers. This mixture will serve as a savory filling for your casserole.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, crack the 12 eggs and beat them well. Whisk in the milk, kosher salt, and black pepper. This mixture will bind all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Layer the Casserole: Now it’s time to start layering your casserole. Begin with one-third of the hash brown potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. Follow this with one-third of the sausage mixture, and then sprinkle one cup of the cheese blend on top. Repeat this process for two more layers, ensuring that each layer is evenly distributed.
- Add the Egg Mixture: Once your layers are complete, pour the egg mixture over everything in the crockpot. The egg will seep through the layers and bind them together.
- Cook: Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for about eight hours. While you sleep or enjoy Christmas festivities, your casserole will be cooking to perfection.
- Serve: When it’s done, simply dish out generous portions, and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness of your casserole.
The magic of cooking with a crockpot is that it allows you to embrace your holiday celebrations without being stuck in the kitchen. The result is a flavorful, satisfying breakfast that everyone will love.
How to Serve Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Serving your Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole is as fun as making it! Once your casserole is cooked to perfection, you can spoon generous portions onto plates. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with a fresh fruit salad, which adds a refreshing touch to the meal. Warm biscuits or flaky croissants can also be a delightful addition.
Feel free to be creative with your presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra festive touch, or offer hot sauce on the side for those who prefer a spicy kick. Setting up a hot beverage station with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate can further enhance the morning gathering, making it a memorable experience for you and your guests.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole
- Prep Ahead: You can save even more time by prepping your ingredients the night before. Chop the vegetables and cook the sausage ahead of time. This way, assembling the casserole the following morning is quick and easy.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Cooking on low for eight hours ensures that the egg is fully set and the flavors meld together beautifully. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for about four hours, but the texture may not be as creamy.
- Test for Doneness: Before serving, ensure your casserole is fully cooked by checking that the center is set. You can use a knife or toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your personal preferences. You can use different cheeses, add cooked vegetables, or even tweak the spice levels to suit your taste.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh ingredients over pre-packaged ones. Fresh veggies and quality cheese greatly enhance the flavors of your casserole.
How to Store Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Storing leftovers from your Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole is simple. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you’re looking to extend its shelf life, consider freezing portions for future breakfasts. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen casserole, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variation of Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole
While the classic version of this casserole is mouthwatering as is, you might feel adventurous and want to switch things up. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Veggie Loaded: Add in a variety of seasonal vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds vibrant colors to your dish.
- Meat Lovers: If you want to take it up a notch, consider mixing in cooked diced ham or turkey alongside the sausage for an even heartier breakfast.
- Cheese Only: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to load on more cheese or try a mix of gouda, mozzarella, or feta for a different flavor profile.
- Herbed Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil in your egg mixture for an aromatic twist that will impress your guests.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sausage mixture. This will give your casserole an exciting kick that many will love.
Experimenting with these variations offers a chance to create a unique and personalized breakfast casserole that reflects your tastes.
FAQ about Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook it in the morning. Just make sure to allow it to sit at room temperature for a bit before placing it in the crockpot.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven. If using the oven, cover the casserole with foil and heat at 350°F until warmed through. This will help retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen hash browns work perfectly in this recipe and are a convenient option. Just ensure they are thawed before layering them in the crockpot.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausage and double-check that your cheese is free from any gluten-containing ingredients.
How long will this casserole last in the fridge?
Properly stored, this casserole can last in the refrigerator for up to four days. If freezing, it can last for up to three months.
Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 12 pieces eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 pounds hash brown potatoes can use frozen or fresh
- 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage cooked
- ½ cup onions diced
- ½ cup bell peppers diced (red & green)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded from a block
- 1 ½ cups pepper jack cheese shredded from a block
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Lightly spray the crockpot with no-stick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine and mix the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. Set aside.
- Optional: Sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until soft and fragrant.
- Combine the cooked sausage with the sautéed onions and bell peppers in a separate bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the milk, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Layer one-third of the hash brown potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add one-third of the sausage mixture and then a cup of the cheese blend on top.
- Repeat the layering two more times.
- Pour the egg mixture over all layers in the crockpot.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours.
Serving
- Serve generous portions on plates and enjoy!
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