Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Spicy sausage, herbs, and vegetables fill this casserole with hearty flavor. It's delicious anytime of day!
Spicy sausage, herbs, and vegetables fill this casserole with hearty flavor. It's delicious anytime of day!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 pound johnsonville® ground mild italian sausage
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach thawed and well drained
- 1 jar (7 ounces) roasted red peppers drained and chopped, divided
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- fresh rosemary sprigs optional
- Carbohydrate 9.7993352887355 g
- Cholesterol 283.425000001168 mg
- Fat 7.20668305607531 g
- Fiber 0.53227778965264 g
- Protein 10.1365366686138 g
- Saturated Fat 2.36283180581036 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (134g)
- Sodium 244.139805744866 mg
- Sugar 9.26705749908287 g
- Trans Fat 1.18661538895789 g
- Calories 145 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- In a skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink; drain.
- Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish.
- Sprinkle with half of the red peppers and all the spinach.
- In a bowl, combine flour, Parmesan cheese, basil, and salt.
- Combine eggs and milk; add to dry ingredients and mix well.
- Pour over spinach.
- Bake 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Sprinkle with provolone cheese and remaining red peppers.
- Bake 2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
- Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.
- Garnish with rosemary if desired.
A Christmas Morning Delight: My Festive Breakfast Casserole
Christmas morning. The scent of pine needles and cinnamon hangs in the air. Sunlight streams through the windows, illuminating the twinkling lights still draped on the tree. But before the presents are opened, before the family gathers around the fireplace, there's one tradition that always sets the tone for our Christmas: my Christmas Breakfast Casserole.
This isn't just any breakfast casserole. Oh no, this is a hearty, flavorful explosion of warmth and deliciousness, perfect for fueling up for a day of festivities. The spicy Italian sausage, the subtle sweetness of the roasted red peppers, the vibrant green of the spinach – it's a symphony of flavors and textures that always gets rave reviews. My family practically fights over the last slice (don't tell them I told you that!). I started making this casserole a few years ago, initially just as an attempt to streamline our Christmas morning preparations. I’m usually a busybody and I love things to be efficient in the mornings. We used to have a chaotic breakfast scramble every Christmas morning; pancakes burning, eggs overcooked, bacon grease splattering everywhere – you name it, it happened. This casserole changed all that.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can prepare most of it the night before, letting the flavors meld and deepen overnight. This means on Christmas morning, all you need to do is pop it in the oven while you're busy opening presents, letting the delicious aroma fill your home as the family awakens. It's the perfect stress-free way to start the holiday, allowing me to enjoy the Christmas spirit fully rather than being glued to the stove. The casserole itself is wonderfully adaptable too; you can swap out the sausage for bacon or ham, add different cheeses or vegetables, or even include some leftover cooked vegetables to give it an extra nutritional kick. I have even known to use turkey sausage to make it a leaner dish. It’s entirely up to your taste.
Over the years, this casserole has become more than just a breakfast dish. It's become a symbol of our Christmas traditions. It's the dish that brings the family together, a warm and comforting embrace on a day filled with joy and excitement. The anticipation of that first bite, the shared smiles as we savor its flavors, the happy chatter surrounding the table – these are the memories I cherish most about Christmas morning. The casserole isn't just food; it's a testament to the love and togetherness that defines our Christmas celebrations. And as the years go by and traditions evolve, one thing remains constant – the delicious, comforting warmth of my Christmas Breakfast Casserole, a staple in our holiday tradition.
This year, I’m taking this casserole on the road. My family and I are taking a Christmas vacation and this will be our breakfast for the long drive. I'm excited to make it in the vacation home kitchen! I'm thinking of including a small jar of rosemary sprigs to add as a garnish for when we finally get to the holiday destination.
Ingredients I typically have on hand: I always make sure I have the basic ingredients for this casserole stocked in my pantry and fridge, especially around the holidays. This eliminates any last-minute dashes to the grocery store, allowing me to focus on the true spirit of Christmas – spending quality time with loved ones. Having a well-stocked pantry also helps me with other quick meals during the holiday season, as it can be a very busy time, and sometimes we have guests!
Tips and Tricks for Success: A few small tips can elevate this casserole from good to incredible. Using good quality sausage makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor profile. The same goes for the cheese; a sharp provolone adds a wonderful salty kick. And don't forget to let the casserole stand for those five minutes after baking – it allows the flavors to settle and prevents a runny mess.
I hope you give this Christmas Breakfast Casserole a try. It's a recipe that truly captures the spirit of the holidays, a heartwarming dish that brings family and friends together. And who knows, maybe it will become a new Christmas tradition in your home too.
