Description
Hearty Italian sausage breakfast casserole brings comfort and flavor to morning tables, blending savory ingredients into a satisfying one-pan meal. Rich layers of cheese, eggs, and spicy sausage promise delicious energy you’ll crave from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 6 large eggs
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
Dairy and Bread:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
- 6 slices white or Italian bread, cut into cubes
- 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Sauté Italian sausage with finely chopped onions and vibrant bell peppers in a skillet, cooking until meat turns golden brown and vegetables become tender and translucent.
- Remove excess oil from the sausage mixture to ensure a lighter, less greasy casserole.
- Create a smooth egg base by whisking eggs with milk, seasoning with salt and black pepper until fully integrated.
- Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Create a foundational layer by evenly distributing bread cubes across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Distribute the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture uniformly over the bread layer.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese to add creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Carefully pour the prepared egg mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring even coverage.
- Finish by dusting the surface with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes.
- Verify doneness by checking that the center is completely set and the top has achieved a golden-brown color.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes slicing easier.
- Serve warm, cutting into hearty portions that showcase all the delicious layers.
Notes
- Swap bread with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower crust or almond flour bread for a celiac-friendly version.
- Use turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat and create a leaner breakfast option without sacrificing flavor.
- Prep ingredients the night before and assemble quickly in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that looks impressive.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and extra freshness that elevates the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg