There’s nothing like the smell of breakfast in the morning. One Sunday, I made a special brunch for my family. We were celebrating something special.
The Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Casserole was a hit. It had savory sausage, fresh spinach, and melted cheese. It was colorful and delicious.
As we ate, I saw how much everyone loved it. It was more than food; it was a way to connect. This casserole is now a favorite in our home. It’s great for lazy Sundays or big family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is loved by my family for many reasons. It tastes great and feels good in your mouth. It’s perfect for big gatherings or when mornings are busy.
I love how easy it is to make. It lets me spend more time with my guests. Not too much time in the kitchen.
Great for Family Gatherings
This casserole feeds a lot of people with little effort. It’s perfect for when it’s cold outside. It makes up to eight servings, great for family meals.
It’s always a hit at our gatherings. Everyone loves starting their day with it.
Easy to Prepare and Serve
Making this casserole is simple. Just ten minutes to prep, then it cooks for an hour. It’s a stress-free meal.
I can relax while it cooks. Knowing we’ll have a tasty meal makes mornings better.
Can Be Made Ahead of Time
Busy mornings are easier with this casserole. I often make it the night before. Then, it’s ready to bake in the morning.
It’s a big help in our busy lives. We enjoy our meals together without stress.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Portions | 8 |
| Refrigeration Duration | Up to 4 days |
| Freezing Duration | Up to 3 months |
| Caloric Content per Serving | 320 calories |
Ingredients for Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Casserole
Making a tasty Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Casserole needs the right ingredients. Mixing them all together makes a dish full of flavor and texture. Here’s what you need for this yummy breakfast casserole.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 16 ounces of breakfast sausage
- 10 large eggs, whisked
- ¾ cup of milk
- 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces of baby spinach, sautéed
This mix makes a filling meal for about 8 people. The sausage casserole has lots of protein, about 24.5 grams per serving. It’s great for starting your day.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to try something new? You can swap out ingredients. Use turkey sausage for less fat. Add fresh herbs like basil or chives for more taste. You can also:
- Try different cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack
- Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms
These changes make the classic spinach casserole even better. They let you get creative while keeping it tasty and healthy.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making an easy breakfast casserole is simple. I like to get all my ingredients ready first. This makes cooking easier. Here’s how to make a tasty casserole with sausage and spinach.
Prepping the Ingredients
First, heat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole won’t stick. Cook 1 pound of breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s browned.
Drain the extra grease. Then, add 10 ounces of thawed and squeezed-dry frozen chopped spinach. Cook until it’s wilted.
Cooking the Sausage and Spinach
While the spinach cooks, get the egg mixture ready. Whisk 3 eggs and 1 ½ cups of half-and-half in a bowl. Mix in the cooked sausage, 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and a bit of oregano. This mix is the heart of my casserole.
Combining Ingredients for the Casserole
Now, pour the egg mixture over the spinach and sausage in the baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out evenly. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until it’s golden brown. Check the center to make sure it’s set. When it’s done, your casserole is ready to be enjoyed warm.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Herb-flavored stuffing | 6 ounces |
| Breakfast sausage | 1 pound |
| Frozen chopped spinach | 10 ounces |
| Monterey Jack cheese | 8 ounces |
| Half-and-half | 1 ½ cups |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Parmesan cheese | 2 tablespoons |
Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
This hearty breakfast casserole is not just tasty. It’s also packed with nutrients for a healthy start. It has a mix of ingredients that make it a great way to begin your day.
Caloric Breakdown
A serving of this casserole has about 238 calories. It’s a good choice for breakfast. Here’s what it includes:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 238 |
| Fat | 17g |
| Protein | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
Nutritional Advantages of Spinach and Sausage
Spinach is full of vitamins A, C, and K. It also has iron and calcium. These help keep you healthy and support your body.
Sausage and eggs give you high-quality protein. This is good for muscles and keeps you full.
Ground turmeric fights inflammation, and sweet potatoes are full of fiber and beta-carotene. Olive oil is good for your heart, and tomatoes have antioxidants like lycopene.
This mix makes a dish that’s both tasty and healthy. It’s a great way to start your day with energy and nutrients.
Storage Tips for Breakfast Casserole
Storing a make ahead breakfast casserole right is important. It keeps the taste and quality good. After cooking, let it cool down completely.
This helps prevent it from getting soggy. Moisture can make it wet and less tasty.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Wrap the casserole in plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for quick meals during the week. Cut it into portions for easy use in the morning.
Just heat a slice in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
Freezing for Later Use
To keep it longer, slice it and freeze in a bag or container. It can last up to 3 months frozen. When you’re ready, microwave it straight from the freezer.
Or bake at 350°F until warm. This makes the casserole a smart choice for breakfast.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Microwave individual portions |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Microwave from frozen or bake at 350°F until heated through |
Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Casserole
Making a tasty breakfast casserole is fun. To get it just right, focus on a few important steps. Pay close attention to how you prepare and season it.
Prepping Vegetables Correctly
It’s key to prep veggies right to avoid too much moisture. For example, cook spinach in sausage grease before mixing it with eggs. This method cuts down water and boosts flavor.
Other veggies like bell peppers and onions should be cooked briefly. This keeps them crisp and adds more taste to the dish.
Adjusting Seasonings to Your Taste
Seasoning is vital for a great breakfast casserole. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt for every four eggs. You can adjust this to taste.
Adding spices or herbs can make the casserole even better. Try different seasonings to find what you like best.
| Ingredient | Recommended Amount |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 2 per person (16 total for 8 servings) |
| Kosher Salt | 1/2 teaspoon per 4 eggs |
| Grated Cheese | 4 ounces per 12 eggs |
| Half and Half | 1 cup |
Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Casserole Variations
Breakfast casserole recipes can be so much fun. The sausage and spinach casserole is great because you can change it up. Here are some tasty ways to make your next brunch special.
Vegetarian Options
Want a veggie version? Just leave out the sausage. Add mushrooms or zucchini instead. It’s just as filling but with more veggies. It’s perfect for those who don’t eat meat.
Different Cheese Choices
Cheese is key in a casserole. Try Swiss or feta for something new. Cheddar is classic, but feta adds a Mediterranean flair.
Adding Other Vegetables
Adding veggies makes it look and taste better. I use tomatoes, bell peppers, and asparagus. Each one adds its own flavor. It makes every casserole a treat.
Serving Suggestions for Breakfast Casserole
The Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Casserole is great for many meals. It’s yummy warm or cool. It’s perfect for any special day. Let’s look at some tasty pairings and fun ways to serve it.
Pairing With Side Dishes
Adding side dishes makes the meal better. Here are some good ideas:
- Fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast
- A light mixed green salad to add some crunch
- Fluffy muffins for extra indulgence
Serving for Holiday Breakfasts
At holiday meals, this casserole is a hit. Serve it with:
- Pancakes topped with syrup for a cozy feel
- Waffles, which can add varying textures to the table
- Classic breakfast pastries to impress your guests
This way, your family gets a big, tasty breakfast. It looks and tastes amazing.
Final Thoughts on Breakfast Casseroles
The Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Casserole is a great choice for breakfast. It’s tasty and good for you, being low-carb and gluten-free. It uses high-quality ingredients like grass-fed sausage from Oregon Valley Farm.
Breakfast casseroles are great because you can change them up. You can swap the cheese or add more greens. This makes them perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick, tasty meal.
In short, breakfast casseroles are a big help in the kitchen. They have healthy fats, protein, and greens. Try this easy casserole and make it a regular part of your breakfast!
