Sausage Egg Casserole: A Delicious Breakfast Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious breakfast dish that’s easy to make, look no further than the sausage egg casserole. This classic dish combines sausage, eggs, bread, and cheese in a single dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, or just looking for a tasty breakfast option that will keep you full all morning, this casserole is sure to please.
One of the best things about the sausage egg casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes and preferences. Add in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a healthier option, or switch up the type of sausage you use to give the dish a different flavor. You can even make the casserole ahead of time and reheat it in the morning for an easy breakfast option that’s perfect for busy mornings.
Understanding the Basics of a Sausage Egg Casserole
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or brunch dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor, a sausage egg casserole is a great choice. This classic dish combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and other ingredients like cheese and bread to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when making a sausage egg casserole:
Ingredients
The basic ingredients for a sausage egg casserole include sausage, eggs, bread, and cheese. You can also add other ingredients like vegetables or herbs to customize the dish to your liking.
Preparation
To make a sausage egg casserole, you’ll need to brown the sausage in a skillet, then add it to a baking dish with the other ingredients. The dish can be baked immediately or prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight to save time in the morning.
Serving
Sausage egg casserole is typically served as a breakfast or brunch dish, but it can also be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with fresh fruit, coffee, and other breakfast or brunch staples.
Variations
There are many variations of sausage egg casserole to try, including ones with different types of sausage, cheese, or bread. Some recipes also call for additional ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or peppers.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, a sausage egg casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to please.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making a delicious Sausage Egg Casserole, there are a few essential ingredients that you simply can’t do without. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the main ingredients and optional add-ons that you can use to create a tasty and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for any occasion.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients of a Sausage Egg Casserole are pretty straightforward. You’ll need bulk pork sausage, eggs, milk, salt, ground mustard, and bread cubes. These ingredients form the base of the casserole and provide the protein, flavor, and texture that make it so satisfying.
When it comes to the type of sausage you use, you can’t go wrong with pork sausage. It provides a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in the casserole. You can also experiment with different types of bread to add a bit of variety to your casserole. White bread is the most common choice, but you can also use whole wheat bread or sourdough bread for a different flavor.
Optional Add-ons
While the main ingredients are essential, there are plenty of optional add-ons that you can use to customize your Sausage Egg Casserole to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Cheese: Adding shredded cheddar cheese to your casserole is a great way to add extra flavor and creaminess. You can use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor or mild cheddar cheese for a milder taste.
- Vegetables: Adding vegetables to your casserole is a great way to add some extra nutrition and flavor. Onions, mushrooms, red bell pepper, green onions, and spinach are all great options to consider.
- Potatoes: If you want to add some extra heartiness to your casserole, you can add diced potatoes to the mix. They’ll provide a starchy texture that pairs well with the sausage and eggs.
- Other Meats: If you want to mix things up a bit, you can add other types of meat to your casserole. Diced ham, bacon, or even leftover chicken can all be delicious additions.
Overall, the key to making a great Sausage Egg Casserole is to experiment and find the ingredients that work best for you. Whether you stick with the basics or add in some extra flavor and nutrition, you’re sure to create a casserole that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Preparation and Cooking Process
Preparation Steps
To prepare a delicious Sausage Egg Casserole, you need to start by gathering all the necessary ingredients, including bulk pork sausage, eggs, milk, salt, ground mustard, white bread, and shredded Cheddar cheese. Once you have all the ingredients, follow these preparation steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Using a knife, cut the white bread into 1/2-inch cubes and set them aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the pork sausage until cooked through, then drain any excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and ground mustard.
- Add the browned sausage, bread cubes, and shredded Cheddar cheese to the mixing bowl and stir until everything is well combined.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Instructions
Once the casserole has rested in the refrigerator, it’s time to cook it. Follow these cooking instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until it’s golden brown and set in the middle.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
If you’re short on time, you can also microwave the casserole instead of baking it in the oven. Simply cover the baking dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap and microwave on high for 10-12 minutes until the eggs are set. However, keep in mind that microwaving the casserole may result in a slightly different texture compared to baking it in the oven.
Make sure to clean up any messes as you go along to keep your kitchen tidy. With these simple preparation and cooking steps, you’ll have a delicious Sausage Egg Casserole ready to serve in no time!
Serving and Storing the Casserole
Serving Suggestions
Once your sausage egg casserole is out of the oven, it’s ready to be served. You can serve it on a large platter in the center of the table, or you can plate individual servings for each person. If you’re serving the casserole for brunch or breakfast, you can pair it with some fresh fruit or a side salad to balance out the flavors.
Another great way to serve sausage egg casserole is as a breakfast sandwich. Simply cut a piece of the casserole and place it between two slices of bread or a biscuit. You can add some cheese or avocado for extra flavor.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. To store the casserole, cover it with aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat the casserole, you can use the microwave or the oven.
To reheat in the microwave, place a serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
If you want to freeze the casserole, you can do so for up to three months. To freeze, wrap the casserole tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the reheating instructions above.
Remember to always store your sausage egg casserole properly to ensure it stays fresh and delicious.
Nutritional Information
If you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s important to know the nutritional information of the Sausage Egg Casserole. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts for a typical serving size of 1 cup (164g):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 324 |
Total Fat | 22g |
Saturated Fat | 9.2g |
Trans Fat | 0.3g |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 7.7g |
Cholesterol | 221mg |
Sodium | 623mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 12g |
Dietary Fiber | 0.5g |
Sugars | 1.5g |
Protein | 18g |
As you can see, Sausage Egg Casserole is a high-calorie dish, with 324 calories per serving. It’s also high in fat, with 22g of total fat and 9.2g of saturated fat. Saturated fat is a type of fat that can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease, so it’s important to consume it in moderation.
In addition to being high in fat, Sausage Egg Casserole is also high in cholesterol, with 221mg per serving. Cholesterol is a type of fat that can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease. If you have high cholesterol levels, you may want to limit your intake of Sausage Egg Casserole.
Sodium is another nutrient to watch out for in Sausage Egg Casserole, with 623mg per serving. High sodium intake can increase your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you may want to limit your consumption of Sausage Egg Casserole.
On the positive side, Sausage Egg Casserole is a good source of protein, with 18g per serving. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in your body. However, it’s important to balance your protein intake with other nutrients, such as fiber and vitamins.
Overall, Sausage Egg Casserole can be a tasty and filling breakfast option, but it’s important to consume it in moderation and balance it with other nutritious foods throughout the day.
Additional Tips and Notes
When making a sausage egg casserole, there are a few additional tips and notes that can help you create the perfect dish. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Mustard: Adding a touch of mustard to your sausage egg casserole can bring out the flavors of the dish. You can use dijon mustard, ground mustard, or any other type of mustard that you prefer. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the other flavors.
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Cream: If you want to make your sausage egg casserole creamier, you can add some heavy cream to the egg mixture. This will give the casserole a richer, more decadent texture.
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Toast: To add some crunch to your sausage egg casserole, you can top it with some toasted bread crumbs. Simply toast some white bread in the oven or on the stovetop, then crumble it up and sprinkle it on top of the casserole before baking.
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Frozen: If you want to make your sausage egg casserole ahead of time, you can freeze it before baking. Simply assemble the casserole as you normally would, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let the casserole thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
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Notes: When making a sausage egg casserole, it’s important to use a large skillet to brown the sausage. You can use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage as it cooks. Additionally, be sure to season the egg mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
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Tips: If you want to switch things up, you can try making a sausage egg frittata or quiche instead of a casserole. Or, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, you can try making a French toast casserole instead. Just be sure to adjust the ingredients and cooking time accordingly.
These tips and notes should help you create a delicious and jiggly sausage egg casserole that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some variations of sausage and egg casserole without bread?
There are many variations of sausage and egg casserole without bread. You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms to make it healthier. You can also use different types of cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or feta to add more flavor. Some people like to add hash browns or tater tots to make it more filling.
What is the difference between a frittata and an egg casserole?
A frittata is an Italian dish that is similar to an omelette. It is cooked on the stove and then finished in the oven. A frittata is usually thinner than an egg casserole and has more eggs than other ingredients. An egg casserole is baked in the oven and can have a variety of ingredients like sausage, cheese, vegetables, and bread.
How long can you refrigerate a breakfast casserole before cooking it?
You can refrigerate a breakfast casserole before cooking it for up to 24 hours. This is a great way to prepare it the night before and then bake it in the morning. It is important to cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent contamination.
Can you make a sausage egg and cheese casserole with bread?
Yes, you can make a sausage egg and cheese casserole with bread. You can use cubed bread or sliced bread as the base. The bread will soak up the egg mixture and become a delicious part of the casserole. You can also use croissants or biscuits for a more indulgent version.
What are the top 10 breakfast casserole recipes?
There are many great breakfast casserole recipes out there, but here are some of the most popular ones:
- Sausage and Egg Casserole
- Bacon and Egg Casserole
- Ham and Cheese Casserole
- Spinach and Feta Casserole
- French Toast Casserole
- Hash Brown Casserole
- Tater Tot Casserole
- Veggie and Cheese Casserole
- Southwest Breakfast Casserole
- Breakfast Enchilada Casserole
What is an easy recipe for overnight sausage egg casserole?
Here is an easy recipe for overnight sausage egg casserole:
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the cooked sausage evenly in the bottom.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and sprinkle the cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.