Start your day with a hearty, nutrient-packed breakfast! This sausage, cheese, and veggie casserole recipe is a perfect balance of protein, fat, and healthy carbs. It's easy to prepare, versatile and will keep you full and fueled for the day. This recipe combines juicy Italian chicken sausage, melty mozzarella, fresh veggies and eggs for a complete, satisfying meal.
Most of the ingredients for this casserole are pantry staples, except perhaps for the Italian chicken sausage and shiitake mushrooms. Italian chicken sausage is a leaner alternative to traditional pork sausage but still packs a punch of flavor. Shiitake mushrooms are known for their rich, savory taste and meaty texture. You can find both in the meat and produce sections of your local supermarket.
Sausage, Cheese, and Veggie Casserole Ingredients
Italian chicken sausage: A lean but flavorful protein source.
Mozzarella: A popular cheese choice for its meltability and mild flavor.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and adds a hint of flavor.
Shallots: Adds a mild, sweet and slightly spicy flavor.
Shiitake mushrooms: Known for their rich, savory taste and meaty texture.
Red bell peppers: Adds a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and vibrant color.
Broccoli florets: A nutrient-packed vegetable that adds crunch and color.
Eggs: The base of the casserole, providing structure and protein.
Egg whites: Adds additional protein without extra fat or cholesterol.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture.
Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth of flavor.
One reader, Danya Flores says:
This sausage, cheese, and veggie breakfast casserole recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and satisfying, and it's incredibly easy to make. It's become a weekend staple in our house, and my family absolutely loves it. Highly recommend giving it a try!
Techniques Required
How to cook Italian chicken sausage: Cook the sausage over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and cooked through. Set aside once done.
How to sauté vegetables: In the same skillet used for the sausage, add olive oil and sauté the shallots and mushrooms for about 5 to 6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Then, add the roasted peppers and broccoli, and cook for an additional minute. Mix well and remove from heat.
How to whisk eggs: In a large bowl, combine the whole eggs, egg whites, milk, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
How to bake the casserole: Once the casserole is assembled in the baking dish, bake it in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 32 to 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let it stand for 8 to 10 minutes before cutting into 8 pieces.
How To Make Sausage, Cheese and Veggie Breakfast Casserole
Cook up this breakfast casserole next time you’re in need of a big breakfast. This filling dish has Italian sausage, mushroom, broccoli, and bell pepper.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 7ozItalian chicken sausage,(2 links), sweet, removed from skin
- Olive oil spray
- 1¾cupsmozzarella,part skim, shredded
- 1tbspolive oil
- ⅓cupshallots,chopped
- 5ozshiitake mushrooms,sliced
- 12cupred bell peppers,(12oz jar), chopped and roasted
- 1½cupsbroccoli florets,finely chopped
- 8large Whole Eggs
- 4large egg whites
- ¼cupmilk,fat free
- 2tbspParmesan Cheese,grated
- ½tspkosher salt
- ¼tspground black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil. Place half of the cheese into the baking dish.
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Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking up as it cooks until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
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Add the oil to the skillet with the shallots and mushrooms and saute for about 5 to 6 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Add the roasted peppers, broccoli and return the sausage and cook for 1 minute; mix well and remove from heat. Spread evenly over the cheese mixture.
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In a large bowl combine the eggs, egg whites, milk, parmesan, salt and pepper and whisk well. Slowly pour over the vegetables in the baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
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Bake for 32 to 35 minutes, until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 8 to 10 minutes before cutting into 8 pieces.
Nutrition
- Calories: 361.37kcal
- Fat: 22.12g
- Saturated Fat: 7.19g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.67g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.96g
- Carbohydrates: 18.68g
- Fiber: 5.47g
- Sugar: 11.42g
- Protein: 21.61g
- Cholesterol: 231.51mg
- Sodium: 607.44mg
- Calcium: 232.67mg
- Potassium: 768.85mg
- Iron: 2.58mg
- Vitamin A: 503.06µg
- Vitamin C: 298.35mg
Technique Tip for Making a Sausage, Cheese and Veggie Breakfast Casserole
When preparing your broccoli florets, be sure to cut them into uniform sizes. This ensures that they will cook evenly and at the same rate as the other ingredients in the casserole. Additionally, when sautéing your shallots and shiitake mushrooms, keep the heat at a medium level. This allows the vegetables to cook thoroughly without burning, bringing out their natural flavors and enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Lastly, when whisking your eggs, milk, and parmesan cheese together, do so until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will help to create a creamy, well-distributed egg layer in your casserole.
Time-Saving Tips for Making a Sausage, Cheese and Veggie Breakfast Casserole
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and cook sausage the night before to save time in the morning.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Skip grating and use pre-shredded cheese for convenience.
One-pan cooking: Use a large skillet to cook the sausage and vegetables, reducing the number of dishes to clean.
Bake in advance: Make the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a quick breakfast.
Substitute Ingredients For Sausage, Cheese and Veggie Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Italian chicken sausage - Substitute with turkey sausage: Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative to Italian chicken sausage, providing a healthier option with a similar flavor profile.
Mozzarella - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese offers a sharper flavor and melts well, providing a delicious alternative to mozzarella in the casserole.
Shallots - Substitute with yellow onions: Yellow onions can provide a slightly sweeter flavor and are a suitable substitute for shallots in this recipe.
Shiitake mushrooms - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms have a similar earthy flavor and texture to shiitake mushrooms, making them a great alternative in the casserole.
Red bell peppers - Substitute with yellow bell peppers: Yellow bell peppers offer a slightly sweeter flavor and can add a vibrant color to the casserole as a substitute for red bell peppers.
Broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower florets can provide a similar texture and absorb flavors well, making them a suitable substitute for broccoli in the casserole.
Whole eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitute can be used as a lower-cholesterol alternative to whole eggs in the casserole, while still providing the binding and moisture needed.
Egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped to stiff peaks and used as a vegan alternative to egg whites in the casserole.
Milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to milk in the casserole, providing a subtle nutty flavor.
Parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy, umami flavor and can be used as a vegan alternative to Parmesan cheese in the casserole.
Kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity in the casserole.
Ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a milder alternative to black pepper, providing a different flavor profile in the casserole.
Best Way to Present a Sausage, Cheese and Veggie Breakfast Casserole
Elevate the plating: When presenting the sausage, cheese and veggie breakfast casserole, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Consider using a ring mold to shape the casserole into a perfect round, and carefully place it in the center of the plate for a polished presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of vibrancy to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives. The pop of green will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a hint of freshness to the overall presentation.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Elevate the plating by incorporating a drizzle of balsamic glaze or truffle oil around the edge of the plate. This artistic touch adds a gourmet flair and creates a visually stunning presentation.
Use fine dining serveware: Opt for elegant porcelain plates and silverware to serve the casserole. The use of high-quality serveware adds a touch of sophistication and elevates the overall dining experience for the esteemed culinary professionals.
Balance the colors: When plating the casserole, pay attention to the color composition. Aim for a harmonious balance of colors by strategically placing vibrant vegetables alongside the golden-brown sausage and cheese, creating an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Essential Tools for Making a Breakfast Casserole
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food.
- Nonstick skillet: A frying pan with a nonstick surface, used for cooking foods with minimal oil or fat.
- 9x13-inch baking dish: A rectangular dish used for baking casseroles, brownies, and other baked dishes.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
- Knife: A cutting tool used for slicing and chopping ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Cooking spray: A non-stick cooking spray used to prevent food from sticking to pans and dishes.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
How To Store and Freeze Breakfast Casserole Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the breakfast casserole. Cut the casserole into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn.
Label the wrapped portions with the date and contents, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. The casserole will maintain its quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.
To reheat the frozen casserole, remove the desired number of portions from the freezer and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Once thawed, unwrap the portions and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the eggs from drying out.
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. The exact reheating time will depend on the strength of your microwave and the size of the portions.
Alternatively, you can reheat the thawed casserole portions in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
How To Reheat Leftovers
To reheat leftover sausage, cheese and veggie breakfast casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and drying out. Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Another option is to reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a single serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and steaming. The damp paper towel will help prevent the casserole from drying out during reheating.
For a crispy top, you can also reheat the casserole in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a single serving of the casserole to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and golden brown. Flip the casserole over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on both sides.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the casserole and achieve a crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a single serving of the casserole in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on top. Keep an eye on the casserole to ensure it doesn't burn.
Lastly, if you want to reheat the entire casserole but don't want to use the oven, you can use a slow cooker. Place the leftover casserole in the slow cooker and cover it with the lid. Cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method is perfect for keeping the casserole warm for an extended period, making it ideal for potlucks or family gatherings.
Random Fact About Sausage, Cheese and Veggie Breakfast Casseroles
The recipe includes Italian chicken sausage, mozzarella, shiitake mushrooms, red bell peppers, broccoli florets, eggs, and parmesan cheese.
Is Making a Breakfast Casserole Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this sausage, cheese and veggie breakfast casserole recipe is quite high. With a good balance of protein, vegetables, and dairy, it offers a nutritious and filling meal for a household. The use of chicken sausage and vegetables makes it a cost-effective option, while the addition of cheese adds flavor and richness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an affordable and satisfying breakfast option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Breakfast Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
This sausage, cheese, and veggie breakfast casserole recipe offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and dairy. The use of chicken sausage and egg whites helps to reduce the overall fat content, while the inclusion of various vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, red bell peppers, and broccoli florets provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The recipe also incorporates a moderate amount of cheese, which adds calcium and protein to the dish. However, the use of whole eggs and milk does contribute to the total fat and cholesterol content.
To further enhance the healthiness of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for low-fat or reduced-fat cheese to decrease the overall fat content without compromising on flavor
- Increase the proportion of vegetables to boost the fiber and nutrient density of the casserole
- Use a plant-based milk alternative, such as unsweetened almond milk, to reduce the calories and fat contributed by regular milk
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices, like basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes, to add flavor without relying on excessive salt or cheese
- Serve the casserole with a side salad or fresh fruit to round out the meal and provide additional nutrients
Editor's Thoughts on This Breakfast Casserole Recipe
The sausage, cheese, and veggie breakfast casserole recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The Italian chicken sausage adds a savory depth, while the assortment of vegetables brings a delightful freshness. The use of mozzarella and parmesan cheese creates a rich and gooey texture, complementing the hearty ingredients. The dish is well-balanced and nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying breakfast or brunch. The cooking process is straightforward, and the end result is a delicious and visually appealing casserole that is sure to impress.
Enhance Your Sausage, Cheese and Veggie Breakfast Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Sausage, Cheese and Veggie Breakfast Casserole Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring Italian chicken sausage, mozzarella cheese, and a colorful array of shiitake mushrooms, red bell peppers, and broccoli florets. The use of whole eggs and egg whites ensures a rich and satisfying texture, while the addition of milk and parmesan cheese enhances the overall creaminess and depth of flavor. With a perfect balance of kosher salt and ground black pepper, this breakfast casserole promises to be a delicious and wholesome addition to any morning meal.
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