Christmas Breakfast Casserole

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Sausage:**
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool.

#### 2. **Prepare the Casserole Base:**
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish. Cube the French bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the bottom of the dish. If you prefer, you can let the bread sit out for a few hours (or even overnight) to get slightly stale, as this will help the bread absorb the egg mixture better.

#### 3. **Whisk Together the Egg Mixture:**
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

#### 4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Then pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, making sure to cover everything. Press down gently on the bread cubes with a spatula or spoon to help them soak up the egg mixture.

#### 5. **Add the Cheese:**
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. For an extra cheesy dish, you can add more cheese if desired.

#### 6. **Refrigerate Overnight (Optional):**
At this point, you can cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, ensuring a creamy texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake it right away, though the casserole will benefit from resting for at least 30 minutes before baking.

#### 7. **Bake the Casserole:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the casserole has rested (or if you’re ready to bake it right away), remove the cover and place the casserole in the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are fully set. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

#### 8. **Serve and Garnish:**
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for a festive touch. Serve warm and enjoy!

### Tips for the Perfect Christmas Breakfast Casserole

– **Bread Choices:** French bread is ideal for this casserole, but you can also use challah, brioche, or even sourdough bread for different textures and flavors. Stale bread works best, so leave it out overnight if you can.
– **Add Veggies:** For a more balanced breakfast, you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sausage before adding them to the casserole.
– **Make it Spicy:** If you like a little heat, use spicy breakfast sausage, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a subtle kick.
– **Cheese Variations:** Feel free to mix and match cheeses. A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and even cream cheese can add richness and depth of flavor.
– **Vegetarian Version:** Skip the sausage and use a meat alternative or add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers to make the casserole vegetarian-friendly.
– **Freeze for Later:** If you have leftovers (or want to make it in advance for a future breakfast), this casserole freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.

### Why Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a Must-Have

This **Christmas Breakfast Casserole** is more than just a meal; it’s an essential part of the holiday tradition. With its comforting flavors, make-ahead convenience, and ability to feed a crowd, it’s the perfect way to kick off Christmas morning. Whether you’re gathered around the tree opening presents or enjoying a quiet family breakfast, this casserole provides the warmth, comfort, and satisfaction that make the holidays truly special.

It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together and is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. The savory sausage, rich eggs, and melted cheese combine in a way that’s simply irresistible. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients to suit your family’s tastes, making it as special and unique as your Christmas celebrations.

### Conclusion: A Holiday Tradition You’ll Cherish

Christmas morning is meant to be filled with joy, and what better way to start the day than with a **Christmas Breakfast Casserole**? This dish is an easy, crowd-pleasing way to enjoy a warm, comforting breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you prepare it the night before or bake it fresh, it’s a surefire way to bring a little extra holiday magic to your breakfast table.

Make this casserole part of your Christmas tradition, and enjoy the delicious flavors that will make your holiday mornings even more memorable.