Embrace the ultimate breakfast solution with this comforting egg casserole. It’s a classic for a reason, bringing warmth and flavor to any table. Whether you’re navigating a busy morning or hosting for the holidays, this savory dish is your culinary hero. Featuring hearty sausage, fluffy eggs, and rich cheese, it’s a complete meal that truly satisfies. Best of all, this fantastic egg casserole offers amazing make-ahead convenience, simplifying your mornings.
Why You’ll Love This Egg Casserole
- Quick Preparation: Spend minimal time in the kitchen. This egg casserole comes together with straightforward steps, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and simply bake in the morning. This convenience is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a stress-free holiday breakfast.
- Customizable: It’s incredibly versatile! Easily swap ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or use up what you have on hand.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, this savory egg bake provides a fulfilling start to your day. It keeps you energized without feeling heavy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves this classic combination of eggs, sausage, and cheese. It’s a guaranteed hit at any brunch or breakfast gathering, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Gather these simple components to create your perfect breakfast egg casserole. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture in your savory egg bake.
- 2 pounds pork sausage: Browned and crumbled for savory depth.
- 12 large eggs: Fresh eggs are key for the best texture and rich flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream (light or regular) (240 g): Adds incredible creaminess and a subtle tang to the egg mixture, preventing dryness.
- 1/4 cup milk (60 ml): Helps create a light and fluffy egg casserole texture.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the eggs generously.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper provides the best aroma and a slight kick.
- 4 green onions: Thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced: Introduces sweetness and a pop of color to the breakfast casserole.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200 g): Sharp or mild, it melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy layer throughout.
Notes & Substitutions
- Meat: Feel free to swap the pork sausage. Try turkey sausage for a lighter option, diced ham, or crispy crumbled bacon for different flavor profiles in your egg casserole.
- Dairy: Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream, offering a similar tang and thickness while potentially boosting protein.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, Swiss provides nutty notes, or mozzarella offers a milder, stringier melt.
- Vegetables: Boost the nutrition and flavor. Wilted spinach, sliced mushrooms, shredded zucchini, or cooked diced potatoes (like hash browns) are excellent additions to this versatile breakfast casserole.
- Flavor Boosts: A pinch of dry mustard enhances the cheesy flavor, while a dash of garlic powder can add aromatic depth.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes preparing your egg casserole seamless.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: A glass or ceramic dish works perfectly for even baking.
- Large skillet: Essential for browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables before combining.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to prepare the egg mixture without spills.
- Whisk or electric mixer: For thoroughly combining the eggs and other wet ingredients until smooth.
- Cutting board and knife: For efficiently prepping your bell peppers and green onions.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious, homemade egg casserole perfect for any meal. Each step is designed for beginners, ensuring a successful and tasty result every time.
- Prep Oven & Pan: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This preparation ensures your egg casserole bakes evenly and releases easily.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In your large mixing bowl, combine the 12 large eggs, 1 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Use an electric mixer on low speed or a whisk to combine the ingredients just until they are blended. Avoid overmixing the eggs to maintain a tender texture.
- Cook Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 2 pounds of pork sausage and cook until it’s thoroughly browned, breaking it into small, uniform pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, drain most of the excess grease from the skillet to prevent a greasy breakfast casserole. Add the browned sausage directly to the bowl with your egg mixture.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the diced 1/2 green bell pepper, 1/2 red bell pepper, and the 4 sliced green onions. Sauté these vegetables for 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften slightly. This quick sauté enhances their flavor and ensures they are tender in the final dish. Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the eggs and sausage, then stir everything gently to combine all the delicious components.
- Pour & Bake: Pour the entire mixture from the bowl into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the egg casserole mixture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-50 minutes. The casserole is ready when the edges are set and lightly golden, and the center is just barely jiggly, indicating it’s cooked through but not overdone.
- Rest & Serve: Once baked, remove the egg casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the eggs to set completely, making for cleaner slices and preventing a watery consistency. Leftover egg casserole can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed within 3-4 days, reheating beautifully in the microwave.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Avoid overmixing eggs: Whisk just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a tough or rubbery egg casserole.
- Don’t overcook: Bake until the center is just set. An overcooked breakfast casserole will result in dry, rubbery eggs. A slight jiggle in the center is a good sign it’s perfectly done.
- Drain sausage well: Excess grease can make your savory egg bake oily. Ensure you drain most of the fat after browning the sausage.
- Check for doneness: Gently shake the pan; the center should be mostly firm with a slight wobble. For food safety, an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) indicates doneness for egg dishes.
- Prevent watery casserole: Cook your vegetables thoroughly to release their moisture before adding them to the egg mixture. This step is crucial for a perfectly textured breakfast casserole.
- Evenly distribute fillings: When combining ingredients, stir gently to ensure the sausage, vegetables, and cheese are spread throughout the dish for balanced bites.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Elevate your breakfast or brunch by pairing this delightful egg casserole with complementary sides or trying new flavor combinations.
- Serving Sides: A light and fresh fruit salad provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the savory egg bake. Crispy toast or flaky croissants are excellent for scooping up any delicious bits. For an extra kick, a dollop of fresh salsa or a dash of hot sauce offers a vibrant finish.
- Bread Base: For a heartier meal, line the bottom of your baking dish with cubed stale bread, brioche, or cooked hash browns before adding the egg mixture. This creates a wonderful base and adds texture to the breakfast casserole.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, dice up some jalapeños and add them along with the bell peppers. A pinch of red pepper flakes in the egg mixture also works well.
- Herbaceous: Fresh herbs brighten any dish. Stir in finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, or dill into the egg mixture just before baking for an aromatic twist.
Make Ahead Instructions
This egg casserole is incredibly convenient for meal prep or entertaining.
- Overnight: Assemble the unbaked egg casserole completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Baking from cold: When baking directly from the refrigerator, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the total bake time. Ensure the center is fully set before serving.
Freezing Instructions
Prepare and freeze your egg casserole to enjoy a quick breakfast later.
- Baked: Cool the baked egg casserole completely. Slice it into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat thawed portions in the microwave or oven.
- Unbaked: Assemble the entire egg casserole in your baking dish, cover it tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze the whole unbaked casserole for up to one month.
- Thawing: Always thaw a frozen unbaked casserole in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This ensures even cooking and prevents a watery texture.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional aspects of your meals helps you make informed choices. This hearty egg casserole provides a significant amount of protein, essential fats, and carbohydrates to fuel your day. To learn more about the complete nutritional value of eggs, consult expert resources. It also contains various vitamins and minerals from the eggs, dairy, and fresh vegetables. Remember, exact nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so consider this an estimate.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 25-30 g |
| Fat | 25-30 g |
| Carbs | 5-10 g |
| Sodium | 600-700 mg |
FAQ
- Can I use different meats? Yes, absolutely! Diced cooked ham, crispy bacon, or ground turkey sausage all work wonderfully as substitutes in this breakfast casserole.
- Can I add potatoes? Pre-cooked hash browns or finely diced, cooked potatoes make an excellent addition to the base of this savory egg bake.
- How long does it last in the fridge? Your baked egg casserole remains fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Can I bake it straight from frozen? Baking an unthawed egg casserole is not recommended. It often leads to uneven cooking and a potentially watery result. Always thaw it first.
- How to avoid rubbery eggs? The key is to avoid overmixing the eggs and to prevent overbaking. Cook only until the center is just set, with a slight jiggly motion.
Conclusion
This easy breakfast egg casserole truly simplifies your morning routine, offering a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With its hearty combination of sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, it’s a universally loved dish that transforms any breakfast or brunch into a special occasion. Whether you need a quick weekday meal or a crowd-pleasing holiday dish, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease. We encourage you to try this fantastic egg casserole and experience its simple deliciousness. Share your comments and ratings; we love hearing from you!