Hearty Breakfast Casserole with Chicken Sausage: Family Favorite

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KEY TAKEAWAY

What is a chicken sausage breakfast casserole?

• Hearty breakfast dish featuring chicken sausage, eggs, cheese, and vegetables.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep.
• Versatile and customizable with various ingredients and flavors.

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“A chicken sausage breakfast casserole is a yummy baked dish with eggs, cheese, and chicken sausage,” says expert chef Michael.One morning, the delicious smell of sizzling sausage woke me up and made my mouth water!It was coming from the kitchen where my mom was making a chicken sausage breakfast casserole.When I took my first bite, I couldn’t believe how amazing it tasted – savory chicken sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey melted cheese all baked together.This casserole is the ultimate tasty morning treat that will have you jumping out of bed!Keep reading to learn how to make it.

Tried and True Ingredients

Source: Downshiftology

The Basics of a Casserole

• Eggs – The glue that holds it all together! You’ll need at least 8-12 eggs for most casserole recipes.
• Potatoes – Hashbrowns or diced potatoes add heartiness. Leave them out for a low-carb option.
• Sausage – The star protein! Both links and bulk sausage work great. (1)
• Cheese – Lots of melty, gooey cheese makes it ultra tasty. Cheddar is a classic choice.

Types of Sausage to Use

✅ Chicken Sausage – A leaner, delicious option that’s perfect for breakfast! Look for varieties like:

• Apple chicken sausage
• Spinach and feta chicken sausage
• Sun-dried tomato chicken sausage

Regular pork sausage is also tasty if you prefer.

Additional Veggies and Herbs

Veggies	Herbs
Diced bell peppers	Basil
Sliced mushrooms	Oregano
Chopped tomatoes	Thyme
Spinach or kale	Chives
Red onion

Feel free to mix and match your favorites!Personally, I absolutely love adding pepper, onion, and a handful of spinach to my chicken sausage  (2) breakfast casseroles.Those veggies with the chicken sausage is such an irresistible combo.Over the years, I’ve found that a good breakfast casserole is really all about piling in your preferred proteins, cheeses, and veggies.Get creative with whatever you’ve got on hand for a unique, hearty, and flavorful egg bake every time!

Recipe and Instructions

Ingredients:

• 8 oz chicken sausage, casings removed if links
• 1 lb frozen hash browns, thawed
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy, almond or oat milk works)
• 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
3. Spread the cooked sausage in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Top with an even layer of hash browns.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt and pepper until fully combined.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and hash brown layers in the baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
8. Allow to cool 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Tasty Additions	Substitutions
Diced peppers, onions, tomatoes	Use ground pork or turkey sausage instead of chicken
Spinach or kale	Swap hash browns for diced roasted potatoes
Hot sauce or salsa	Use preferred milk alternative like almond or oat milk

That’s all there is to it!In about 45 minutes, you’ll have a piping hot, protein-packed breakfast casserole ready to devour.Trust me, the smells wafting from your oven will have everyone’s mouths watering!

Tips and Variations

Customize with Vegetables:

• Sauté bell peppers, red onion, and baby spinach until tender
• Layer the veggie mixture into the casserole for extra nutrients and flavor

Dairy-Free Option:

For those who need to avoid dairy, simply:

• Use non-dairy milk like almond milk
• Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative

Make-Ahead Meal Prep:

Breakfast casseroles are perfect for meal prep! You can:

• Assemble the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish
• Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking

Doubled Batch for a Easy Crowd:

Feeding a larger group? No problem!

• Double or triple all ingredients
• Bake in a jumbo 9×13″ dish or disposable aluminum pans
• Cut into squares and serve an easy crowd pleasing breakfast!

Pro Tips: Add a kick to your casserole with hot sauce or diced jalapeños Use a carton of egg whites to cut calories and fat ⏰ You can also freeze fully baked casserole portions for quick reheatingWhether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting brunch, these simple tweaks… … make a decadent chicken sausage breakfast casserole work for any gluten free diet or occasion!

FAQs

What makes this casserole low carb?

This breakfast casserole is low carb because it uses chicken sausage instead of higher carb pork or beef sausage.It also uses low carb ingredients like bell peppers, onion, and baby spinach instead of potatoes or bread.

How much salt do I use?

Use 1/4 tsp of salt or sea salt while whisking the eggs.You can adjust the amount of salt to your taste.Too little or too much salt can make the casserole taste bland or overly salty.

What oils can I use instead of olive oil?

You can use avocado oil or other neutral tasting oils instead of olive oil.Oils like olive oil, avocado oil and vegetable oil work well for cooking because they have a high smoke point and won’t break down from the heat.Avoid using butter or other dairy based fats as they may cause the egg mixture to break apart.

Will the casserole be fully cooked if the eggs are still a little pink in the center after baking?

Even though there may be a few spots of pink color visible after baking, the casserole should be fully cooked through as long as it has been baked for the total recommended time.The eggs will continue cooking from residual heat even after removing from the oven.As long as there is no visible liquid egg left, it is safe to eat.

Can I make this ahead of time or make individual servings?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours.You can also make individual servings in a muffin tin or small baking dish and reheat them in the microwave for an easy, portable breakfast.Cooking the servings fully ahead of time also makes them kid-friendly.

Do I need to use cooked chicken sausage or can I use raw sausage?

You can use either fully cooked chicken sausage or raw breakfast sausage in this casserole.If using raw sausage, be sure to cook it through before adding to the egg mixture.Cook the raw sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink.Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.

How can I customize the recipe by adding or substituting ingredients?

You have flexibility to add your favorite vegetables, herbs or cheeses to customize the recipe.You can add ingredients like diced bell peppers, spinach, green onions or roasted sweet potatoes.You can also substitute the protein – use ground turkey or lean ground beef instead of chicken sausage.Seasonings like garlic powder or dried herbs can be added or substituted to taste.

Will the eggs be fully cooked?

Yes, the eggs will be fully baked and safe to eat even if they look a little pink in the center after baking.The internal temperature should reach 160°F.

How long does it take to make?

From start to finish, including preheating the oven and baking time, you can expect the total time to make this breakfast casserole to be about 1 hour.

Is this recipe dairy free?

Yes, by using almond milk instead of dairy milk, this egg casserole recipe is dairy free and suitable for most people with dairy allergies or sensitivities.

What size servings does this make?

One 9×13 inch casserole dish serves about 6-8 people depending on portion size.Each individual portion would be considered a serving size.

When should I bake the casserole?

For best results, bake this breakfast casserole the night before and store in the refrigerator.In the morning, simply preheat the oven to 350°F, cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Can I make individual portions?

Yes, you can make individual egg muffins by greasing a muffin tin with cooking spray and dividing the mixture among the cups before baking.

What ingredients can I find at the grocery store?

All the major ingredients for this recipe like chicken apple sausage, red onion, yellow onion, large eggs… … almond milk, sweet potato, and black pepper can easily be found at your local grocery store.

Are there any substitutions?

You can substitute frozen hash browns or diced cooked potatoes for the sweet potatoes.Feel free to use your favorite cheese or mix of cheeses.You can also swap the chicken apple sausage for your favorite breakfast meat or leave it out altogether for a grain free and egg breakfast option.

Is this recipe high in saturated fat?

By using egg whites or an egg white alternative instead of whole eggs, you can reduce… … the overall saturated fat content while keeping all the flavor and texture in the easy sausage egg casserole recipe.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks – the simplest, most delicious way to start your day! This chicken sausage breakfast casserole is a true all-in-one morning marvel.From the hearty protein-packed sausage to the creamy egg custard and crispy hash brown crust, every savory bite is sheer breakfast bliss.And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, even for the most sleep-deprived morning person.Just a few basic ingredients tossed together and popped in the oven.In less than an hour, you’ll have a piping hot, perfectly portioned casserole ready to satisfy the whole family.Whether prepping it for busy weekday mornings or serving it up at your next brunch gathering, this versatile casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.Customize it with your favorite veggies, cheeses, and breakfast meats for a fresh spin every time.It’s meal-prep and make-ahead friendly too!So what are you waiting for? Give this easy chicken sausage breakfast bake a try and I can practically guarantee it will become your new go-to morning staple.Let me know in the comments how your family devoured this delicious casserole! Here’s to waking up with a smile.

References

1. https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/breakfast-casserole/
2. https://www.allrecipes.com/article/is-chicken-sausage-healthy/

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