There’s just something so comforting about waking up to a warm, savory breakfast like this Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Egg Casserole Recipe. It’s filling, packed with flavor, and the best part? You can prep it the night before and wake up to breakfast ready to go!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Egg Casserole Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Egg Casserole Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Egg Casserole Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this sausage and spinach casserole more times than I can count, especially when hosting weekend brunches. It’s that kind of recipe where you feel like you’ve put in effort, but it’s actually so simple. Plus, the spinach gives it a fresh pop that keeps it from being too heavy.
- Great make-ahead option: Prep it the night before and bake it when you’re ready—total game-changer for busy mornings.
- Balanced flavors: The savory sausage pairs perfectly with tender spinach and sweet bell peppers for a well-rounded bite.
- Customizable: Cheese, veggies, or spice levels—you can tweak it to fit whatever you have or prefer.
- Feeds a crowd: It’s a generous casserole that’s ideal for family breakfasts or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Egg Casserole Recipe plays a role in making it both tasty and nutritious. The sausage brings that meaty richness, while the spinach and peppers add fresh flavors and color. Here’s a quick rundown on why each one matters:
- Sausage: Use your favorite kind—spicy or mild—and make sure to remove casing for easier cooking and mixing.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and add a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic: A small punch of garlic amps up flavor and pairs beautifully with sausage and spinach.
- Fresh spinach: Gives the casserole a vibrant taste and sneaks in greens effortlessly.
- Bell peppers: Diced for sweetness and crunch, they balance the richness of eggs and sausage.
- Yellow onion: Adds a mild bite and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- Eggs: The star binding ingredient that holds everything together, creating that perfect baked custard texture.
- Milk: Makes the egg mixture silky and light instead of rubbery.
- Shredded cheese: Adds melty, cheesy goodness—mix and match your favorites like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all those delicious flavors.
Make It Your Way
I love how this breakfast casserole is a total blank canvas. Sometimes I add mushrooms or swap bell peppers for cherry tomatoes. You can even swap out the spinach for kale or omit the meat to keep it vegetarian. The key is making it your own and not stressing about perfection.
- Vegetarian version: I’ve swapped sausage for sautéed mushrooms and chickpeas—still hearty and delicious!
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne or chopped jalapeños if you like a little heat in your morning meal.
- Cheese combos: Mixing cheeses like feta and sharp cheddar gives a great balance of tang and meltiness.
- Make it gluten-free: This recipe naturally fits gluten-free diets just by using your favorite sausage—watch the labels!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Egg Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage and prep your pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (191°C) if you want to bake right after assembling. Then, take 10 to 12 ounces of sausage (remove the casing!) and brown it in a large skillet over medium heat. This browning step adds incredible flavor and texture. Don’t rush—letting it caramelize just a bit makes all the difference. While that’s cooking, lightly spray your 7 x 11 or 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray so the casserole doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Sauté the veggies
Using the same skillet (you’ll have some sausage fat leftover, which is perfect), add a bit of olive oil if it looks dry. Toss in minced garlic, fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, and half a diced yellow onion. Sauté everything for about 6 to 7 minutes until the spinach wilts and the peppers soften. Season with salt and pepper near the end to enhance the natural sweetness of the veggies. This mix brings a tender, flavorful bed for your eggs and sausage.
Step 3: Mix and layer
Transfer the veggies to your casserole dish with the browned sausage and stir gently but thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs, ½ cup of milk, and ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the sausage and veggies, making sure it seeps through all the nooks. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheese plus a little extra salt and pepper for a perfect savory crust as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake and serve
Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges start to brown and the center is set but still slightly wobbly—it will firm up as it cools. Let it rest at least 15 minutes before slicing so it sets well and is easier to serve. Trust me, this step makes your slices look perfect at the table.
Top Tip
Making this Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Egg Casserole Recipe has taught me a few neat tricks that really elevate the final dish. These tips will keep it moist, flavorful, and beautiful every time.
- Don’t overmix the eggs: Whisk just until combined to keep the texture light and custardy, not rubbery.
- Sear the sausage well: Brown it slowly for that deep, complex flavor that makes this casserole sing.
- Let it rest before cutting: Cooling for at least 15 minutes helps everything set, so the slices hold together nicely.
- Choose a medium oven temperature: Baking at 375°F gives a golden top and ensures the eggs don’t dry out or cook unevenly.
How to Serve Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Egg Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish my slices with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a fresh, bright pop of color. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or some hot sauce on the side adds a nice creamy or spicy kick—depending on the crowd!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like fresh fruit salad, crispy hash browns, or even toasted crusty bread to sop up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday brunches, I’ve baked this in mini muffin tins for cute individual bites that are perfect for a buffet. It’s a fun and elegant way to serve guests without the fuss of slicing and plating large portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven, making it great for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week.
Freezing
I often freeze this casserole unbaked, wrapped tightly with plastic and foil. When I’m ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. This trick makes weekend entertaining or holiday breakfasts super stress-free.
Reheating
To keep it from drying out, I reheat individual slices in the microwave with a cover or pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. It tastes almost as good as fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake it fresh from the refrigerator—this makes mornings so much easier.
I like a mix depending on mood: sharp cheddar adds a punch, mozzarella melts beautifully for gooeyness, and pepper jack gives a subtle spicy kick. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite combo!
Yes! You can freeze it either unbaked or fully baked. Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing unbaked, thaw overnight before baking; for baked leftovers, reheat gently to preserve texture.
I reheat individual portions in the microwave covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel. Alternatively, placing slices in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes works wonders to keep moisture locked in.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Egg Casserole Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s flexible, reliable, and downright delicious. Whether I’m feeding family on a lazy Sunday morning or prepping ahead for a busy week, it never disappoints. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as comforting and easy as I do—just like sharing a warm breakfast with a good friend.
Print
Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Egg Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious and customizable overnight breakfast casserole featuring sausage, eggs, vegetables, and cheese. Perfect for baking ahead or freezing for easy meal prep and feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Meat
- 10 to 12 ounces sausage (casing removed)
Vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (90 g)
- 2 large bell peppers (diced)
- ½ medium yellow onion (diced)
Dairy
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (any) (120 g)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (any flavor; divided) (56 g)
Other
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare casserole dish: Spray a 7 x 11" or 9 x 13" casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside. If baking immediately, preheat the oven to 375ºF (191ºC).
- Brown sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until lightly cooked and browned. Drain excess grease if necessary. Spoon the browned sausage evenly into the prepared casserole dish and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add a little olive oil to the same skillet (optional due to sausage grease). Sauté minced garlic, fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, and diced onion until vegetables are tender and spinach is wilted, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during the last minute. Remove from heat.
- Combine sausage and vegetables: Add the cooked vegetable mixture to the sausage in the casserole dish and gently stir to evenly distribute.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheese on top and season lightly with more salt and pepper.
- Bake the casserole: If not already done, preheat oven to 375ºF (191ºC). Bake the casserole for 45 minutes or until edges start to brown and eggs are set. Allow to cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Storage and reheating: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave as needed. To freeze, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking at 350ºF (177ºC) for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- This casserole can be baked immediately, refrigerated overnight up to 24 hours, or frozen for up to 2 months.
- It is highly customizable; use any cheese or vegetables you'd like.
- If using fully cooked sausage, browning is optional but recommended for flavor.
- Allow the casserole to cool before slicing for best results.
- Use non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 197 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 303 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 223 mg
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