Imagine waking up to the scent of sizzling sausage, melting cheese, and freshly baked bread filling the air – that’s the promise of a Sausage Breakfast Casserole–an inviting all-in-one dish ideal for leisurely weekend mornings or special events.
This casserole is a veritable feast of flavors and textures, from its succulent sausages and fluffy eggs to its colorful selection of spinach and bell peppers – not only is it an exquisite dining experience; but everyone will eagerly wait their turn at the table!
What sets this dish apart from others is its versatility: You can prepare it the night before for easy morning preparations; just pop it in the oven when ready! Additionally, it makes an ideal solution for meal prepping; just bake once and have breakfast covered for weeks to come – cut up into portions, wrap in foil, and store in your fridge as quick and satisfying meals whenever they arise!
Be it for brunch, family breakfast, or simply to treat them to something extra delicious, a Sausage Breakfast Casserole will never fail to delight. Not only is this recipe easy and enjoyable to create but its popularity in kitchens everywhere has made it one of the go-to recipes!
The Ultimate Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Equipment
- Cheese Grater
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Dry Measuring Cups
- Liquid Measuring Cup
- Measuring spoons
- Pyrex Baking Dish (9×9-inch)
- Tongs
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 cups day-old multigrain rye, or whole wheat bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 6 cups spinach stems removed
- Zest of ½ lemon
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- Fine sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 whole eggs
- 4 egg whites
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1½ teaspoons whole-grain mustard
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons grated vegetarian Parmesan
- 3 tablespoons chives finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly oil a 9×9-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the bread cubes in a single layer at the bottom.
- Cook the Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onions and garlic until they turn tender and golden, which should take around 10-15 minutes.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet in 2-3 batches, tossing until wilted. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Season: Stir in the lemon zest and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg whites, milk, chives, and mustard. Season this mixture with salt and pepper, and then stir in ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese.
- Combine: Add the spinach mixture to the baking dish and mix gently to combine. Make sure the mixture is evenly spread.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the prepared egg mixture over the spinach layer. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the casserole doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
Notes
Nutrition
Tips to Make Sausage Breakfast Casserole Delicious
- Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality sausage and fresh vegetables. The better the ingredients, the more flavorful your casserole will be.
- Low-Moisture Cheese: Choose a low-moisture cheese like aged cheddar or Parmesan to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Pre-Cook Veggies: If you’re adding vegetables like bell peppers or onions, sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
- Season Well: Don’t forget to season each layer of your casserole, especially the egg mixture, for a well-balanced flavor.
- Bread Choices: If you’re using bread, opt for day-old bread as it absorbs the egg mixture better, giving the casserole a better texture.
- Cover While Baking: Covering the casserole with foil while baking helps it heat through without drying out. Remove the foil towards the end to allow the top to brown.
- Test for Doneness: To ensure the casserole is fully cooked, insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is done.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance out the richness of the casserole.
Variations in Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with a plant-based alternative or simply load up on more veggies.
- Spice it Up: Add some jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or feta for a unique flavor profile.
- Add-ins: Consider adding ingredients like mushrooms, zucchini, or even some spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Meat Variations: You can also use bacon or ham instead of sausage for a different meaty element.
- Potato Base: Use hash browns or even sweet potatoes as a base for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Egg Alternatives: If you’re looking to cut down on cholesterol, use egg whites or an egg substitute.
- Herb Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or cilantro for added freshness and color.
Conclusion:
In Conclusion, The Sausage Breakfast Casserole is more than just food; it’s an immersive culinary experience designed to suit a range of tastes and lifestyles. No matter your level of experience in the kitchen, our tips and variations offer an easy roadmap for elevating this dish to new levels – from selecting quality ingredients to playing around with flavors – make mornings memorable with this hearty customizable casserole that promises both comfort and creativity – this hearty dish should become part of your recipe repertoire and become part of its repertoire!
