There’s something so cozy about waking up to the aroma of a warm, hearty egg casserole. This Sausage Breakfast Egg Bake Recipe is my go-to for weekends or when I’m feeding a crowd. It’s flavorful, easy, and you can prep it ahead—a real kitchen win!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This sausage breakfast egg bake hits all the right notes for a satisfying, make-ahead breakfast that feels special but couldn’t be simpler. I adore how it combines savory sausage, fresh veggies, and melty cheese—all baked together in one dish that’s ready whenever you are.
- Make-ahead magic: Prep it the night before and wake up to a ready-to-bake dish that saves you time and stress.
- Customizable ingredients: You can swap in your favorite veggies or cheese to match what you have on hand or prefer.
- Feeds a crowd: It’s perfect for family breakfasts, brunch guests, or meal prepping for busy mornings.
- Comfort food vibes: Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s a breakfast that feels like a big, comforting hug.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this sausage breakfast egg bake recipe brings something special to the table—protein-rich sausage for flavor, fresh veggies for a bit of crunch and nutrition, and eggs to hold it all together with creamy richness. Here’s a breakdown to help you shop smart.
- Sausage: Removing the casing lets it crumble and cook evenly; I prefer a mild or herb-infused flavor to keep it balanced.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies without overpowering their natural taste.
- Garlic: Adds that cozy, aromatic depth that wakes up your senses first thing.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully, giving color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
- Bell peppers: Diced for a little crunch and sweetness, they brighten up the dish.
- Onion: Adds a savory base, perfectly softened when sautéed.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors forward—don’t skip!
- Eggs: The star that binds everything into a fluffy, satisfying bake.
- Milk: Keeps the eggs tender and creamy; any kind works, so use what you have.
- Cheese: Divided into the batter and topping, it melts into gooey pockets of deliciousness—try cheddar, mozzarella, or a sharp white cheese.
Make It Your Way
I love to tweak this sausage breakfast egg bake recipe depending on what’s in my fridge and the season. You absolutely should make it your own—it’s so forgiving and flexible.
- Variation: One time, I swapped the spinach and peppers for kale and sun-dried tomatoes—totally tasty and gave the dish a nice twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based milk and skip the cheese or swap in a vegan alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of smoked paprika or some chopped jalapeños when sautéing the veggies.
- Make It Meatless: Replace sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Breakfast Egg Bake Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage to Build Flavor
I like to start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning the sausage until it’s just a little crispy around the edges. This step really amps up the flavor—it’s worth the few extra minutes. If you’re using fully cooked sausage, you can skip this, but I often brown it anyway for that toasty taste. Once done, spread it evenly in your prepared casserole dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies Until Tender
Using the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed, then toss in your minced garlic, spinach, diced bell peppers, and onions. Cook everything until the veggies soften and the spinach wilts, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper towards the end. This mix adds a fresh, vibrant touch that balances the richness of the sausage.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Your Casserole Dish
Mix the cooked veggies right in with the browned sausage in the casserole dish. I like to give it a gentle stir so everything is evenly scattered. This helps every bite have a little bit of everything—the sausage, the veggies, and later, the eggs.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture and Pour Over
In a bowl, whisk the eggs together with milk and half of your shredded cheese. Pour this mixture over the sausage and veggies, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Don’t forget a little extra salt and pepper at this stage for good measure.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy! (Or Refrigerate for Later)
Bake at 375ºF (191ºC) for about 45 minutes, until the edges start to brown and the center is set. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before digging in. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate it overnight—perfect for a stress-free morning.
Top Tip
From my kitchen to yours, these tips have made the biggest difference in helping the sausage breakfast egg bake recipe turn out perfect every single time.
- Don’t skip browning the sausage: It’s a small step that adds layers of deep, savory flavor that you won’t get otherwise.
- Season the veggies well: Adding salt and pepper while sautéing wakes up the vegetables and makes the whole bake taste balanced.
- Let it rest: After baking, the casserole needs a good 15 minutes to firm up, which helps with easy slicing and serving.
- Use a knife test: Insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, your egg bake is ready and not overcooked.
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Egg Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my slices with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives—that pop of green makes it feel fresh and inviting. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce when serving, especially on chillier mornings.
Side Dishes
For a complete breakfast spread, I like to serve this bake with crispy hash browns or a light mixed fruit salad. Some crusty toast or a flaky croissant rounds it out beautifully if you want something carb-rich alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, I’ve cut the egg bake into mini squares and arranged them on a platter with colorful veggie sticks and dipping sauces—super cute and so easy for guests to grab. You can also serve slices layered with avocado or tomato for a fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
We usually store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to five days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier mornings later in the week.
Freezing
I often freeze the unbaked casserole wrapped well in plastic and foil for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual. This trick is a lifesaver for hands-off meal prep when life gets hectic.
Reheating
To reheat leftover slices, I pop them in the microwave for about a minute or so. If you want to crisp it up a bit, reheating in a toaster oven or skillet for a few minutes works wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! This sausage breakfast egg bake recipe is very flexible. You can use pork, turkey, or chicken sausage, spicy or mild—just make sure to brown it well for the best flavor.
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with hearty veggies or a plant-based sausage alternative, and use your favorite dairy or plant-based milk and cheese. For vegan, omit eggs and replace with a chickpea flour batter or tofu scramble base, though it changes the texture quite a bit.
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. When ready, bake from chilled following the recipe instructions for best results.
Definitely! Feel free to swap or add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes. Cheese options like feta, pepper jack, or Swiss all work well and bring different flavor profiles.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend this sausage breakfast egg bake recipe enough. It’s a comforting, nutritious dish that’s kinder to your morning hustle than scrambling eggs last minute. Plus, the ability to prep it ahead, customize ingredients, and feed a hungry bunch makes it a winner in my book. Give it a try—you’ll see why I keep coming back to this simple, flavorful breakfast favorite.
Print
Sausage Breakfast Egg Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Egg Bake Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a savory and customizable dish featuring sausage, fresh vegetables, and eggs baked to perfection. Perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch, it can be prepared the night before, baked fresh in the morning, or frozen for future meals. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Meat
- 12 ounces sausage (casing removed)
Vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 large bell peppers (diced)
- ½ medium yellow onion (diced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Dairy & Eggs
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (any)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (any, divided)
Other
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the casserole dish: Spray a 7 x 11" or 9 x 13" casserole dish with non-stick spray. If baking immediately, preheat oven to 375ºF (191ºC).
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until just cooked and slightly browned. Transfer sausage evenly to the prepared casserole dish and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add a little olive oil to the same skillet, or use the remaining sausage grease. Sauté the minced garlic, spinach, diced bell peppers, and diced onion until vegetables are tender and spinach wilts, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during the last minute of cooking.
- Combine sausage and vegetables: Remove skillet from heat and stir the cooked vegetable mixture into the sausage in the casserole dish, distributing evenly.
- Mix eggs and cheese: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ¼ cup shredded cheese. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheese on top and add a little more salt and pepper.
- Bake the casserole: Either bake immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for baking later. When ready, preheat oven to 375ºF (191ºC) if not already done. Bake for about 45 minutes until edges are browned and eggs are set. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Storage and reheating: Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave. You can also freeze the baked casserole up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat at 350ºF (177ºC) for about 20 minutes.
- Freezing unbaked casserole: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months by tightly covering with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Notes
- This casserole is highly customizable by changing vegetables, cheese, or using a different meat or a meat substitute.
- You can bake it immediately or prepare it the night before for convenience.
- Freezing both baked and unbaked casserole prolongs shelf life and aids meal prepping.
- Use non-stick spray or lightly grease the casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Letting the casserole cool before slicing helps it hold its shape better.
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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