Start your day on a delicious note with my easy Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole! This dish blends savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and colorful veggies all baked into a hearty, cheesy delight. Perfect for a family breakfast or meal prep, it’s simple and satisfying. Let’s gather the good stuff and get cooking! Read on to discover the ingredients and steps to create this tasty morning meal.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 pound breakfast sausage, casing removed
– 8 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
– 1 cup diced onion
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 4 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably a hearty type like sourdough or French)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe is fun and easy. You can find all the ingredients at your local store. Start with the breakfast sausage. It adds great flavor and is a favorite for many.
Next, you need eggs. They are the main base of this dish. Milk makes the eggs creamy. Cheddar cheese adds a rich taste. Bell peppers and onions give it a fresh crunch. Garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.
The cubed bread is the magic part. It soaks up all those tasty flavors. Use day-old bread for the best texture. Finally, parsley adds a pop of color on top.
Nutritional Information
– Calories per serving: About 350
– Macronutrient breakdown:
– Protein: 20g
– Fat: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
Knowing the nutritional information helps you plan your meals. This dish is hearty and filling, great for busy mornings.
Cooking Equipment Needed
– Large skillet
– Mixing bowl
– Baking dish (9×13 inch)
Having the right equipment makes cooking easier. A large skillet helps cook the sausage and veggies. A mixing bowl is perfect for whisking the eggs. The baking dish holds all your tasty mix while it bakes.
Check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step instructions on how to bring this delicious breakfast to life!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Ingredients
– Cooking the sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any extra grease. This step adds great flavor to your casserole.
– Sautéing bell peppers and onions
Next, toss in the diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. This mix will add texture and sweetness to your dish.
Combining the Mixture
– Whisking the egg mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything looks smooth and well combined. This creates a rich base for your casserole.
– Folding in sausage, vegetables, and bread
Now it’s time to fold in the cooked sausage and vegetable mix. Add the cubed bread and half of the cheese. Gently stir everything until the bread is coated in the egg mixture. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Baking the Casserole
– Pouring and spreading the mixture
Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. This helps the casserole cook evenly.
– Baking time and temperature
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the casserole to be set and the cheese to be golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your delicious meal! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Texture
To get the best texture, watch your baking time. Start by checking at 30 minutes. The casserole is done when the cheese is golden and bubbly. If you want a firmer texture, leave it in for 5 more minutes.
To avoid soggy bread, use day-old bread. Fresh bread holds too much moisture. You can let the cubed bread sit out for a few hours. This helps it dry a bit before baking.
Flavor Enhancements
Spices can make a big difference. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or a dash of oregano for earthiness. You can also mix in some fresh herbs like thyme or basil.
If you want a different cheese, swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack. Each cheese gives a unique flavor twist that can change the whole dish.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit. Serve it with berries or a simple fruit salad. The sweetness of the fruit balances the savory flavors.
For a nice touch, garnish each slice with fresh parsley. It adds color and a burst of freshness. You can also serve it in the baking dish for a rustic look. For added flair, place it on a colorful tablecloth or serving tray.
Variations
Meat Variations
You can easily swap out the sausage for bacon or ham. Both add great flavor. Bacon brings a smoky taste, while ham offers a savory touch. Just cook the bacon until crispy, or heat the ham until warm. If you want a vegetarian option, use tofu. Crumble firm tofu and sauté it with spices. This makes a tasty base for your casserole.
Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to change up the veggies you use. You can add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more color and nutrients. These options keep the dish fresh and exciting. If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread. There are many great brands available that taste just as good.
Cooking Method Variations
You can also try a slow cooker method. Just mix all your ingredients and pour them into the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours. This gives you a warm breakfast ready when you wake up. If you prefer to prep ahead, think about an overnight option. Just assemble the casserole and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it in the morning for a quick meal.
You can find the Full Recipe to get started on your own delicious casserole!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After you enjoy your sausage and egg breakfast casserole, let it cool down. This helps keep the texture. Once cooled, slice the casserole into portions. Use airtight containers for storage. Glass or plastic containers work well. Label the containers with the date. This way, you know when you made it.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze leftovers to enjoy later. First, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, move a portion to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, the casserole stays fresh for about 3-4 days. Look for signs it has gone bad. If you see mold or odd smells, throw it away. Always trust your senses. If something feels off, it’s better to be safe.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before. This saves time in the morning. Just follow these tips for overnight preparation:
– Cook the sausage and veggies as directed.
– Mix the egg and milk mixture and combine it with sausage and bread.
– Cover the mixture tightly and refrigerate overnight.
– In the morning, pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake it.
How can I adjust portion sizes?
You can easily double or halve this recipe. To double it:
– Use 2 pounds of sausage and 16 eggs.
– Increase the milk and cheese accordingly.
To halve it:
– Use ½ pound of sausage and 4 eggs.
– Adjust the other ingredients to match.
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you need egg alternatives, here are some options:
– Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg.
– Try ¼ cup of mashed banana per egg.
– For a vegan option, use 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg.
What side dishes work best with this casserole?
You can pair this casserole with light salads or fruits. Here are some ideas:
– A simple green salad with vinaigrette.
– Sliced strawberries or mixed berries for a sweet touch.
– A fruit salad with melon, grapes, and oranges.
Explore the full recipe for more details!
This blog post covered all you need to create a delicious breakfast casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, measuring tips, and cooking methods. I shared ways to ensure perfect texture and flavor enhancements for added taste. Plus, we discussed variations to suit different diets.
Remember, cooking is about creativity. Don’t hesitate to try new ideas and enjoy your meals! You can easily store leftovers or freeze them for later. Happy cooking!
