Savory Maple Sausage Breakfast Casserole with Fresh Veggies
Start your day right with this hearty and delicious breakfast casserole that combines the rich flavors of ground maple pork sausage with fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and nutrient-packed spinach. By using whole slices of hearty white bread, including the crust for added texture, this versatile dish offers a delightful twist on the classic breakfast casserole. Perfect for feeding a crowd, or indulging in leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite for brunch gatherings or cozy weekend breakfasts.
N/A
Servings
310
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
nonstick cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the baking dish)
ground maple pork sausage
1 lb (cooked until browned)
soft hearty white bread
6 slices (cut into halves with crusts intact)
cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
large eggs
8 (beaten)
whole milk
2 cups (at room temperature)
dry mustard
1 teaspoon (for flavoring)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
seasoned pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped, optional for garnish)
fresh tomatoes
1 cup (diced, optional for layering)
fresh spinach
1 cup (chopped, optional for mixing in)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2
In a large skillet, cook the ground maple pork sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon and stirring frequently until browned and crumbly, approximately 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease on paper towels.
3
Take the whole slices of soft hearty white bread and cut them in half without removing the crusts to add extra texture. Arrange the bread halves in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, cutting pieces if necessary to fully cover the base.
4
Evenly sprinkle the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese over the layer of bread.
5
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with the whole milk, dry mustard, salt, and seasoned pepper until well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layer, ensuring that the bread absorbs the mixture.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden on top. Remove from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up.
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
15
Carbs
18
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Savory Maple Sausage Breakfast Casserole?
The main protein in this recipe is one pound of ground maple pork sausage, which provides a rich and savory flavor profile.
What type of bread is recommended for this breakfast casserole?
The recipe calls for six slices of soft hearty white bread, which should be cut into halves.
Should I remove the crusts from the bread slices?
No, you should keep the crusts intact as they add extra texture to the finished casserole.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends eight ounces of shredded cheddar cheese for the best results.
How many eggs are required for the egg mixture?
You will need eight large eggs, which should be beaten before being mixed with other ingredients.
What is the oven temperature for baking the casserole?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for approximately 40 minutes or until it is set and the top is golden.
What size baking dish is needed?
A standard 13x9 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should generously spray the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray before adding ingredients.
What type of milk is suggested for the egg mixture?
The recipe calls for two cups of whole milk, preferably at room temperature.
What seasonings are included in the egg mixture?
The egg mixture is seasoned with one teaspoon of dry mustard, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned pepper.
How should the ground maple pork sausage be prepared?
The sausage should be cooked in a large skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes until browned and crumbly, then drained of excess grease.
How do I arrange the bread in the baking dish?
Arrange the bread halves in a single layer on the bottom of the dish, cutting pieces if necessary to ensure the entire base is covered.
What vegetables can be added to this breakfast casserole?
The recipe suggests adding one cup of diced fresh tomatoes and one cup of chopped fresh spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
How long should the casserole rest after baking?
It is recommended to let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, the recipe description notes it is perfect for feeding a crowd or for brunch gatherings.
What can be used as a garnish for the finished dish?
One-quarter cup of chopped fresh basil makes an excellent optional garnish for this casserole.
How many calories are in a serving of this casserole?
Each serving contains approximately 310 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 18 grams of protein per serving in this breakfast dish.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 20 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as a make-ahead dish, making it ideal for busy mornings.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite and is tagged as family-friendly.
How do I ensure the bread absorbs the egg mixture?
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers to ensure full absorption.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray your 13x9 inch baking dish.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients total, including optional items like basil, tomatoes, and spinach.
What kind of texture does the bread provide?
The soft hearty white bread with the crusts left on provides a delightful texture that twists on the classic casserole style.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
The recipe calls for fresh spinach, but frozen spinach could likely be used if it is thawed and squeezed dry first.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its hearty and rich ingredients.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a breakfast casserole or brunch dish.