Easy Breakfast Egg Casserole

Get ready to simplify your mornings with this incredible egg casserole recipe. It is a hearty and delicious dish, perfect for feeding your family or serving guests at a special holiday brunch. This recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare, incredibly customizable with your favorite ingredients, and even great to make ahead of time. You’ll love how effortless and satisfying this breakfast solution is.

Why You’ll Love This Egg Casserole

• Quick Preparation: Spend less time in the kitchen on busy mornings. This egg casserole comes together fast.
• Ideal for Entertaining: Easily feed a crowd or manage meal prep for the week with this convenient recipe.
• Customizable: Adapt it with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables to suit any taste.
• Comforting Meal: Enjoy a warm, satisfying breakfast that feels like a special treat every time.
• Freezer-Friendly: Prepare it ahead and freeze for future breakfasts, saving you precious time.

Ingredients

Creating this simple egg casserole requires a few fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering a flavorful and satisfying dish that your whole family will adore.

• Pork Sausage: 2 pounds, browned.
• Eggs: 12 large eggs.
• Sour Cream: 1 cup (light or regular).
• Milk: ¼ cup (whole milk recommended).
• Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon.
• Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon.
• Green Onions: 4, sliced.
• Green Bell Pepper: ½, diced.
• Red Bell Pepper: ½, diced.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adjust this versatile egg casserole to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients.

• Sausage: Try Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese: Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a sharp cheddar blend work wonderfully instead of standard cheddar.
• Dairy: For a richer texture, use half-and-half or heavy cream. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier twist.
• Vegetables: Spinach, sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or a few diced jalapeños all make excellent additions.

Equipment

You don’t need many specialized tools to make this delightful breakfast egg casserole. These common kitchen items will help you succeed.

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for baking the casserole evenly.
• Large skillet: For browning the sausage and sautéing your vegetables.
• Large mixing bowl: To combine all the delicious egg ingredients.
• Whisk or electric mixer: For easily whisking the eggs until smooth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear, simple steps to create a perfect egg casserole every time. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly.

1. Prepare the oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork sausage and cook until it is thoroughly browned, breaking it into small, even pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain almost all of the excess grease from the skillet, leaving only a small amount behind for flavor.
3. Sauté vegetables: Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet. Add the diced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and sliced green onions to the same skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften slightly.
4. Combine egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 12 large eggs, 1 cup of sour cream, ¼ cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Whisk on low speed with an electric mixer, or by hand with a whisk, just until the ingredients are combined and smooth. Avoid overmixing.
5. Assemble the casserole: Stir the cooked and drained sausage, the sautéed bell peppers and green onions, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture in the large bowl. Mix gently until all components are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Bake the egg casserole: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven.
7. Bake until set: Bake for 35-50 minutes. The edges of the egg casserole should appear set, and the center should have just a slight jiggle when gently shaken. This indicates it is perfectly cooked through.
8. Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set completely, making for cleaner cuts.

Pro Tips for the Best Egg Casserole

Unlock the secrets to a perfect egg casserole with these helpful tips. They ensure your breakfast dish is always a hit.

• Don’t overmix: Whisk the eggs just until they are combined, creating a lighter texture. Overmixing can result in a tougher casserole.
• Avoid overbaking: A slightly jiggly center indicates a moist and tender casserole. To ensure food safety, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking egg casseroles containing meat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overbaking leads to a dry, rubbery texture.
• Drain thoroughly: Ensure you drain all excess grease from the sausage and any liquid from sautéed vegetables. This prevents a watery breakfast bake.
• Season generously: Adjust the kosher salt and ground black pepper to your personal taste. A well-seasoned egg casserole is always more flavorful.
• Rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps it set, ensuring cleaner slices.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile egg casserole can be enjoyed in many ways and is excellent for meal planning.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve slices with a side of fresh fruit, warm toast, a dash of hot sauce, or a crisp side salad.
• Storage (Cooked): To maintain quality and safety, the FDA advises that cooked egg dishes be refrigerated within two hours and consumed within 3-4 days. Refrigerate any leftover cooked portions in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. They are delicious reheated in the microwave.
• Make Ahead (Unbaked): You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it in the morning as directed.
• Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble the casserole completely in the baking dish. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Freezing (Baked): Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Cut it into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or oven.
• Variations:
  • Meats: Incorporate cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded chicken for added protein.
  • Vegetables: Try adding diced cooked potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or healthy kale for more bulk and nutrients.
  • Spices: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika can add a nice kick to your savory egg dish.
  • Bread Base: For a heartier meal, layer cubed bread or cooked hash browns on the bottom of the dish before adding the egg mixture.

Nutrition Information

(Per serving, approximate)

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients and may vary. Please consult a professional for precise dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making a delicious egg casserole.

• Can I prepare this egg casserole the night before? Yes, you can fully assemble the unbaked casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it fresh in the morning.
• Can I freeze this egg casserole? Absolutely! This breakfast bake freezes well, both before baking and after it’s cooked.
• What kind of sausage is best? Classic pork breakfast sausage works wonderfully, but Italian sausage or turkey sausage are also great choices.
• How do I prevent a watery casserole? Ensure your sausage is thoroughly drained of grease and that any added vegetables are sufficiently sautéed to remove excess moisture.
• Can I add potatoes or bread to the casserole? Yes, a layer of cooked hash browns or cubed bread can be added to the bottom of the baking dish before the egg mixture.

Conclusion

You now have the perfect recipe for a delightful and simple egg casserole. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any breakfast or brunch occasion. We encourage you to try different variations and make this delicious breakfast bake your own. Enjoy your homemade creation and share the joy of simple, delicious food with your loved ones!