Egg, Sausage and Cheese Bake
This tasty sausage breakfast casserole is a complete meal. It's made with sausage, eggs and vegetables. It's delicious and very filling.
This tasty sausage breakfast casserole is a complete meal. It's made with sausage, eggs and vegetables. It's delicious and very filling.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 8 large eggs
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 lb. frozen spinach (whole leaves)
- 1 lb. italian pork sausage ((i used the whole foods bra
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded monterey jack (or cheddar cheese)
- Carbohydrate 6.62590521310717 g
- Cholesterol 564 mg
- Fat 14.1660616056163 g
- Fiber 2.82192307221989 g
- Protein 20.0447210722379 g
- Saturated Fat 4.2300805946813 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (336g)
- Sodium 346.114613362231 mg
- Sugar 3.80398214088728 g
- Trans Fat 2.60167351642726 g
- Calories 227 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with 1 teaspoon olive oil.
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the frozen spinach and cook, stirring often and breaking it up, until it’s defrosted.
- Allow to slightly cool, then place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as you can.
- Wipe the skillet clean and add a teaspoon of olive oil.
- Add the sausage and cook, stirring and breaking it up, until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the drained spinach, tomatoes, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to the skillet.
- Mix everything to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Whisk the eggs with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Pour on top of the sausage mixture.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top.
- Bake until eggs are set and cheese is browned, about 30 minutes.
- Allow to rest 10 minutes before serving.
A Hearty Breakfast Delight: My Egg, Sausage, and Cheese Bake
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weekends are often a whirlwind of errands, chores, and trying to squeeze in quality time with my family. That’s why I rely on recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare – recipes that don't sacrifice flavor for convenience. This egg, sausage, and cheese bake is one of those gems. It's a complete breakfast, packed with protein and flavor, and it requires minimal hands-on time.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your preferences and what you have on hand. Don't have Monterey Jack cheese? Cheddar, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend work just as well. Feeling adventurous? Throw in some diced bell peppers or onions for extra color and flavor. The possibilities are endless! I often use whatever vegetables I have leftover from the week, making it a great way to reduce food waste.
The process itself is incredibly straightforward. It starts with sautéing some Italian sausage until it's nicely browned. I usually use a good quality pork sausage, but any kind you enjoy will work. Then, I add in a bag of frozen spinach, which I thoroughly drain to remove excess moisture. This is key to preventing a watery casserole. Next, I stir in some halved cherry tomatoes and a little garlic for a burst of fresh flavor. This mixture then gets transferred to a greased casserole dish.
While the sausage mixture simmers, I whisk together the eggs with a little salt and pepper. This simple step adds depth to the entire dish. Once the sausage mixture is in the baking dish, I carefully pour the egg mixture over the top. Finally, I sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese, and it's ready for the oven. Thirty minutes later, you have a warm, comforting breakfast casserole perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a quick weeknight meal.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Don't overcook the sausage: Brown it until it's cooked through, but avoid burning it. This can impart a bitter taste to the final dish.
- Squeeze out excess spinach liquid: This step is crucial for a firm, non-watery casserole. Wrap the spinach in a clean kitchen towel and firmly squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Use a good quality cheese: The cheese adds a lot of flavor to the casserole, so choosing a cheese you enjoy will make a difference.
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time the next morning.
- Get creative with add-ins: Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings to find your perfect combination. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and jalapeños would be delicious additions.
This egg, sausage, and cheese bake has become a staple in my family's breakfast rotation. It's a versatile, easy-to-make dish that always pleases, making it the perfect solution for busy mornings and relaxed weekends alike. It's a satisfying, hearty breakfast that provides sustained energy throughout the morning, without the need for endless refills of coffee or mid-morning snacks. It’s a win-win situation in my book – a delicious breakfast that's also incredibly convenient.
Whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or a student rushing to class, this recipe will fit seamlessly into your life. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward preparation make it a true lifesaver, especially during hectic days. The warm, cheesy goodness is sure to brighten even the most rushed morning, transforming a typical breakfast into a special occasion.
So, give this recipe a try. I guarantee it will become a quick favorite, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! This simple casserole is not only a time-saver but a delicious and satisfying way to start the day.
