Breakfast Egg And Sausage Bake
Highlighted under: Cozy Kitchen Traditions
I absolutely love starting my day with a hearty breakfast, and this Breakfast Egg and Sausage Bake is one of my go-to recipes. With a combination of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and delightful spices, it never fails to satisfy my morning cravings. The best part is that it's incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends. I often whip it up ahead of time so that I can just pop it in the oven and enjoy a warm, comforting meal in no time!
Making this Breakfast Egg and Sausage Bake became a family tradition on lazy Sunday mornings. I love how the aroma of the sausage blends with the eggs, creating an inviting atmosphere in our kitchen. It’s a dish that not only fills our stomachs but also warms our hearts. One tip I learned is to slightly undercook the sausage before mixing it with the eggs; this way, it remains flavorful without overcooking in the oven.
What really sets this dish apart is its versatility. I enjoy adding different vegetables like bell peppers and spinach or even a sprinkle of cheese to give it an extra kick. It’s a fantastic way to use up whatever leftovers I have in my fridge, making it both delicious and economical. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a regular on your breakfast table!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A comforting combination of flavors that satisfies every breakfast craving
- Perfect for meal prep, making busy mornings a breeze
- Easily customizable to include your favorite ingredients
Perfecting Your Egg Mixture
When whisking the eggs for this Breakfast Egg and Sausage Bake, aim for a light and airy texture. This helps the dish rise nicely in the oven. Incorporating milk not only contributes creaminess but also adds moisture, preventing a dry texture. If you'd like a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half instead of milk, keeping in mind that it will also increase the calorie count.
To enhance the flavor further, don't skip the spices! Garlic powder and onion powder elevate the overall taste profile, providing a savory foundation. Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as thyme or smoked paprika for additional depth. I often adjust the amount of spices based on my mood or what I have on hand; it's versatile like that!
Choosing and Preparing Your Vegetables
The vegetable choices in this bake are crucial for both texture and flavor. Opt for a combination of bell peppers, onions, and even spinach or broccoli for a nutritious boost. Make sure to dice them uniformly to ensure even cooking; smaller pieces will soften more quickly during the baking process. If you prefer, you can sauté the veggies in olive oil for a few minutes before mixing them into the egg mixture for a more pronounced flavor.
For a heartier version, consider adding cooked potatoes or sweet potatoes. Just ensure they're pre-cooked and diced, as raw potatoes won’t cook through in the time it takes for the egg to set. Not only do these additions bring extra substance, but they also enhance the dish's appeal visually and texturally.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
This Breakfast Egg and Sausage Bake makes excellent leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven, covering them with foil to prevent drying out. I often make a larger batch on Sundays and enjoy warm breakfast slices throughout the week—it saves so much time during busy mornings.
For a fun twist, try serving this bake alongside avocado toast or a fresh fruit salad for a complete breakfast spread. Additionally, you can top individual portions with salsa or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor complexity. This dish also works well for brunch gatherings; simply double the recipe and serve it in a larger baking dish for guests to enjoy!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 2 cups diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, etc.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Whisk the Eggs
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked sausage, vegetables, and half of the cheese to the egg mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.
Bake
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the egg is set and the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite spices or additional toppings like avocado or sour cream. For a lighter version, substitute half of the eggs with egg whites and use turkey sausage.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're looking for a lighter version, you can swap out the breakfast sausage for turkey or chicken sausage, which still delivers on flavor while reducing fat content. Additionally, using egg whites or a combination of whole eggs and egg whites can cut cholesterol without compromising much on taste. For cheese lovers, experimenting with different cheese types like feta or goat cheese can yield exciting results.
For a dairy-free alternative, try almond or oat milk in place of regular milk and opt for vegan cheese. Make sure to choose a plant-based sausage, as this will keep the dish's heartiness while catering to dietary restrictions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your egg bake turns out too dry, it could be due to overbaking or not enough liquid in your mixture. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking; once the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly, it’s time to take it out. A perfectly baked casserole should have a fluffy texture, so don’t let it get too firm before cooling.
Another common hiccup is uneven cooking, especially if ingredients are not evenly distributed. Make sure to mix all components thoroughly before pouring into the baking dish. If you find hotspots in your oven, rotating the dish halfway through baking can help ensure an even cook.
Scaling the Recipe
Scaling this recipe for larger gatherings is quite simple! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly, but you may need to adjust the baking time based on the volume. For instance, if using a larger baking dish, check for doneness 10 minutes earlier or later, as more batter can require additional time to cook through evenly.
For smaller servings, you can easily halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller dish, such as an 8x8 pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking; smaller portions will typically be done sooner, around 25 to 30 minutes.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture the night before and bake it in the morning.
→ What vegetables work best in this recipe?
Feel free to use any vegetables you like, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Breakfast Egg And Sausage Bake
I absolutely love starting my day with a hearty breakfast, and this Breakfast Egg and Sausage Bake is one of my go-to recipes. With a combination of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and delightful spices, it never fails to satisfy my morning cravings. The best part is that it's incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends. I often whip it up ahead of time so that I can just pop it in the oven and enjoy a warm, comforting meal in no time!
Created by: Lydia Barrett
Recipe Type: Cozy Kitchen Traditions
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 2 cups diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, etc.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Add the cooked sausage, vegetables, and half of the cheese to the egg mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the egg is set and the top is golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite spices or additional toppings like avocado or sour cream. For a lighter version, substitute half of the eggs with egg whites and use turkey sausage.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 22g