Healthy and Hearty Spinach Sausage Egg Bake
Ah, the smell of breakfast! Is there anything better than waking up to the aroma of sizzling sausage and bubbling cheese? I don’t think so. As a southern-style chef, I take pride in making comfort food that warms the soul and brings families together. And today I’m excited to share with you my Southern Spinach Sausage Egg Bake recipe!
This breakfast casserole packs a punch of flavor, with savory breakfast sausage, rich sharp cheddar cheese, and greens from hearty spinach leaves. But what really sets this recipe apart is the combination of spices used: allspice, garlic powder, onion powder, and Accent seasoning. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and exciting to eat.
I love this recipe because it’s easy to make ahead for busy mornings, or even for serving guests during brunch. Plus, it’s versatile – you can swap out the type of sausage or cheese to create your own unique version. So put on your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, do you sometimes feel bored of eating the same old breakfast every day? Well, I have got just the recipe for you! This Southern Spinach Sausage Egg Bake Recipe will take your tastebuds on a flavorful ride you won’t forget anytime soon.
This dish is a complete breakfast casserole that blends eggs, sausage, spinach, and sharp cheddar cheese to make one perfect breakfast dish. It’s got the right amount of savory and cheesy flavor and gives you enough protein to keep you powered up throughout the day.
Not only that but it’s also incredibly easy to make. You just need 10 minutes to prep this dish, and then pop it into the oven. Plus, this recipe is versatile too! You can add whatever you like based on your preferences, be it some fresh veggies or even some hash browns for an extra crunch.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch party or just looking for a quick breakfast option, this delicious casserole is perfect for any occasion. So why not give this recipe a try and add some southern charm to your morning meal? Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients we’ll need to make this Southern Spinach Sausage Egg Bake Recipe:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: You’ll need the best sausage for this recipe.
- 10 ounces frozen baby spinach: Make sure to thaw before using. Fresh spinach can also be used.
- 1 yellow onion: medium-size, diced.
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese: grated.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Accent seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 12 large eggs: Use room temperature eggs.
- 2 cups milk: You can use any type of milk you prefer – whole milk for a creamier result or skim milk for a healthier option.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
The Recipe How-To
Now that the ingredient list is all set, let’s dive right into how to make this Southern Spinach Sausage Egg Bake Recipe. This breakfast casserole is the perfect way to kickstart your mornings with a healthy dose of protein and vegetables.
Step 1: Preheat your oven and cook the sausage
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a large skillet over medium heat with cooking spray. Cook sausage for about 8-10 minutes or until it is no longer pink.
Step 2: Add the onions and spinach
When the sausage is cooked, add diced onion to the skillet and stir occasionally for about two minutes. Then add in baby spinach and cook until wilted. Once it’s done, remove the skillet from heat.
Step 3: Combine eggs and milk
In a large bowl, combine large eggs and milk until everything is evenly mixed. Season it with garlic powder, Accent seasoning, allspice, and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Add in cheese and seasonings
Next, stir in grated sharp cheddar cheese into the egg mixture until everything is well combined. Mix in some dried oregano, then fold in the cooked sausage, onions and spinach.
Step 5: Pour into casserole dish
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Then pour the egg mixture into the greased casserole dish.
Step 6: Bake!
Bake the egg casserole in the oven for about 35-40 minutes or until it’s set in the center. You can check whether it’s done by inserting a knife or toothpick in the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready!
Step 7: Serve hot
Once it’s cooked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into pieces. You can serve it immediately for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. The combination of spinach and sausage brings a bit of southern charm to this dish that everyone is sure to adore.
There you have it – a tasty and healthy spinach breakfast casserole that is sure to satisfy those morning cravings!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to cater to different tastes, you can easily make substitutions and variations to this Southern Spinach Sausage Egg Bake recipe. Here are a few ideas you can try out:
– Meat: You can use different types of breakfast sausage such as turkey or pork sausage. For a spicy twist, try using hot Italian sausages.
РVegetables: Switch up the veggies and use chopped red bell pepper, sliced mushrooms or diced tomatoes instead of spinach. You can also add saut̩ed onions for extra flavor.
– Cheese: This recipe uses sharp cheddar cheese but feel free to swap it with your favorite cheese like feta cheese or even a mix of different cheeses.
– Hashbrowns: For some added texture and crunch, try adding hash browns as a layer on the bottom of the casserole dish.
– Whole30 or Keto Friendly: If you’re following the Whole30 or Keto diet, substitute milk with non-dairy milk such as almond milk and leave out the hash browns.
These substitutions and variations will create endless possibilities to have different versions of the Southern Spinach Sausage Egg Bake that will suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Serving and Pairing
Alright, y’all. We’ve made it to the serving and pairing section of this southern-style spinach sausage egg bake recipe article. Now that you have your piping hot, delicious breakfast casserole out of the oven, it’s time to think about how to elevate and complement those flavors.
To start, I recommend a hearty biscuit with a dollop of honey or a drizzle of hot sauce. The richness of the eggs and sausage in this dish pairs perfectly with a flaky, buttery biscuit. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something lighter, why not serve alongside some fresh fruit? The acidity and sweetness will balance out the savory flavors in the casserole.
If you’re having guests over for brunch, a mimosa is always a crowd-pleaser. The orange juice in this classic breakfast cocktail will also add a pop of brightness to your plate. For something with a bit more kick, try a bloody Mary instead.
Now let’s talk about toppings. Personally, I love adding sliced avocado or diced tomatoes to my spinach sausage egg bake for an extra burst of freshness. If you want to take things up notch even further, sprinkle on a bit of feta cheese or chives for that extra tangy flavor.
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up from the classic southern-style breakfast route, try pairing this casserole with some hash browns or even some whole wheat toast. It’ll be worth it!
I guarantee these simple paired foods will make your meal feel elevated and still highlight the best parts of this breakfast casserole recipe. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the joys of make-ahead meals! This spinach sausage egg bake recipe makes the perfect candidate for overnight breakfast casserole. You can assemble it the night before, then bake and enjoy in the morning. The only thing you would have to worry about is preheating the oven while you take care of your morning routines.
But what happens if you are not planning on serving it right away? Don’t worry, I got you covered.
Storing: Once you have cooked the sausage and assembled your casserole, you can keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it cool down before storing it, and avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Reheating: You can reheat a slice or two in the microwave for about 1 minute or until hot. If you want to reheat a larger portion or don’t have access to a microwave, consider reheating it in the oven. Cover with aluminum foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
A note of caution: reheating may dry out your casserole slightly, so you might want to add some water before microwaving, or milk before reheating in the oven. That will help keep things moist and fresh.
Now that you know how easy it is to make this delicious breakfast casserole ahead of time, just imagine all the possibilities. Aside from being great for busy mornings, this dish is also a great option when hosting brunches or potlucks. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a southern-style chef, I understand the importance of getting perfect results when it comes to breakfast casseroles. Here are some tips that will ensure your Southern Spinach Sausage Egg Bake comes out flawless every time:
1. Cook the Sausage Perfectly: The sausage is an important component of this recipe. To get the perfect sausage for your casserole dish, cook it according to its instructions and brown it perfectly. Make sure there are no pink parts in the sausage.
2. Drain Excess Grease: Once your sausage is cooked, drain the excess grease from it. You want to have just enough grease left in the pan to sauté the onions and garlic.
3. Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: Make sure you mix all the ingredients thoroughly so that they cook evenly. A good trick is to mix everything together in a large bowl before transferring them to your casserole dish.
4. Use High-Quality Cheese: For a rich flavor, use high-quality cheese such as sharp cheddar cheese or feta cheese. These cheeses add a tangy and savory taste to your dish.
5. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach works best for this recipe, but you can also use frozen spinach if fresh spinach is not available. If using frozen spinach, make sure you thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before mixing it with other ingredients.
6. Don’t Overcook Eggs: Overcooked eggs become tough and rubbery, ruining the texture of your casserole dish. To avoid overcooking the eggs, set your oven temperature at 350°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until they’re soft and fully cooked.
7. Cool Before Serving: Your spinach sausage egg bake needs to cool down a little bit before serving so that it sets up properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
8. Experiment with Different Sausages: Experimenting with different types of sausages is always fun. You can try substituting pork sausage with turkey or hot Italian sausage to give your dish a different flavor profile.
Follow these tips, and you will have a perfect southern-style breakfast casserole every time that your family and friends will love!
FAQ
As we conclude this Southern Spinach Sausage Egg Bake recipe, let’s take a moment to address some frequently asked questions about this breakfast casserole. Whether you are making it for yourself, your friends or your family, these tips will help you to achieve the perfect outcome every time. Here are some answers to the most common queries that people might ask about this delicious dish.
How long can you keep a breakfast casserole in fridge before baking?
To prep a breakfast casserole in advance, just lay out the ingredients in a casserole dish. Ensure that the dish is completely covered with plastic wrap before storing it in the refrigerator overnight. The uncooked breakfast casserole can be kept fresh in the fridge for around 72 hours.
How do you reheat an egg casserole without overcooking it?
If you aim to reheat your piping hot southern-style casserole, refrain from putting it back into the oven or reusing a microwave-safe dish. Instead, to prevent it from getting soggy, employ a smart hack: lay another plate on top of the dish, or employ a robust plastic dish lid that’s apt for microwave use. Heat it for around 30-60 seconds at a time, reconsidering its status intermittently before it’s heated fully – usually, 2 minutes is abundantly sufficient time to get your casserole piping hot again!
Can you freeze overnight breakfast casserole?
For best results, allow the casserole to thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Before placing it in the oven, bring it to room temperature. In case you want to store the casserole for a later time, it is advisable to bake it in a disposable aluminum pan and later freeze it for up to three months. Be sure to let the casserole cool down completely, then cover it with plastic wrap, and finally with a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection.
Can breakfast casserole be reheated?
Once the casserole is done cooking, it’s best to let it cool off to so it’s not piping hot when you go to serve it. To ensure maximum freshness, tightly wrap the dish with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy this southern-style breakfast again, preheat your oven to 375ËšF and pop the casserole in there for 30 minutes. This will give it just enough time to reheat and develop a scrumptious browned crust that will make your taste buds sing.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Southern Spinach Sausage Egg Bake Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting and satisfying breakfast dishes. It’s an easy and delicious casserole that will surely impress your family and friends. With its flavorful combination of breakfast sausage, eggs, and spinach, it’s hard not to crave this dish morning after morning.
Not only is this recipe customizable to fit your dietary needs or preferences, but it also allows for make-ahead options that save you precious morning time. Plus, it makes for great leftovers that taste scrumptious even after a few days.
So what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and make this delicious Southern-style dish. I guarantee you won’t regret it!
Southern Spinach Sausage Egg Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled, I prefer Jimmy Dean Hot
- 1 lb frozen leaf spinach, thawed and drained
- 6 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon Accent seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, like Tabasco
- 1/8 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 445°.
- Cook sausage until almost brown.
- Add onions, spinach, spices and hot sauce.
- Cook until sausage is brown and onions are translucent.
- Transfer to 9-inch glass pie dish.
- Mix in part of the cheese.
- Top filling with a more cheese.
- Whisk eggs and water, add to filling.
- Top with rest of cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until firm. a toothpick inserted in the middle will come out clean; top is nice and brown.
- Let cool a little, then slice and enjoy!
- Pair with sliced home-grown tomatoes and sliced avocado in the summer for an awesome accompaniment!
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