Savory Overnight Sausage and Cheese Egg Bake
This Savory Overnight Sausage and Cheese Egg Bake is the perfect breakfast solution for busy mornings. Prepare it the night before, and wake up to a hearty, flavorful dish that's bursting with protein and cheesy goodness. Made with lean turkey sausage, aromatic herbs, and a mix of milks for creaminess, this casserole is layered with crunchy bread cubes that soak up all the delicious flavors overnight. Just bake it in the morning and enjoy a wholesome meal that will fuel you for the day ahead.
4
Servings
175
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooking spray
as needed (for greasing pans)
bulk turkey sausage
1/2 lb (cooked and crumbled)
fennel seed
1/4 teaspoon (whole)
dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
French bread
1/4 lb (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
egg substitute
1 (8 ounce) carton (liquid form)
skim milk
2/3 cup (liquid)
evaporated skim milk
1/2 cup (liquid)
dry mustard
1 teaspoon (powder)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
black pepper
1 dash (to taste)
paprika
to garnish (sprinkled on top)
grated reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Coat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high for about 1 minute.
2
Add the turkey sausage, fennel seed, and dried oregano to the skillet. Cook until the sausage is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks; then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat.
3
Next, coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom with the cubed French bread, spreading it evenly.
4
Sprinkle the cooked sausage mixture over the bread cubes, distributing it evenly.
5
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg substitute, skim milk, evaporated skim milk, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, and a dash of black pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture over the sausage and bread layer, ensuring it is evenly coated.
6
Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and refrigerate the casserole overnight to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
7
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8
Once the oven is heated, bake the covered casserole for 55 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly and set.
9
After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before cutting it into quarters.
10
Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika for an extra pop of flavor.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Overnight Sausage and Cheese Egg Bake?
It is a hearty make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring lean turkey sausage, aromatic herbs, French bread cubes, and a creamy egg and cheese mixture.
Can I prepare this dish on the same day?
The recipe is designed to be refrigerated overnight to allow the bread cubes to fully soak up the egg mixture for the best texture and flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What type of sausage is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of bulk turkey sausage.
What herbs are used to season the sausage?
The sausage is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of fennel seed and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves.
What kind of bread is best for this egg bake?
French bread cut into 1/2-inch cubes is recommended for this dish.
How much French bread do I need?
You will need 1/4 lb of French bread.
What is the recommended pan size?
An 8-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray is required.
What type of egg product is used?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce carton of liquid egg substitute.
What types of milk are included in the mixture?
The recipe uses a combination of 2/3 cup skim milk and 1/2 cup evaporated skim milk.
What spices add heat to the dish?
Dry mustard and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper provide a savory kick to the egg mixture.
Does this recipe include cheese?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of grated reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese for the topping.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole take to bake?
The total baking time is 55 minutes.
Should the pan be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the pan with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes of baking.
When should I remove the aluminum foil?
Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 175 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 8.75g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a portion?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should the casserole cool before serving?
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before cutting it into quarters.
What is used as a final garnish?
The dish is garnished with a sprinkle of paprika.
Do I need to drain the sausage after cooking?
Yes, transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat.
What size should the bread cubes be?
The French bread should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
Is this a low-fat breakfast option?
Yes, it utilizes lean turkey sausage, skim milk, and reduced-fat cheese to keep the fat content lower.
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg substitute?
While the recipe specifies egg substitute for health benefits, you could substitute roughly 4-5 large eggs if desired.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The provided data does not list a specific fiber count, but it is primarily a protein and carb-based dish.
What order should I layer the ingredients?
Layer the bread cubes first, then the sausage mixture, and finally pour the liquid egg and milk mixture over the top.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
The nutritional information provided does not indicate any added sugar.
What makes the egg mixture creamy?
The combination of skim milk and evaporated skim milk creates a creamy consistency without high fat content.