Spinach and Chorizo Fiesta Breakfast Bake
Start your day off right with this Spinach and Chorizo Fiesta Breakfast Bake! This delightful casserole combines the savory flavors of spicy chorizo sausage and ground turkey, layered with colorful bell peppers, onion, and fresh baby spinach. Cubes of whole wheat bread provide a hearty base, while a creamy egg mixture binds everything together, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. Topped with a blend of Swiss, sharp cheddar, and spicy jalapeno cheddar, this bake offers comforting familiar tastes with a Mexican twist. Perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts, it's a dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
9
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
chorizo sausage
3 ounces (uncooked, spicy Mexican sausage)
ground turkey
6 ounces (uncooked)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
red bell pepper
1/2 (chopped)
green bell pepper
1/2 (chopped)
instant minced garlic
1 tablespoon (ready for sautéing)
Baby Spinach
1 cup (fresh)
whole wheat bread
4 slices (cubed)
eggs
4 (large)
skim milk
2/3 cup (low-fat)
ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon (spice)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (spice)
low-fat Swiss cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
low-fat jalapeno cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9" by 13" baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2
Spread the cubed whole wheat bread evenly in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, skim milk, ground mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set this mixture aside.
4
In a skillet over medium heat, add the uncooked chorizo sausage and ground turkey. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks.
5
Once the meats are cooked, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute, followed by adding the spinach. Cook just until the spinach has wilted, then remove from heat.
7
Layer half of the cooked meat and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes in the baking pan.
8
Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the layer of meat and vegetables.
9
Sprinkle half of each type of cheese over this first layer.
10
Repeat the layering process with the remaining meat and vegetable mixture, the rest of the egg mixture, and finally the remaining cheeses.
11
Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set. Uncover for the last 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese topping to brown slightly.
12
Let the breakfast bake cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares and serving. Enjoy your flavorful fiesta breakfast bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spinach and Chorizo Fiesta Breakfast Bake?
It is a hearty breakfast casserole that combines spicy chorizo, ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, and fresh spinach with whole wheat bread and a three-cheese blend.
What are the primary protein sources in this recipe?
The main proteins are three ounces of spicy Mexican chorizo sausage and six ounces of ground turkey.
How many servings does this breakfast bake provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 9 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking pan is required?
A 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan is needed for this recipe.
How should the baking pan be prepared?
The pan should be generously sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
What type of bread is used in the base?
The recipe calls for four slices of cubed whole wheat bread.
How many eggs are used in the mixture?
The recipe requires four large eggs.
What kind of milk is used for the egg mixture?
Two-thirds of a cup of low-fat skim milk is used.
What seasonings are added to the eggs?
The eggs are whisked with ground mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
What vegetables are sautéed for the filling?
The filling includes one medium chopped onion, and half of both a red and green bell pepper.
How long should the onions and peppers be sautéed?
Sauté the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender.
When should the garlic be added?
Add one tablespoon of instant minced garlic after the vegetables are tender and cook for one additional minute.
How is the spinach prepared for the bake?
Add one cup of fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook it just until it has wilted.
What are the three types of cheese used in this dish?
The recipe uses low-fat Swiss, reduced-fat sharp cheddar, and low-fat jalapeno cheddar.
How much of each cheese is required?
The recipe calls for half a cup of each of the three grated cheeses.
How should the bread be layered in the pan?
Spread the cubed whole wheat bread in a single even layer across the bottom of the pan.
What is the layering process for the filling?
You layer half of the meat and vegetable mixture, followed by half of the egg mixture and half of the cheeses, then repeat the process.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
The total baking time is between 35 to 45 minutes.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the pan with aluminum foil for the initial stage of baking.
When should the aluminum foil be removed?
Uncover the casserole for the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
Why is the casserole uncovered at the end?
Uncovering it allows the cheese topping to brown slightly for a better texture.
How do you know when the breakfast bake is done?
The bake is done when the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
What should be done after removing the bake from the oven?
Let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares to serve.
What flavor profile can be expected from this dish?
It offers a mix of savory meat and vegetables with a spicy Mexican twist from the chorizo and jalapeno cheddar.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts.
What is the preparation for the chorizo?
Use spicy Mexican chorizo that is uncooked and brown it in a skillet before layering.
Can the meat be substituted?
While the recipe specifies chorizo and ground turkey, you could potentially use other ground meats like pork or chicken sausage.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include breakfast casserole, mexican recipe, healthy breakfast, chorizo, and egg bake.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried garlic?
The recipe specifically calls for one tablespoon of instant minced garlic.