Savory Sausage & Egg Breakfast Bake Recipe

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Introduction

The Savory Sausage & Egg Breakfast Bake is the epitome of a fulfilling morning meal, seamlessly combining hearty components into a single, delectable dish. This casserole features crumbled breakfast sausage that exudes a rich, savory flavor, paired beautifully with fluffy eggs and creamy sharp cheddar cheese. The addition of soft, day-old bread not only provides texture but also absorbs the flavorful elements, creating a cohesive and inviting breakfast experience.

Ideal for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or simply a Sunday morning feast, this breakfast bake is not just a dish; it’s a warm embrace to savor with loved ones. Whether you are hosting a crowd or just preparing a meal for your family, its simple preparation and generous serving size make it an excellent choice for anyone craving a satisfying start to the day.

Recipe Overview

– Prep Time: 15 minutes

– Cook Time: 50 minutes

– Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

– Course: Breakfast

– Cuisine: American

– Servings: 8

– Calories: Approximately 350 per serving

This breakfast bake showcases a compelling blend of American flavors, with layers of savory ingredients melding beautifully in the oven. Suitable for 8 servings, the dish is designed to be satisfying and filling while remaining easy to make. It takes about 15 minutes of preparation and requires 50 minutes of cooking for a total of 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

The Savory Sausage & Egg Breakfast Bake incorporates an array of ingredients to create its signature flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Main Components

– 1 pound of breakfast sausage, crumbled

– 8 large eggs

– 2 cups of milk

Binders and Fillers

– 4 cups of day-old bread, cut into cubes

Cheese Element

– 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasoning

– 1 teaspoon of salt

– 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder

Optional Garnish

– 1/4 cup of chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Equipment Needed

To prepare this comforting breakfast bake effectively, you will need a few essential kitchen tools and equipment:

Baking Dish

– A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, providing ample room for the batter to rise and brown.

Cooking Utensils

– A large skillet will suffice for browning the breakfast sausage, while a mixing bowl is necessary for combining the egg mixture. A spatula will be useful for spreading the mixture evenly in the baking dish.

Kitchen Essentials

– Don’t forget aluminum foil for covering the dish during baking, which helps prevent over-browning. Additionally, have cooking spray or butter on hand to grease your baking dish for easy release after cooking.

Preparation Steps

The method of preparation is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to enjoy the process.

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures the casserole bakes evenly, giving it a lovely golden top and perfectly cooked insides.

Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the crumbled breakfast sausage over medium heat. As the sausage cooks, stir occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook until the sausage is thoroughly browned—this is key to developing its rich flavor. Once it’s cooked, be sure to drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step helps keep the dish from becoming overly greasy and allows the other flavors to shine through.

Whisk Together Eggs and Milk

In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. It’s essential to get a homogeneous mixture here, which allows the eggs to incorporate fully with the other ingredients for a fluffy texture. After that, add in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing until all ingredients are well combined. The seasonings play a critical role in flavoring the dish, showcasing the savory elements while enhancing the overall profile.

Combine Ingredients

Carefully fold in the cooked sausage, cubed bread, and shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. This step requires a gentle hand—ensuring that the sausage, cheese, and bread are evenly coated and distributed in the egg mixture is paramount. Each bite should feature a delightful combination of sausage, cheese, and that comforting egg base.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will help the casserole slide out easily after it’s baked to perfection. Pour the sausage and egg mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This preparation helps the dish cook uniformly, creating a beautiful, golden top.

Add Garnish (Optional)

If you wish, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a burst of color and flavor. This optional garnish adds a delightful crunch and freshness, which pairs wonderfully with the rich sausage and cheese.

Cover and Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil, which helps to prevent the top from cooking too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial baking phase allows the casserole base to set. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil, and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. During this time, the casserole will begin to rise and develop a beautiful golden-brown color on top. The dish will be done when it has set and the top layer displays that enticing golden appearance.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares for serving. This waiting period is essential as it helps the dish firm up slightly, making it easier to serve without it falling apart.

This savory breakfast casserole is a set-it-and-forget-it option for your next breakfast or brunch, bringing flavor and comfort right to your table.

Prepare the Egg Mixture

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to focus on the egg mixture, which will serve as the base for this delightful breakfast bake. Begin by taking a large mixing bowl and cracking open 8 large eggs. Pour in 2 cups of milk to enhance the creaminess of the casserole. Using a whisk, mix the eggs and milk together until you achieve a smooth consistency. It’s essential to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated to prevent streaks of egg white or yolk from appearing in your final dish.

Next, it’s time to incorporate the seasonings. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder into the egg mixture. Using your whisk, mix these ingredients together until they are well blended. This will infuse your casserole with a flavorful depth that complements the sausage and cheese beautifully.

Combine Ingredients

With the egg mixture ready, it’s time to combine all the main components of the dish. First, take the crumbled and cooked breakfast sausage from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly. Once ready, add it directly into the egg mixture. Next, you will want to fold in the cubed day-old bread—4 cups—carefully so as not to break up the bread cubes too much. This will give the casserole its hearty texture.

After the bread, add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, which will melt and create pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the bake. Using a spatula, gently fold all these ingredients into the egg mixture until everything is well coated. This ensures that every bite will be flavor-packed with sausage, egg, bread, and cheese.

Baking Process

The baking process is essential not just for cooking the casserole through but also for developing rich flavors and an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.

Grease the Baking Dish

Before you pour in the mixture, you need to prepare your baking dish. Use either cooking spray or butter to generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will help in preventing the casserole from sticking to the dish, allowing for easy serving. A well-greased dish is critical for ensuring that the edges come out crispy and golden without adhering to the sides of the dish.

Layer the Casserole

After greasing the baking dish, it’s time to transfer the sausage and egg mixture into the dish. Use a spatula to pour the mixture in, ensuring you spread it evenly across the entire surface of the dish. Making sure the mixture is level will allow for even cooking throughout. A uniform layer encourages a consistent texture and prevents any parts from being overly dry or soggy.

Add Garnish

To add an extra element of flavor and visual appeal, consider garnishing your casserole before it heads into the oven. Sprinkle chopped green onions (1/4 cup) over the top of the mixture if you wish. The green onions provide a fresh, zesty note that enhances the overall dish while also contributing a pop of color.

Bake with Foil

Now, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial to preventing it from over-browning while allowing the casserole to cook through fully. Place the covered dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). During this initial phase, the ingredients will meld together and begin setting.

Final Baking Stage

Once the first 30 minutes are complete, carefully remove the foil. At this stage, you want the casserole to continue baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes. This final phase allows the top to achieve a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on it; you can gently shake the dish to check for doneness—when it is firm and doesn’t jiggle, it’s ready to come out.

Cool and Slice

Once the casserole has reached that perfect golden-brown crust, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting time is essential as it allows the casserole to set further, making it easier to slice. Using a sharp knife, cut the dish into squares for serving. This makes it both convenient to serve and pleasing to the eye.

Serving Suggestions

The presentation of the Savory Sausage & Egg Breakfast Bake can elevate the overall breakfast experience, making it a hit at any morning gathering.

Garnishing Ideas

When serving warm, consider adding further garnishes like additional chopped green onions or even a generous dollop of sour cream. This added creaminess can enhance the flavor profile and provide a delightful contrast against the savory filling.

Perfect Pairings

To create a balanced breakfast spread, consider pairing this savory casserole with fresh fruit, such as a medley of berries or slices of ripe melon. A light salad is also an excellent choice, complementing the richness of the casserole while refreshing the palate.

Nutritional Information

Servings and Portions

This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings, making it an excellent choice for a family breakfast or brunch gathering. It’s ideal for both small and larger groups, ensuring everyone gets a hearty start to their day.

Caloric Content

Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it not only a satisfying meal but also a filling one. This caloric density provides energy for your morning activities, ensuring you feel satisfied without feeling overly heavy.

Time Management

Prep Time

Allocate around 15 minutes for preparation. During this time, ensure that all ingredients are ready, including crumbling the sausage and cutting the bread into cubes. Having everything prepped will streamline the cooking process.

Cook Time

The total cook time is 50 minutes, broken down into specific stages. By adhering to these timed intervals, you will achieve the perfect bake, yielding an evenly cooked casserole.

Total Time

From start to finish, the entire process takes 1 hour and 5 minutes, making it a relatively quick option for a hearty breakfast.

Flavor Profile

The Savory Sausage & Egg Breakfast Bake boasts a harmonious combination of flavors that appeal to a wide range of tastes. The savory sausage pairs beautifully with the creamy eggs and sharp cheddar cheese, while the spices provide an additional depth that rounds out this satisfying breakfast dish. When served warm, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, bringing comfort and joy to your morning routine.

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