Savory Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole
Start your holiday morning on a high note with this Savory Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole! Bursting with flavor and made with a delightful medley of pork sausage, crispy hash browns, and a blend of cheeses, this make-ahead brunch dish will keep your family and friends coming back for seconds. Topped with a vibrant tomato and basil mixture, this casserole combines hearty ingredients with a fresh finish, making it perfect for festive gatherings like Christmas brunch. Prepare it the night before for an effortless serving, allowing you to enjoy quality time with your loved ones!
12
Servings
250
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
bulk pork sausage
1.5 lbs (cooked and crumbled)
frozen country style shredded hash brown potatoes
5 cups (from 30 oz pkg, thawed)
sliced green onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
sliced mushrooms
2 (4 1/2 ounce) jars (drained)
sliced ripe olives
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can (drained)
fresh basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
shredded mozzarella-cheddar blend cheese
12 ounces (divided (3 cups))
eggs
8 (beaten)
milk
1.5 cups (whole or low-fat)
salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
Italian plum tomatoes
6 (chopped (about 2 cups))
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2
Spray a 13X9 inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
3
In a large skillet, cook the bulk pork sausage over medium heat until it's no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the thawed hash browns, chopped green onions, drained mushrooms, drained olives, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil, and 2 cups of the mozzarella-cheddar cheese.
5
Fold in the cooked sausage until well combined, then transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
6
In another bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until fully combined. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the potato mixture in the baking dish.
7
Cover the baking dish with a sheet of foil that has been sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
8
When ready to serve, bake the casserole, covered, for 45 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden.
9
While the casserole is baking, prepare the warm tomato topping. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant.
10
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and the remaining 1/3 teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. Add the 2 tablespoons of chopped basil and remove from heat.
11
Once the casserole is baked through, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Top individual portions with the warm tomato mixture to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
15g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole?
It is a hearty, make-ahead brunch dish featuring pork sausage, shredded hash browns, a blend of cheeses, and a fresh tomato-basil topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, it is designed as a make-ahead meal that should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours or overnight before baking.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of bulk pork sausage, cooked and crumbled.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F when you are ready to bake the casserole.
Do I need to thaw the hash browns?
Yes, use 5 cups of frozen country-style shredded hash brown potatoes that have been thawed.
What kind of cheese is used in this casserole?
The recipe uses 12 ounces (about 3 cups) of a shredded mozzarella-cheddar blend, divided between the mixture and the topping.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 8 large eggs, beaten, for the liquid base.
What type of milk should I use?
You can use 1.5 cups of either whole or low-fat milk.
What is the total baking time?
The casserole takes about 65 to 70 minutes to bake: 45 minutes covered and 20-25 minutes uncovered.
How do I make the tomato topping?
Sauté minced garlic in olive oil, add chopped Italian plum tomatoes and salt, cook for 5 minutes until tender, then stir in fresh basil.
What size baking dish do I need?
Use a 13x9 inch glass baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
Are there any vegetables included in the filling?
Yes, the filling includes sliced green onions, drained mushrooms, and sliced ripe olives.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 12.5 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How much basil do I need for the whole recipe?
You will need a total of 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil: 1 tablespoon for the potato mixture and 2 tablespoons for the tomato topping.
How do I prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese?
Spray the underside of the foil lightly with nonstick cooking spray before covering the dish.
Should I drain the sausage after cooking?
Yes, you should drain the excess fat after cooking the bulk pork sausage until it is no longer pink.
How long should the casserole rest after baking?
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of olive oil for the topping?
Yes, the recipe allows for either olive oil or vegetable oil for sautéing the garlic and tomatoes.
What kind of tomatoes are recommended for the topping?
The recipe suggests using 6 Italian plum tomatoes, which equals about 2 cups when chopped.
Is this dish suitable for Christmas brunch?
Absolutely, its make-ahead nature and festive tomato-basil topping make it perfect for holiday mornings.
Do I add all the cheese into the potato mixture?
No, you mix 2 cups of cheese into the potato mixture and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup on top before adding the eggs.
How many mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for two 4.5-ounce jars of sliced mushrooms, drained.
How many olives are needed?
You will need one 2.25-ounce can of sliced ripe olives, drained.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is done when the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Should the tomato topping be served cold?
No, the tomato topping should be served warm over individual portions for the best flavor.
What category of meal does this fall into?
This is categorized as a 'One Dish Meal,' specifically a breakfast casserole.