Creamy Instant Pot Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Bake
Start your day with a hearty and flavorful breakfast that combines savory sausage, tender potatoes, and nutritious spinach, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. This creamy casserole is not only quick to make but also packed with protein, making it a delightful choice for family brunch or meal prep. With a beautiful blend of spices, fresh chives, and melted cheese, every bite will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to take on the day. Perfect for any breakfast gathering, this dish serves 4-6 and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices.
N/A
Servings
187
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
unsalted butter
1 (tablespoon)
breakfast sausage
1/2 (lb)
diced yellow onion
1/2 (cup)
frozen potatoes O'Brien
2 (cups)
baby spinach, chopped
2 (cups)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 (teaspoon)
water
1 (cup)
large eggs
9
milk
2 (tablespoons)
shredded colby-montery jack cheese
1/2 (cup)
chopped fresh chives
1 (tablespoon)
Instructions
1
Set a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot to sauté mode on high heat. Once hot, add olive oil, unsalted butter, and the breakfast sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage as it cooks until it is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the diced yellow onion and frozen potatoes O'Brien, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the onions are softened.
3
Add the chopped baby spinach, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring until the spinach is wilted. Turn off the Instant Pot and transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture to a greased 7-inch round baking dish, spreading it evenly. Set the dish aside.
4
Clean out the inner pot of the Instant Pot and return it to the unit. Place a metal trivet or wire rack inside, then pour in 1 cup of water.
5
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until thoroughly combined. Pour this egg mixture over the sausage and vegetable mix in the baking dish, gently stirring to ensure even distribution.
6
Sprinkle the top of the mixture with shredded colby-monterey jack cheese.
7
Carefully place the baking dish into the Instant Pot. Lock the lid in place and ensure the valve is set to 'seal'. Set to pressure cook on high for 30 minutes.
8
Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining steam. Open the lid carefully.
9
Remove the baking dish with caution and let the casserole cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chives before serving. For added texture, place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes until the top is golden brown before serving.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
8g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Instant Pot Sausage and Spinach Breakfast Bake?
It is a hearty breakfast casserole featuring savory sausage, potatoes, and spinach cooked in an Instant Pot.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This breakfast bake serves between 4 and 6 people.
What size Instant Pot is needed?
A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot is recommended for this recipe.
What type of sausage is best?
Standard breakfast sausage is preferred, but you can use spicy or mild varieties.
Do I need to thaw the potatoes O'Brien?
No, you can use the potatoes O'Brien directly from the freezer.
How do I sauté the sausage?
Use the sauté mode on high heat with olive oil and butter for about 5 minutes.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for half a cup of diced yellow onion.
Can I use fresh spinach?
Yes, use 2 cups of chopped baby spinach and sauté until wilted.
Do I cook the eggs directly in the pot?
No, the mixture is cooked inside a greased 7-inch round baking dish placed on a trivet.
What size baking dish fits in the Instant Pot?
A 7-inch round baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How much water goes in the bottom of the Instant Pot?
You need to pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot to create steam.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
This recipe requires 9 large eggs.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Shredded colby-monterey jack cheese is recommended for its melting properties.
How long does it take to pressure cook?
Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 30 minutes.
Is a natural release necessary?
Yes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before opening the valve.
How can I get a golden top on the casserole?
Place the finished casserole under the broiler for a few minutes until the top is golden brown.
What should I garnish the dish with?
Garnish the casserole with fresh chopped chives before serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is high in protein and holds up well when stored and reheated.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving has approximately 187 calories, 13g of fat, and 11g of protein.
Are there any spices in this dish?
Yes, it is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I substitute the sausage?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or a vegetarian meat substitute if desired.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but always check your sausage and potato labels to be sure.
Do I need to clean the pot between steps?
Yes, clean the inner pot after sautéing before adding the water and trivet.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, diced bell peppers or mushrooms would be excellent additions.
Why is milk added to the eggs?
Two tablespoons of milk help create a creamier texture for the baked eggs.
What if I don't have a 7-inch dish?
Ensure whatever dish you use is heat-safe and fits comfortably inside the pot on the trivet.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free milk alternative and omit the cheese or use a vegan substitute.
Is the red pepper flake seasoning spicy?
It provides a very mild heat; you can omit it if you prefer a completely mild dish.