Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast: Cranberry Sausage Cornbread Bake
Dec 3rd 2015
Updated for 2025
Looking for an easy Christmas breakfast idea the whole family will love—without spending your holiday morning in the kitchen? This Cranberry Sausage Cornbread Bake is the perfect make-ahead solution. It’s savory, a little sweet, and packed with festive flavor thanks to our Appalachian Trail Cornbread Mix and whole berry cranberry sauce. Just prep it the night before, pop it in the oven Christmas morning, and enjoy a cozy, no-fuss brunch after the presents are unwrapped.
Why You'll Love This Christmas Breakfast Recipe
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Make-ahead friendly: Assemble most of it the night before.
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Festive flavors: Sweet-tart cranberries meet savory sausage and golden cornbread.
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Easy prep: No special tools or skills needed—just one pan and a mixing bowl.
Ingredients:
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12 ounces breakfast sausage (patties or bulk)
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1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
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1 package Appalachian Trail Cornbread Mix
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2 eggs
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1 cup buttermilk
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2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it browns.
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Spread cooked sausage evenly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish.
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Mix cornbread batter: In a medium bowl, combine the cornbread mix, buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
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Layer: Spread about 1 cup of the batter over the sausage in the pan. Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the batter layer. Top with the remaining batter.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through.
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Serve warm, cut into squares, and enjoy with hot coffee or cocoa!
Make-Ahead Tip:
Brown the sausage and layer it in your baking dish the night before. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, mix the batter, layer it in the dish, and bake as directed (40 minutes at 375°F).
Save This Easy Holiday Breakfast!
Pin it, print it, or prep it—this Cranberry Cornbread Breakfast Casserole is one of the best holiday breakfast recipes for families who want to slow down and savor Christmas morning.
