This cozy Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a warm and filling dish that’s perfect for holiday mornings. With eggs, cheese, and delicious sausage, it celebrates all the festive flavors!
Just toss your ingredients in the crockpot and let it work its magic. It smells amazing and you’ll love waking up to a ready breakfast. Perfect for busy mornings when you need a little cheer! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This adds rich flavor to the casserole. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey sausage or veggie sausage works just as well!
Eggs: They bind everything together. For a lighter version, you can use egg whites or a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg) if you’re vegan.
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns are super convenient. Freshly grated potatoes can also work, but remember to rinse them to remove excess starch.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella make a great combo. For dairy-free, try nut-based cheeses. You can also swap different cheese blends to suit your taste!
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a nice crunch and color. Feel free to substitute with green peppers, or even spinach for a different flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Cooked?
The key to a great crockpot casserole is cooking time. Remember that crockpots heat differently depending on the size and model. It’s best to test it a little before the recommended time.
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Stir the mixture halfway through cooking to help even out the heat distribution.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps it firm up a bit more.
Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs to cook for 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in the crockpot. Perfect for tossing together in the morning, and it will be ready by brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This will help the casserole come out easily when it’s done cooking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and crumbly. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside. This will add a flavorful base to your casserole.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until it’s well combined. This egg mixture holds everything together beautifully!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, stir in the thawed hash browns, diced red bell pepper, chopped onion, cooked sausage, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the egg mixture. This colorful blend makes your casserole delicious and festive!
5. Assemble in the Crockpot:
Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared crockpot, making sure it’s spread out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to create a cheesy, golden layer as it cooks.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. Select low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. You can relax while the magic happens!
7. Finishing Touches:
Once your casserole is set and cooked through, take a moment to garnish it with fresh thyme or parsley if you’d like. This adds a lovely touch of color and freshness!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Spoon out portions directly from the crockpot and enjoy a warm, hearty breakfast perfectly suited for Christmas morning.
Enjoy your festive and delicious breakfast casserole! 🎄✨
Can I Use Frozen Hash Browns Without Thawing?
Yes, you can use frozen hash browns directly, but thawing them helps achieve a better texture in the casserole. If you’re short on time, just ensure to break up any large clumps in the frozen hash browns before adding them to the mixture.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the breakfast sausage and consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor. You could also use plant-based sausage for a similar taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Can I Prepare This the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before! Store it in the fridge and then pour it into the crockpot in the morning to cook. Just make sure to add a bit of extra cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.