Name: Cheesy Holiday Breakfast Casserole With Sausage and Buttery Biscuits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage, casings removed; 6 large eggs; 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk; 1 cup (120 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 can (8 oz/227 g) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters; 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

45 min

Servings

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✓ Festive Flavor: A blend of sharp cheddar, savory sausage, and buttery biscuit crumbs creates a rich, holiday‑ready breakfast that feels both comforting and celebratory.

✓ Make‑Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole the night before; refrigerate and bake in the morning for a stress‑free start to your holiday brunch.

✓ Crowd‑Pleaser: The hearty protein and gooey cheese satisfy adults, while the soft biscuit topping appeals to kids, making it perfect for mixed‑age tables.

Imagine a golden, bubbling casserole that fills the kitchen with the aroma of sizzling sausage, melted cheddar, and fresh‑baked biscuits. This Cheesy Holiday Breakfast Casserole turns ordinary morning fare into a centerpiece worthy of any festive gathering. It balances indulgent richness with easy preparation, letting you focus on family rather than the stovetop. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch or a New Year’s morning feast, this dish delivers comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance in every bite.

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Grated fresh for best melt; can mix with mozzarella.

1 ½ cups whole milk Whole milk adds richness; substitute with 2% if preferred.

4 large eggs Room temperature for even baking.

2 cups buttermilk biscuits (store‑bought or homemade) If using homemade, cut into 1‑inch cubes.

½ cup diced onion Optional; adds subtle sweetness.

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley For garnish and bright flavor.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper Season to taste; start with ½ tsp each.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Sausage

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the sausage, stirring until browned and cooked through, about 6‑8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then set the sausage aside.

Pro Tip: Break the sausage into small pieces for even distribution in the casserole.

Mix Wet Base

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar, reserving the rest for topping.

Pro Tip: Whisk until the mixture is smooth; this prevents pockets of egg in the final bake.

Combine Core Ingredients

In a greased 9‑x‑13‑inch baking dish, layer the cooked sausage, diced onion, and cubed biscuits. Pour the egg‑milk mixture evenly over the top, ensuring biscuits are fully submerged.

Pro Tip: Press the biscuit cubes gently so they stay in place while the liquid spreads.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and fresh parsley, then bake uncovered for another 15‑20 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden.

Pro Tip: If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent the foil back over the casserole.

Rest, Slice, and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before cutting; this lets the custard set and makes portions easier to serve. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and enjoy while hot.

Expert Tips

Tip #1: Use Cold Butter

Cold butter in the biscuit cubes creates steam during baking, giving a light, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Tip #2: Add a Sweet Note

A tablespoon of maple syrup folded into the egg mixture adds a subtle holiday sweetness without overpowering the savory elements.

Tip #3: Freeze for Later

Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storage & Variations

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven. For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Add diced bell peppers or a handful of dried cranberries for extra color and holiday flair.

Nutrition

Per serving (1 slice)

Calories

420 kcal

Protein

22 g

Carbs

28 g

Fat

22 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Substitute the regular biscuit mix with a certified gluten‑free blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor remains rich and the casserole still sets beautifully.

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready, add an extra 5‑10 minutes to the bake time to account for the chilled ingredients.

Yes. Lightly sauté vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms before adding them. This removes excess moisture and keeps the casserole’s texture firm.