Christmas morning is magical, but let’s face it: juggling the excitement of unwrapping gifts while trying to cook breakfast can be a challenge. That’s why breakfast casseroles made in a 13×9 pan are the ultimate solution. They’re easy to prepare, serve a crowd, and can be as indulgent or healthy as you want. Plus, many can be prepared the night before, so all you have to do is pop them in the oven Christmas morning. From savory classics to sweet indulgences, here are 28 Christmas breakfast casseroles that will delight your family and guests.
Table of contents
The Savory Delights
1. Classic Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
A timeless favorite featuring layers of breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese over a bed of bread.
- Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of green onions and red peppers for a festive touch.
2. Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Creamy shredded hash browns mixed with diced ham and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Why it Works: A kid-friendly option that’s comforting and satisfying.
3. Spinach and Feta Breakfast Bake
Perfect for a lighter option, this vegetarian casserole combines fresh spinach, tangy feta, and fluffy eggs.
- Pair It With: A side of fruit salad for balance.
4. Mexican-Inspired Chorizo Casserole
Spice up Christmas morning with crumbled chorizo, diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños, layered with eggs and tortillas.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh cilantro and avocado slices.
5. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata
Crispy bacon, sharp cheese, and chunks of bread baked to golden perfection.
- Make Ahead Tip: Let the bread soak overnight in the egg mixture for ultimate flavor.
Sweet and Indulgent Treats
6. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Cinnamon rolls meet French toast in this indulgent breakfast casserole, perfect for Christmas morning. If you’re a fan of homemade cinnamon rolls, try these sourdough cinnamon rolls for a truly special touch. You can even use them as the base for this recipe to take it to the next level of flavor.
7. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake
A hearty and sweet casserole featuring baked oats, apples, and cinnamon.
- Make It Special: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert-like touch.
8. Sticky Bun Breakfast Bake
All the gooey deliciousness of sticky buns in an easy-to-serve casserole form.
- Key Ingredient: A buttery brown sugar glaze to drizzle on top.
9. Berry Pancake Casserole
Layers of fluffy pancake batter baked with mixed berries.
- Serving Suggestion: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with syrup.
10. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Pudding
Turn classic banana bread into a rich and indulgent casserole.
- Extra Flavor: Add mini chocolate chips for a festive twist.
Hearty Meat Lovers’ Casseroles
11. Loaded Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Layer tater tots, sausage, bacon, and cheese for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
- Pro Tip: Serve with ketchup or hot sauce on the side.
12. Country Ham and Potato Gratin Bake
Thinly sliced potatoes baked with ham and creamy cheese sauce.
- Why It’s Festive: The golden-brown crust makes it irresistible.
13. Meat Lovers’ Breakfast Casserole
A carnivore’s dream with sausage, bacon, ham, and plenty of cheese.
- Make Ahead: Prep the night before to save time.
14. Cheeseburger Biscuit Bake
Biscuits baked with ground beef, eggs, and a cheesy topping.
- Fun Twist: Add pickles and mustard for a burger-like flavor.
15. Pulled Pork Breakfast Hash
Smoky pulled pork layered with diced potatoes and eggs.
- Serving Idea: Pair with a side of cornbread for a Southern flair.
Vegetarian Crowd Pleasers
16. Caprese Breakfast Bake
Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil baked with eggs and a splash of balsamic glaze.
- Festive Touch: The red and green colors scream Christmas!
17. Sweet Potato and Kale Casserole
A wholesome option with roasted sweet potatoes, kale, and eggs.
- Pro Tip: Sprinkle with goat cheese for a tangy finish.
18. Broccoli and Cheddar Bake
Classic flavors of broccoli and cheddar cheese baked into a creamy casserole.
- Perfect For: Adding a nutritious twist to your morning.
19. Ricotta and Vegetable Lasagna Bake
Thin layers of pasta, ricotta, and roasted vegetables make this a unique breakfast treat.
- Family Favorite: A hearty option for vegetarians.
20. Mushroom and Gruyere Strata
Earthy mushrooms combined with creamy Gruyere cheese and chunks of bread.
- Optional Addition: Truffle oil for a luxurious flavor.
Special Diet Casseroles
21. Gluten-Free Sausage and Potato Casserole
Made with gluten-free bread or no bread at all, this casserole is hearty and delicious.
- Base Idea: Stick with eggs, sausage, and diced potatoes.
22. Dairy-Free Vegetable Frittata
A dairy-free twist featuring coconut milk, fresh veggies, and eggs.
- Great Addition: A dairy-free cheese alternative on top.
23. Keto Bacon and Egg Casserole
Low-carb layers of bacon, eggs, spinach, and cheese.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve with a side of avocado slices.
24. Vegan Breakfast Casserole
A plant-based casserole made with tofu, veggies, and nutritional yeast.
- Why It’s Great: Packed with protein and flavor.
Decadent Holiday Casseroles
25. Eggnog French Toast Bake
Capture the flavors of Christmas with this eggnog-infused casserole.
- Sprinkle: Add a touch of nutmeg for that holiday aroma.
26. Gingerbread Pancake Bake
A warm and spiced casserole inspired by gingerbread cookies.
- Festive Garnish: Top with whipped cream and crushed gingerbread cookies.
27. Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding
Sweet and tart, this casserole combines the flavors of cranberry and orange.
- Glaze It: Drizzle with a citrus glaze for a bright finish.
28. Peppermint Mocha Coffee Cake Bake
Coffee and chocolate layers with a hint of peppermint make this a breakfast dessert.
- Finishing Touch: Crushed peppermint candy on top.
Creative Casserole Variations to Try This Christmas
29. Chicken and Waffle Casserole
Combine two breakfast favorites—fried chicken and waffles—in a delightful casserole form. Layer chunks of crispy chicken, waffle pieces, and a sweet maple syrup glaze, then bake until golden brown.
- Why it’s Festive: The sweet and savory combination creates an indulgent, celebratory dish.
30. Peaches and Cream French Toast Casserole
Add a fruity twist to your Christmas breakfast with juicy peaches baked into a creamy French toast casserole. A hint of cinnamon and a powdered sugar dusting make it irresistible.
- Pro Tip: Use canned or fresh peaches depending on your preference.
31. Zucchini and Cheddar Breakfast Bake
For those looking to sneak in some veggies, zucchini blends perfectly with sharp cheddar in this light, flavorful casserole. It’s a great option for vegetarians or anyone who loves a savory breakfast.
- Make It Unique: Add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra punch of flavor.
32. Carrot Cake Oatmeal Casserole
This casserole combines the comforting flavors of carrot cake with the heartiness of baked oatmeal. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s topped with a cream cheese glaze for a decadent finish.
- Why it Stands Out: It’s both nutritious and indulgent, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Why a 13×9 Pan is Perfect for Christmas Breakfast
Effortless Preparation
A 13×9 pan allows you to layer ingredients efficiently, whether you’re making a sweet French toast bake or a hearty meat-lovers’ casserole. The size of the pan ensures that your dish cooks evenly, and it’s large enough to feed a hungry crowd.
Versatility in Recipes
From egg-based bakes to bread puddings, the 13×9 pan can handle any recipe you throw at it. You can even divide it into two halves—one for a savory recipe and the other for something sweet, catering to everyone’s preferences.
Easy to Serve
The rectangular shape of a 13×9 pan makes it perfect for slicing and serving portions. This means no mess, no stress, and more time for opening gifts and enjoying the festivities with your family.
Ideal for Make-Ahead Meals
Many of these casseroles can be prepped the night before, stored in the fridge, and baked fresh on Christmas morning. The 13×9 pan is durable, making it easy to transfer from the fridge to the oven without any hassle.
Tips for Making the Perfect Breakfast Casserole
1. Prep Ahead
The secret to stress-free Christmas mornings lies in preparation. Chop vegetables, cook meat, and assemble your casserole the night before. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a tastier dish.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients
While frozen options like hash browns are convenient, using fresh ingredients—especially eggs, vegetables, and herbs—can make a noticeable difference in flavor.
3. Don’t Skimp on Seasoning
A bland casserole can ruin the festive mood. Season every layer generously with salt, pepper, and complementary spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cinnamon, depending on the recipe.
4. Customize to Your Family’s Tastes
The beauty of casseroles is how customizable they are. If your family loves bacon, add extra to the top. For a sweeter casserole, don’t hesitate to add a sugary glaze or seasonal fruit.
5. Perfect the Bake Time
Every oven is different, so always check your casserole in the last 10 minutes of baking. Insert a knife into the center to ensure it’s cooked through without being dry.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Christmas Breakfast
While casseroles are often a one-dish meal, adding a few sides can elevate your Christmas breakfast spread. Here are some ideas:
Fresh Fruit Platter
Balance the richness of a casserole with a colorful array of fresh fruits like strawberries, oranges, and kiwi. This adds a refreshing, healthy touch to the table.
Yogurt and Granola Parfaits
Offer small parfaits layered with creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and seasonal berries. They pair perfectly with both sweet and savory casseroles.
Holiday-Themed Pastries
Mini croissants, cinnamon rolls, or Danish pastries can round out the meal, adding variety to the spread.
Hot Beverages
No Christmas breakfast is complete without steaming mugs of coffee, hot cocoa, or spiced apple cider. For an extra festive touch, add whipped cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the drinks.
Why Breakfast Casseroles Make Christmas Morning Special
Brings Everyone Together
Christmas casseroles encourage family-style dining, with everyone gathering around the table to serve themselves from the pan. It’s a tradition that fosters connection and conversation.
Saves Time and Energy
The holiday season can be hectic, so having a single dish that serves as the centerpiece of your breakfast is a lifesaver. It gives you more time to focus on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones.
Creates Memories
The aroma of a freshly baked casserole wafting through the house becomes a part of your family’s Christmas memories. Whether it’s a classic sausage casserole or a sweet cinnamon bake, the dish becomes intertwined with the holiday spirit.
FAQs
Can I make casseroles in smaller portions?
Absolutely! If you’re cooking for a smaller group, divide the recipe into smaller baking dishes. Individual ramekins or an 8×8 pan work perfectly for scaled-down casseroles.
How can I make my casseroles look festive?
Incorporate red and green ingredients, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or fresh herbs like parsley. You can also use cookie cutters to create decorative shapes from bread or cheese to top your dish.
Are breakfast casseroles budget-friendly?
Yes, most casseroles use affordable ingredients like eggs, bread, and cheese. Even the fancier options, like Eggnog French Toast Bake, can be made on a budget with a few substitutions.
Can I substitute eggs in these casseroles?
For those with dietary restrictions, egg substitutes like flax eggs or store-bought alternatives work well in many recipes, especially vegetarian or sweet casseroles.
Conclusion
Christmas is all about creating joyful moments, and these 28 Christmas breakfast casseroles made in a 13×9 pan take the stress out of the morning so you can focus on the magic. Whether you prefer savory classics, sweet indulgences, or dishes tailored to dietary needs, these casseroles are versatile, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare. With the added tips and pairing suggestions, you’re now fully equipped to turn your Christmas morning into a delicious and memorable celebration.
Take the time to prep your casserole, pour a warm drink, and enjoy the laughter and love of the season with your family. After all, isn’t that what Christmas is truly about?