Wake up to a tasty morning delight with my Breakfast Casserole with Sausage! This hearty dish combines savory sausage, fresh veggies, and fluffy eggs, making it the perfect way to start your day. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also feeds a crowd, making it great for brunch or special occasions. Ready to create a delicious breakfast that everyone will love? Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound breakfast sausage
– 6 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
Vegetables and Seasonings
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup diced bell peppers
– 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Components
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
– Fresh herbs for garnish
The main ingredients form the heart of this breakfast casserole. The breakfast sausage brings a savory, rich flavor. Eggs provide structure and creaminess. Milk adds moisture, making each bite delightful.
Next, we add vegetables and seasonings. Fresh spinach not only boosts nutrition but also adds color. Diced bell peppers give a sweet crunch, while onions add depth. Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper enhance all the flavors.
For extra character, include paprika for smokiness, and cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. Day-old bread acts as the base, soaking up all the tasty juices and flavors. Finally, fresh herbs like chives or parsley make the dish pop with freshness.
Together, these ingredients create a breakfast casserole that is both hearty and delicious. Check out the Full Recipe for more details!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This helps the casserole not stick.
2. In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of breakfast sausage over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces. Cook until it turns brown. If needed, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
Combining the Mixtures
1. In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion and 1 cup of diced bell peppers. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, until they soften.
2. Next, add 2 cups of chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook just until the spinach wilts, which takes about 1-2 minutes. Then mix this with the sausage.
Assembling the Casserole
1. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Mix until everything is combined.
2. In the greased baking dish, layer 4 cups of cubed day-old bread evenly on the bottom. Next, add the sausage mixture. Finally, pour the egg mix over the top and gently press down. This helps the bread soak up the egg.
3. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over everything.
Baking the Casserole
1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. After this time, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. You want the casserole to be set and the top golden brown.
3. Once done, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your tasty morning delight!
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfecting the Casserole
– Use day-old bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can turn soggy.
– Cook the casserole at the right times. Bake it covered for 25 minutes first, then uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
– Garnish your casserole with fresh herbs. Chives and parsley add a nice touch.
– For added flavor, top with sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce. This enhances the dish and adds zest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Always press down the layers. This helps the bread soak up the egg mixture.
– Avoid overbaking or underbaking. Check for a golden top and set center for perfect results.
For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking!
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily change the meats in this breakfast casserole. Try using ham, bacon, or turkey sausage for a different taste. Each option brings its own flavor, so feel free to mix it up!
For cheese, you have many choices. Mozzarella gives a mild taste, while feta adds a salty punch. You can also use pepper jack for some heat or gouda for a rich flavor. Each cheese will change the casserole’s overall vibe.
Dietary Modifications
If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free bread. There are many great brands that taste amazing. You can also use cornbread for a sweet twist.
For vegetarian adaptations, skip the sausage and add more veggies. Mushrooms, zucchini, or even extra spinach work well. You can also use a plant-based sausage for a hearty option.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to spice things up? Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the egg mixture. This will give your casserole a nice kick.
Incorporating seasonal vegetables can also boost flavor. Try adding diced tomatoes in summer or butternut squash in fall. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting throughout the year.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and instructions.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your breakfast casserole fresh, let it cool down first. Then, cut it into squares. Store the squares in airtight containers. This helps keep moisture in and prevents drying out. You can also wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Place it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option.
Reheating Tips
When it comes to reheating, you have two main choices: the oven or microwave. The oven gives the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish, covered with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warm. If you use a microwave, place a piece on a plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Check if it’s hot all the way through. Microwaving may change the texture a bit, but it’s quick.
Freezing Recommendations
If you want to freeze the casserole, do it before baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. This keeps it fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can bake it straight from frozen, but it will take longer. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating. This keeps the flavors and texture just right.
FAQs
How do I make a breakfast casserole with sausage?
To make a breakfast casserole with sausage, follow these steps:
1. Gather your ingredients: You need breakfast sausage, eggs, milk, spinach, cheese, bell peppers, onions, and spices.
2. Cook the sausage: Brown the sausage in a skillet. Break it up into small pieces.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Cook onions and bell peppers until soft. Add spinach last.
4. Mix the egg base: Whisk eggs, milk, and spices in a bowl.
5. Assemble the casserole: Layer cubed bread, sausage, and veggies in a greased baking dish. Pour the egg mixture on top.
6. Add cheese: Top the casserole with shredded cheese.
7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden.
This simple method creates a delicious meal for breakfast or brunch. You can find the Full Recipe for more details.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the breakfast casserole ahead of time. Here’s how:
– Prep the sausage and veggies: Cook and cool the sausage and vegetables. Store them in the fridge.
– Mix the egg base: Whisk together the eggs and milk, then store it separately.
– Assemble the night before: Layer the bread, sausage, veggies, and egg mixture in the baking dish. Cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight.
– Bake in the morning: Just pop it in the oven when you wake up. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Preparing ahead saves time and makes breakfast easy.
What can I serve with a breakfast casserole?
You can serve many tasty sides with a breakfast casserole. Here are some ideas:
– Fresh fruit salad: Bright and refreshing, it balances the richness of the casserole.
– Yogurt: A scoop of yogurt adds creaminess and pairs well with fruit.
– Coffee or tea: A warm drink completes the meal.
– Toast or muffins: For extra carbs, toast or a muffin on the side can be great.
Feel free to mix and match based on your tastes!
This blog post covered how to make a tasty breakfast casserole. You learned about key ingredients like sausage and eggs, plus vegetables and seasonings to enhance flavor. The step-by-step instructions helped you prepare, assemble, and bake your casserole just right. Tips for perfecting and storing your dish will help ensure it tastes great every time.
Now, you can enjoy a warm, delicious breakfast any day. Try different variations to keep things exciting!
