The Comfort Spoon

 

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Wake Up to Holiday Magic: Your New Favorite Breakfast Casserole

Is there anything better than a morning that feels like a warm hug? You know the kind I mean. The sky is that soft, wintery gray, there’s a chill in the air, and the only thing on the agenda is a slow, cozy brunch with people you love. It’s on mornings like these that I believe breakfast shouldn’t just be a meal—it should be an event. And that’s exactly why I’m so thrilled to share this recipe with you today.

Say a joyful hello to my Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Breakfast Casserole. This is the dish that blurs the beautiful, delicious line between a hearty breakfast and your favorite Christmas dinner plate. Imagine savory, herby sausage, the sweet-tart pop of cranberries, and all the comforting, seasoned goodness of stuffing, all baked together in a rich, eggy custard until it’s golden, puffed, and utterly irresistible.

This isn’t just another breakfast bake, my friend. This is a centerpiece. It’s the star of your holiday brunch, the hero of your weekend guests, and the ultimate make-ahead miracle for those days when you want something special without the morning stress. We’re taking simple, beautiful ingredients and turning them into pure, unadulterated comfort. So, let’s preheat that oven and fill our kitchens with the most incredible aroma. Get ready to make some memories, one delicious bite at a time.

The Christmas Morning Miracle We Needed

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This recipe was born out of a little bit of chaos and a whole lot of love. Picture this: It’s a few years back, Christmas morning at my house. The living room looks like a wrapping paper bomb went off, my kids are vibrating with excitement over new toys, and my husband is trying to assemble something with a million tiny parts. The one thing we all desperately need? A real, substantial breakfast. But who has time to cook a full spread when there’s celebrating to do?

I had a vision. I peered into the fridge and saw leftover herbed stuffing from our epic dinner the night before. Next to it, a half-eaten bag of dried cranberries and some breakfast sausage. A lightbulb went off. I whisked some eggs and milk, threw it all together in a dish, and crossed my fingers. 45 minutes later, as that casserole emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, a quiet fell over the chaos. They followed the smell into the kitchen like cartoon characters. We devoured it straight from the pan, standing around the island, and it was an instant, unanimous victory. It turned a hectic morning into a cherished, cozy moment. Now, it’s a non-negotiable part of our holiday tradition—and I have a feeling it might just become one of yours, too.

Gathering Your Cast of Characters

The beauty of this casserole is in its simplicity. These are ingredients that work in beautiful harmony, each one bringing its own unique personality to the party. Let’s break them down!

• 1 lb Breakfast Sausage (pork or chicken): This is our flavor foundation. I love a good pork sausage for its rich, savory fat, but chicken sausage is a fantastic leaner option. If you’re using chicken sausage, I’d add a tiny drizzle of olive oil to the pan since it has less fat. Feel free to use mild or spicy—it’s your kitchen, your rules!
• 1 cup Dried Cranberries: These little ruby gems are the flavor spark plugs! They provide that essential sweet and tart pop that cuts through the richness of the sausage and cheese. If you’re not a cranberry fan, dried cherries would be a lovely substitute.
• 1 (6 oz) box Stuffing Mix (herb-seasoned preferred): This is our secret weapon for incredible flavor and texture. Using the dry mix straight from the box means it soaks up all that glorious egg custard and becomes perfectly tender. The herb-seasoning is a built-in spice blend! A quick chef insight: if you have 5-6 cups of leftover homemade stuffing, you can absolutely use that instead—just skip any additional salt until the end.
• 6 large Eggs: The golden binder that holds our cozy creation together. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best, most even incorporation into the milk.
• 2 cups Milk: This creates our custard base. Whole milk will give you the creamiest, richest result, but 2% works beautifully too. For a truly decadent casserole, swap in one cup of half-and-half for one cup of the milk.
• ½ cup Shredded Cheddar or Swiss Cheese: A little cheesy goodness for that melty, savory pull. Sharp cheddar adds a tang, while Swiss brings a nutty, milder flavor. Gruyère would also be absolutely divine here if you’re feeling fancy.
• 1 tbsp Butter (for greasing): Our trusty tool for preventing sticking and adding a hint of rich, buttery flavor to the edges of the casserole. Don’t skip this step!
• Salt & Pepper to Taste: The classic seasonings. I always start with about ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, then adjust after I’ve mixed everything, as the sausage and stuffing mix can vary in saltiness.
• Optional: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh green herbs at the end isn’t just for looks—it adds a bright, fresh flavor that lifts the whole dish.

Let’s Build Some Breakfast Magic: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to create some kitchen alchemy? Follow these steps, and you’ll have a flawless, gorgeous casserole in no time. I’ve tucked my favorite little chef hacks in here for you, so read on!

Step 1: The Warm Welcome (Preheat & Prep)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is our first step for a reason! Giving your oven plenty of time to come to the right temperature ensures even cooking from the second your casserole goes in. While it’s heating, take that tablespoon of butter and generously grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. Get the bottom and the sides! This simple act is the key to those beautiful, crispy-edged pieces that everyone fights over.

Step 2: The Savory Star (Cooking the Sausage)
Now, let’s get our sausage nice and browned. Grab a large skillet and cook your sausage over medium heat, using a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small, bite-sized crumbles. My chef hack here? Don’t rush the browning! Let those little pieces get a bit of crispy, caramelized color—that’s where a ton of flavor lives. Once it’s perfectly cooked and no pink remains, drain off the excess fat. I like to transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate for a minute to soak up any extra grease.

Step 3: The Cozy Coalition (Combining the Dry Goods)
In a large mixing bowl—I’m talking the biggest one you have—combine the cooked (and slightly cooled) sausage, the entire box of *dry* stuffing mix, and your cup of dried cranberries. Give it a good toss. You’ll see the cranberries dotting the savory landscape like little jewels. Using the stuffing mix straight from the box is my favorite time-saving trick; it absorbs the custard perfectly and saves you a whole step.

Step 4: The Golden Elixir (Whisking the Custard)
In a separate medium bowl, it’s time for our custard. Crack in your six eggs and whisk them vigorously until they’re smooth and uniform in color. Then, pour in your two cups of milk and add your salt and pepper. Whisk, whisk, whisk until it’s one beautifully blended, pale yellow liquid. A pro tip: if you have the time, let your eggs sit out for 15-20 minutes before you start. Room-temperature eggs incorporate into the milk much more smoothly!

Step 5: The Grand Union (Bringing It All Together)
Here comes the fun part! Slowly pour your egg and milk mixture over the sausage and stuffing in the large bowl. Now, use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything together thoroughly. You want every single piece of stuffing to get acquainted with that custard. Let it sit for just a minute or two—you’ll see the liquid start to get absorbed. Now, fold in your shredded cheese. “Folding” just means gently incorporating it so we don’t overwork the mixture.

Step 6: The Final Resting Place (Transferring to the Dish)
Pour the entire mixture into your beautifully buttered baking dish. Use your spatula to spread it out into a nice, even layer. This ensures every square inch bakes at the same rate. At this point, your casserole is ready for its oven debut!

Step 7: The Transformation (Baking to Perfection)
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial! The first 30 minutes of covered baking allows the casserole to cook through gently and evenly without the top burning. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil (hello, blast of savory steam!). Pop it back in, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully golden top, and for the center to be fully set (no jiggling when you give the pan a gentle shake).

Step 8: The Reward (Rest & Serve)
I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but let your casserole rest on a wire rack for about 5 minutes after pulling it from the oven. This allows the custard to finish setting and makes it much easier to slice. This is the moment to sprinkle on those fresh herbs for a gorgeous finish. Then, scoop, serve, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

This casserole is a star all on its own, but a great supporting cast makes it a true showstopper. I love slicing it into big, generous squares. For a beautiful holiday brunch spread, plate it alongside a simple, bright arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness. A bowl of fresh fruit or a platter of roasted breakfast potatoes are also classic, crowd-pleasing companions. And don’t forget the hot sauce on the side for those who like a little kick! It’s a complete, satisfying meal that makes everyone feel instantly at home.

Make It Your Own: Delicious Twists & Swaps

The fun doesn’t stop here! This recipe is a wonderful canvas for your creativity. Here are a few of my favorite ways to mix it up:

• Apple & Sage: Add one diced apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) when you cook the sausage, and stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh sage with the dry ingredients.
• Spicy Southwest: Use spicy breakfast sausage, swap the cranberries for a can of drained green chiles, and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Vegetarian Delight: Omit the sausage and use a plant-based ground “meat” or sautéed mushrooms. Add an extra egg to help with binding.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Simply use your favorite gluten-free stuffing mix and double-check that your sausage is certified GF.
• Extra Creamy: For the ultimate indulgence, replace one cup of milk with a cup of heavy cream. You won’t regret it!

From My Kitchen to Yours: A Few Parting Thoughts

This recipe has become such a beloved staple in my home that it’s evolved in little ways over the years. I’ve learned that the best part (aside from eating it) is the make-ahead magic. I often assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and let it hang out in the fridge overnight. In the morning, I just pop it in the oven (you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time since it’s going in cold). It’s a total game-changer for stress-free entertaining.

One of my favorite kitchen stories involves this very dish. I once brought it to a friend’s potluck, and her toddler, who was famously a picky eater, pointed at it and demanded a “cake.” He proceeded to eat two whole helpings of “breakfast cake,” and my friend nearly cried with joy. It just goes to show you, the comfort this casserole brings knows no age limit!

Your Questions, Answered!

I’ve made this casserole more times than I can count, and I’ve heard all your wonderful questions. Here are the answers to the most common ones!

Q: Can I really make this the night before?
A: Absolutely, and I highly recommend it! Follow the recipe right up until the baking step. Cover the assembled, unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the center is still cold.

Q: My casserole turned out a bit dry. What happened?
A: Oh no, we don’t want that! The most common culprit is overbaking. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking a few minutes before the timer goes off. You want the center to be *just* set. Another tip is to make sure you’re using a 6-ounce box of stuffing mix; using a larger one will throw off the liquid-to-solid ratio. If you’re worried, you can always add an extra ¼ cup of milk to the custard.

Q: Can I use frozen or fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: I don’t recommend it for this particular recipe. Fresh or frozen cranberries have a much higher water content, which can make the casserole soggy. They are also significantly more tart. Dried cranberries provide the perfect chewy texture and concentrated flavor without adding extra moisture.

Q: The middle is still jiggly after the bake time. What should I do?
A: No worries! This just means it needs a few more minutes. Leave the casserole uncovered and continue baking in 5-minute increments until the center is set. To prevent the top from over-browning, you can loosely tent a piece of foil over it. Patience is key—a fully set casserole will be much easier to slice and serve.

Nutritional Information*

*Please note: This is an estimate for informational purposes only. Exact values will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Per Serving (yields 8 servings): Calories: ~320 | Protein: 16g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 19g

Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 45 mins | Total time: 1 hour

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When it comes down to it, this Cranberry Sausage & Stuffing Breakfast Casserole isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about slowing down, making space for togetherness, and turning a simple morning into a holiday memory. It’s hearty enough to keep everyone happy, flexible enough to suit any table, and special enough to earn a spot in your family traditions.

Whether you bake it for Christmas morning, a post-snowfall Sunday, or just because you want to bring a little holiday spirit into the everyday, this casserole delivers comfort in every bite. So here’s to full plates, full hearts, and kitchens that smell like magic.

And if you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it went—did your crew crown it the new holiday favorite?