How long can Christmas morning casserole sit in the fridge before baking?

Assemble it 8 to 12 hours ahead for the best texture, and up to 24 hours maximum. Past 24 hours the bread over-softens and the baked casserole turns dense instead of custardy.

Can I freeze Christmas morning casserole before baking it?

Yes. Assemble everything except the final cheese topping, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the reserved cheese, and bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the bake time.

Why is my Christmas morning casserole soggy on the bottom?

The usual culprits are fresh soft bread instead of day-old, too much milk for the amount of bread, or skipping the press-down step so dry cubes float. Use stale sturdy bread, measure the milk, and press every cube into the custard.

What is the best bread for Christmas morning casserole?

Brioche or challah give the silkiest, richest result, while a day-old French loaf adds pleasant chew. Avoid untoasted soft sandwich bread, which collapses into mush during the overnight soak.

Can I make Christmas morning casserole without sausage?

Absolutely. Replace the turkey sausage with 2 cups of extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and peppers, browned well in butter first. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the custard to recover some of the savory depth.

Easy Christmas Morning Casserole | Cozy, Cheesy And Make-Ahead

Ingredients

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Author: Chef Rita
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes