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Easy Slow Cooker Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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A set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker breakfast casserole with savory sausage, melted cheddar, and a whisper of mustard powder. Perfect for Christmas morning, this hearty dish lets you enjoy the festivities while it cooks itself.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (bulk, not links)
  • 8 large eggs (room temperature preferred, but cold works)
  • 2 cups whole milk (2% works in a pinch)
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 6 cups day-old crusty bread, cubed (about half a loaf; sourdough or French bread ideal)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (shred yourself for best melting)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan for flavor. Transfer sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to cool slightly.
  2. Whisk the eggs and milk: In a medium mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the milk, dry mustard powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk vigorously until smooth and slightly frothy (about 30 seconds). Set aside.
  3. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker: Start with a third of the bread cubes spread evenly across the bottom of the greased slow cooker insert. Top with a third of the cooked sausage, then a third of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat layering two more times, ending with cheese on top. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the custard.
  4. Let it rest (optional but recommended): If time allows, refrigerate the assembled casserole for 30 minutes (or overnight) before cooking to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture. If short on time, skip this step.
  5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for best texture. The casserole is done when the center is set (no jiggle) and edges are golden brown. If using high, check at 3 hours.
  6. Rest before serving: Turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole sit, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions just before serving.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture. Shred your own cheese for optimal melting. Do not lift the lid during cooking to avoid adding extra time. For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese. For vegetarian, swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker breakfast casserole, Christmas morning breakfast, sausage casserole, make-ahead breakfast, holiday breakfast, egg casserole, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/easy-slow-cooker-christmas-morning-breakfast-casserole-recipe/