Overnight Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole – Cheesy, Hearty & Stress-Free

Wake Up to the Smell of Christmas Morning Magic

Hey friends, Beau here from Feastical! Let’s paint a picture, shall we? It’s Christmas morning. The tree is twinkling, there’s a gentle quietness in the air, and from the kitchen, the most incredible aroma is starting to drift through the house. It’s the smell of savory sausage, melted cheese, and cozy, comforting herbs. But here’s the best part: you’re still in your pajamas, sipping your first cup of coffee, completely relaxed. Why? Because breakfast has been magically cooking itself all night long.

That, my friends, is the pure, unadulterated joy of this Overnight Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s your ticket to a stress-free, delicious, and memorable holiday morning. We’re talking layers of fluffy eggs, crispy hash browns, perfectly seasoned sausage, and a double dose of gooey cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. I’ve even tossed in a couple of my secret weapons—smoky paprika and buttery croissant pieces—to take it from great to absolutely “can-I-get-the-recipe?” legendary. So, let’s ditch the stress and embrace a morning where the only thing you have to do is scoop, serve, and savor the moment.

The Christmas I Almost Burned the Bacon (And Learned a Better Way)

I’ll never forget the Christmas of, oh, let’s call it ‘The Great Bacon Incident.’ I was determined to host a massive brunch for my family. I had skillets sizzling, the oven beeping, and toast popping—all while trying to open presents and be present. Long story short, I got distracted by a particularly epic gift-wrapping fail from my nephew, and let’s just say the bacon turned into charcoal briquettes, setting off the smoke alarm in a glorious Christmas symphony. The kitchen was a war zone, and I was a frazzled mess.

That was the year I swore off complicated morning recipes. I started experimenting with my slow cooker, dreaming of a single dish that could do it all. After a few, let’s say, “interesting” texture experiments (we don’t talk about the soggy bread phase), I landed on this beautiful, layered masterpiece. Now, Christmas morning is peaceful. I get to be part of the magic, not a slave to the stove. This casserole is my gift to you—so you can have a flawless, feel-good feast without any of the fuss.

Gather Your Ingredients: The Dream Team for a Hearty Breakfast

Here’s your shopping list for a truly epic breakfast that feeds a crowd. Don’t be intimidated by the quantities; this is a double-batch beauty designed to keep everyone full and happy until the big holiday dinner!

• 24 eggs: The superstar protein that fluffs up and holds everything together. They create that beautiful, quiche-like texture. For a richer taste, I sometimes use half whole milk and half heavy cream.
• 2 cups whole milk: This is key for a creamy, not rubbery, egg base. The fat content in whole milk makes all the difference. If you’re in a pinch, 2% works, but avoid skim.
• 4 lbs frozen hash browns: The hearty foundation! I use the classic shredded kind straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. They soak up the egg mixture and get perfectly tender.
• 2 lbs breakfast sausage: I love the savory, herby flavor of classic breakfast sausage. You can use mild for the kids or spicy to give it a kick! Make sure to brown and crumble it well before adding.
• 1 cup diced onions & 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green): The “Holy Trinity” of flavor and color! The peppers add a sweet crunch and a festive red-and-green vibe. You can buy them pre-diced to save time.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese & 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese: The glorious, melty glue! Cheddar brings that classic comfort flavor, while pepper jack adds a subtle, welcome heat. Buy blocks and shred them yourself for the best melt—pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents.
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper: Seasoning superheroes! Kosher salt is less salty by volume than table salt, so adjust if you’re substituting.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (our optional twist): My secret weapon! It doesn’t add heat, just a deep, smoky aroma that makes the whole dish smell and taste incredible.
• 1–2 large croissants, torn into pieces (our optional twist for texture): This is a Feastical favorite! The buttery, flaky croissant pieces bake up into golden, pillowy pockets that are a delightful surprise. It’s a next-level upgrade from traditional bread.
• Butter or non-stick spray: Don’t skip greasing the pot! This ensures your beautiful casserole slides out in perfect slices.

Let’s Build This Masterpiece: Your Stress-Free Steps

This is where the magic happens, and it couldn’t be easier. We’re building layers of flavor that will meld together into breakfast perfection while you catch some Z’s.

1. Prep the Crockpot: First things first, take a generous scoop of butter or a good spritz of non-stick spray and grease the entire inside of your 6-8 quart slow cooker. Get the sides nice and coated, too. This is your insurance policy for easy serving later! Chef’s Hack: Using softened butter and a paper towel gives you the most control and ensures every nook is covered.
2. Layer the Casserole: Now for the fun, assembly-line part! We’re creating two beautiful layers. Start with half of the frozen hash browns, spreading them into an even layer at the bottom of the crock. Next, sprinkle half of the cooked sausage, diced onions, bell peppers, and those lovely torn croissant pieces. Finally, top this layer with half of your cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. Now, take a deep breath and repeat the entire process: the rest of the hash browns, sausage, veggies, croissants, and cheese. You’ve just built a flavor skyscraper!
3. Make the Egg Mixture: Grab your largest mixing bowl—I’m talking the one you use for Thanksgiving stuffing. Crack in all 24 eggs. Add the milk, kosher salt, black pepper, and that magical smoked paprika. Now, whisk it! Whisk until the yolks and whites are completely unified and the mixture is a pale, uniform yellow. You want to incorporate some air to help with the fluff factor. Chef’s Hack: For an ultra-silky egg mixture, you can whisk this all together in a blender for about 30 seconds.
4. Pour and Settle: Slowly and evenly, pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the crockpot. It might pool at the top, but don’t worry. Take a fork and gently poke around the layers to help the egg mixture seep down into every cheesy, sausage-y crevice. This ensures every single bite is custardy and delicious.
5. Cook Overnight: Pop the lid on your crockpot. This is the “set-it-and-forget-it” moment! You have two options here. For the best, most gentle cooking, set it to LOW for 8 hours. This is my preferred method. If you’re getting a later start, you can cook it on HIGH for 4 hours. The casserole is done when the eggs are completely set in the center, and the edges are golden brown. Your house will smell absolutely heavenly when you wake up.

Dishing Up the Holiday Goodness

The moment of truth! When you lift that lid, you’ll be greeted with a beautifully puffed-up, golden-brown, and fragrant casserole. I like to use a large serving spoon or a small spatula to scoop out hearty portions directly onto plates or into shallow bowls.

Now, let’s talk toppings! This casserole is a fantastic canvas. A dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt is fantastic against the warm, savory flavors. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce (I’m a Cholula guy myself) will wake everything up. For a fresh, colorful touch, a sprinkle of chopped chives or fresh parsley adds a beautiful finish. And for my fellow avocado lovers, sliced creamy avocado on the side is a dream. Serve it with a fresh fruit salad or a few extra croissants on the side, and you have a holiday feast that looks as good as it tastes.

Make It Your Own: Delicious Twists & Swaps

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Want to mix it up or cater to dietary needs? Go for it! Here are a few of my favorite variations:

• Vegetarian Delight: Simply swap the breakfast sausage for a plant-based sausage crumble or sautéed sliced mushrooms and spinach (just be sure to wilt and drain the spinach well first).
• “Everything Bagel” Upgrade: Stir two tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning into the egg mixture. Trust me, the onion, garlic, and sesame flavors are a game-changer.
• Southwest Fiesta: Use spicy chorizo instead of breakfast sausage, swap the peppers for a can of drained green chiles, and use a Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheese blend. Serve with salsa and cilantro!
• Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your sausage and hash browns are certified GF. Just omit the croissant pieces, or replace them with a gluten-free bread option.
• Ham & Swiss Classic: Got leftover holiday ham? Use 2 lbs of diced ham instead of sausage and swap the cheeses for 4 cups of shredded Swiss or Gruyère. It’s like a Crockpot Croque Madame!

Beau’s Kitchen Corner: A Few Parting Thoughts

Over the years, this recipe has become a non-negotiable part of my holiday tradition. It’s evolved from a simple “eggs and potatoes” dish to this loaded, celebratory feast. The croissant addition was a happy accident—I had some stale ones lying around and decided to toss them in, and now I’ll never go back! The key takeaway is to not stress. This casserole is forgiving. Did you forget the peppers? No big deal. Only have mozzarella cheese? It’ll still be delicious. The goal is togetherness and a full belly, not perfection. Some of my best kitchen memories come from the “imperfect” dishes, shared with loved ones.

Your Questions, Answered!

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about this casserole over the years. Here are the most common ones to ensure your success!

• Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and just start the crockpot before bed?
  A: Absolutely! This is a fantastic time-saver. Assemble the entire casserole—layers and egg mixture—in the greased crockpot insert, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, take the insert out of the fridge, let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes to take the chill off, then place it in the base and start cooking. You may need to add 15-30 minutes to the cooking time since it’s starting cold.
• Q: My casserole is a bit watery in the middle. What happened?
  A: This usually means it needed a bit more time. The frozen vegetables and hash browns can release liquid. Just pop the lid back on and give it another 30-60 minutes on HIGH. Also, make sure your sausage is well-cooked and drained of excess grease before adding it to the layers.
• Q: Can I make this in the oven instead?
  A: You can! Assemble the casserole in a well-greased 9×13 inch baking dish (you may need two). Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 until golden and set. The slow cooker gives it a unique, custardy texture, but the oven method works great too!
• Q: I don’t have a 6-quart crockpot. Can I use a smaller one?
  A: I don’t recommend it for this double batch. The casserole puffs up as it cooks, and you risk it overflowing or cooking unevenly. If you must use a smaller pot, halve the recipe.

Overnight Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole : Cheesy, Hearty & Stress-Free

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• Author: BeauCollier

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Description

This recipe is a true one-pot wonder that cooks while you sleep. Layers of fluffy eggs, crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheese come together into a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. So plug in that slow cooker, set it before bed, and wake up to pure holiday happiness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• 24 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk (for richness)

• 4 lbs frozen hash browns (shredded style, unthawed)

• 2 lbs breakfast sausage, browned and crumbled

• 1 cup diced onions

• 1 cup diced red and green bell peppers

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese

• 1½ tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but magical)

• 1–2 large croissants, torn into pieces (optional texture boost)

• Butter or non-stick spray for greasing

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Instructions

1. Prep the Slow Cooker:
   Generously grease the inside of a 6–8 quart crockpot with butter or non-stick spray. Get every corner—this ensures easy cleanup later!

2. Layer the Goodness:

   • Start with half the frozen hash browns.

   • Add half the sausage, onions, peppers, croissant pieces, and cheese.

   • Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

3. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth and airy. Pour evenly over the layered ingredients, letting it soak through the layers.

4. Cook Overnight:

   • Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours (perfect for overnight) or HIGH for 4 hours.

   • It’s ready when the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.

5. Serve & Enjoy:
   Scoop generous portions into bowls, top with sour cream, chives, or a dash of hot sauce, and serve with fresh fruit or toast.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: Assemble everything the night before, refrigerate, then start cooking before bed.

• Cheese Matters: Shred your own cheese—it melts creamier than pre-shredded.

• No Mushy Veggies: If using fresh peppers or mushrooms, lightly sauté them first to remove excess moisture.

• Holiday Hero Move: Place a clean kitchen towel under the lid while cooking to absorb condensation and prevent soggy spots.

Nutrition

• Calories: 370 Cal Per Serving
• Fat: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: ~15 g
• Fiber: ~2 g
• Protein: ~26 g

A Quick Nutritional Glance

Now, let’s be real—this is a hearty, celebratory dish meant for a special morning! It’s packed with protein to keep you energized through all the gift-unwrapping chaos. Here’s a general breakdown per serving (assuming 16 servings), but remember, this can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, and especially if you make any of the tasty swaps I suggested. The high protein content (~26g) from the eggs and sausage is fantastic for staying full and satisfied. The carbs come primarily from the hash browns, providing that classic comfort food energy. As with all good things, enjoy it as part of a balanced holiday spread!

Your Stress-Free Christmas Morning Awaits

And there you have it, my friends—your ultimate guide to a Christmas morning where you’re a guest at your own party. This Overnight Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a strategy for joy. It’s the promise of more time spent watching your kids’ faces light up, more sips of coffee actually enjoyed while hot, and more memories made around the table.

So this holiday, give yourself the gift of a relaxed morning. Whip up this easy, cheesy, soul-satisfying casserole, and wake up to the undeniable smell of Christmas magic. From my kitchen at Feastical to yours, I wish you the warmest, most delicious holiday season. Now, go be the hero of your holiday breakfast!

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole is your secret weapon for a flawless, festive morning. It’s the ultimate trade: just a few minutes of prep for the priceless gift of time. So, this holiday, give yourself the grace to be present. Whip up this hearty, cheesy masterpiece, and wake up not to stress, but to the incredible aroma of a meal that’s already made. You deserve a Christmas morning filled with magic, not mess.

From my family at Feastical to yours, Merry Christmas and happy cooking!
— Beau

Happy cooking,

Beau