When it comes to breakfast, a casserole can be a lifesaver. It’s warm, comforting, and brimming with flavor. This Breakfast Casserole with Spinach and Sausage is no exception. Packed with wholesome ingredients like nutrient-rich spinach, savory sausage, and creamy cheese, this dish is perfect for a family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or meal prep for the week ahead. Whether you’re hosting guests or preparing ahead for busy mornings, this casserole is both convenient and delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken sausage works)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or plant-based alternatives like almond milk)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best for structure)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or oil (for greasing the pan)
Optional Add-Ins
- Diced bell peppers
- Chopped onions
- Mushrooms
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives
Directions
- Prepare the Sausage and Spinach
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, sauté the spinach for 1-2 minutes until wilted. If using frozen spinach, skip this step and ensure it’s thoroughly drained.
- Assemble the Base
- Layer the cubed bread evenly in the greased casserole dish to form the base of the casserole.
- Spread the cooked sausage and spinach over the bread layer.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and spinach. Use a spatula to press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole for a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
- Bake
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set. You can test doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Rest and Serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set for easier serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
This Breakfast Casserole with Spinach and Sausage is more than just a simple dish—it’s a hearty, flavorful meal that brings comfort and nutrition together. Ideal for busy mornings or lazy weekends, it combines wholesome ingredients that are easy to prepare, and the best part is that it can be customized to fit various dietary preferences or add a personal twist.
The Comfort of Casseroles
Casseroles are a go-to choice for many when it comes to preparing a filling, crowd-pleasing meal. The beauty of a casserole lies in its simplicity—once everything is layered into a dish, it cooks together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a weekday breakfast, casseroles offer a convenient way to feed multiple people at once. In the case of this Breakfast Casserole with Spinach and Sausage, the layers of bread, sausage, spinach, and eggs come together to create a satisfying dish that’s both savory and filling.
The warm, cheesy texture, paired with the hearty sausage and nutrient-packed spinach, makes each bite a perfect balance of flavors. Additionally, casseroles are great for meal prepping—simply assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it the next morning. This makes it an excellent choice for busy individuals or families who need a delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast without much morning prep time.
The Nutritional Benefits
This casserole is not just tasty; it’s also packed with nutrients that can help fuel your day. The spinach, known for being rich in iron, fiber, and vitamins A and C, adds a healthy green boost to the dish. Incorporating spinach into a breakfast dish is an excellent way to start your day with a serving of vegetables, which is often hard to achieve with traditional breakfast foods.
Sausage, a main protein source in this recipe, offers a savory and satisfying flavor, which contrasts beautifully with the mild spinach. For those concerned about fat intake, you can easily substitute traditional pork sausage with leaner options like turkey or chicken sausage. This can provide the same great taste while reducing the overall fat content, making it a more heart-healthy choice.
The addition of eggs helps provide high-quality protein and important nutrients such as choline, which supports brain health. The milk and cheese contribute calcium and vitamin D, which are important for maintaining strong bones. So, while this casserole is undeniably indulgent in taste, it also provides a well-rounded nutritional profile, making it a good choice for breakfast or brunch.
The Flexibility of Add-ins
One of the best things about a casserole is its versatility. The basic recipe can be adjusted based on personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, while the base recipe uses sausage, you could easily swap it out for a vegetarian sausage or another plant-based protein if you’re looking to make the dish vegetarian or vegan. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, depending on what you have on hand or your preferred flavor profile. Cheddar cheese will provide a sharp, tangy taste, while mozzarella gives a milder, creamy texture.
For those who enjoy a little heat in their dishes, adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños can give the casserole a spicy kick. Chopped bell peppers or onions can add a touch of sweetness and color, making the dish more vibrant and visually appealing. Mushrooms are another great addition, as they complement the sausage with their earthy flavor and hearty texture.
You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to give the dish a burst of freshness. These additions not only enhance the flavor but can also contribute to a more colorful and aesthetically pleasing casserole. By customizing the dish to your liking, you ensure that every bite is tailored to your tastes, making this breakfast casserole a truly personal creation.
The Ease of Preparation
Preparing this casserole is straightforward and doesn’t require much in the way of specialized cooking techniques. After browning the sausage and sautéing the spinach, all that’s left is layering the ingredients in a casserole dish and pouring the egg mixture over the top. This makes the dish ideal for those who are new to cooking or those who need to prepare a large meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The cubed bread at the bottom of the casserole helps to absorb the egg mixture as it bakes, creating a satisfying texture that holds everything together. The bread also adds a touch of crunch on the edges, giving the casserole a variety of textures. For best results, day-old bread works best, as it has had time to dry out and will hold its shape better when baked.
Once the casserole is assembled, it goes into the oven to bake for about 40-45 minutes. The result is a beautifully golden, bubbling dish that’s ready to serve. It’s a no-fuss, one-pan meal that can be enjoyed by the entire family without the hassle of individual servings or extensive clean-up.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While the casserole is a filling dish on its own, you can pair it with fresh fruit, a side salad, or some crispy bacon to round out the meal. A simple fruit salad made with seasonal berries or citrus fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory casserole. If you’re looking to add some extra greens, a side salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette will complement the rich flavors of the casserole without overpowering them.
For beverages, a fresh cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice would be perfect accompaniments. The slight acidity of the juice cuts through the richness of the casserole, creating a balanced meal. If you’re making the casserole for brunch, consider serving it alongside mimosas or a light white wine to make the occasion feel a little more festive.
Conclusion: A Comforting, Versatile Dish
This Breakfast Casserole with Spinach and Sausage is more than just a simple meal; it’s a versatile and customizable dish that can easily become a staple in your breakfast rotation. It combines the hearty goodness of sausage, spinach, eggs, and cheese with the satisfying texture of bread, creating a balanced, flavorful meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for an easy way to enjoy a nutritious breakfast, this casserole is sure to deliver.
By incorporating nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach and eggs, this casserole provides the ultimate comfort without sacrificing health benefits. With its endless possibilities for customization and the ease of preparation, it’s a dish that will surely make mornings easier and more enjoyable for you and your loved ones.