by Kelly J. Larson

My 15-year-old daughter attends an early morning seminary class before high school, with two amazing teachers who alternate each week providing New Testament instruction and inspiration on a daily basis. In addition to this spiritual feeding, one of her teachers served the teenagers her family’s traditional Christmas Morning Casserole for breakfast at a recent class, which Hannah loved.

Elizabeth has been baking this hearty and satisfying Christmas Morning Casserole for the past thirty years each December 25, a tradition that the Larson family will likely begin this year!

Christmas Morning Casserole

• 1 pound Jimmy Dean hot sausage
• 6 eggs, beaten
• 5 slices bread, cut into cubes
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cook sausage on the stovetop in a skillet until browned. Drain off excess fat. Combine with remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl. Pour evenly into. 9-inch by 13-inch (or similar) baking pan. Refrigerate overnight before baking, if desired. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes.

Of course other ingredients may be included, like orange, red or yellow bell peppers and onions, each which can be sautéed with the sausage. Layering directly into the baking dish works well too.

Butter the bottom of baking dish, then add the bread cubes.

Next add the cooked sausage.

Pour the mixture of whisked eggs, milk, ground mustard, salt and pepper next.

Top with cheese then refrigerate overnight or bake directly.

Thank you very much, Elizabeth Kelley, for sharing your hearty recipe.