There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy breakfast straight from the oven that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas. This Sausage and Spinach Egg Bake Recipe combines savory sausage, fresh spinach, and melty cheese into one easy, crowd-pleasing dish you'll want to make again and again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this Sausage and Spinach Egg Bake Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s as simple as it is versatile. Whether I’m feeding a busy family morning or hosting friends for brunch, this dish works every time.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep it the night before, saving you precious morning minutes without rushing.
- Balance of Flavors: The savory sausage pairs beautifully with fresh spinach and sweet bell peppers for a well-rounded taste.
- Customizable: Easily swap cheeses or add your favorite veggies to tailor it exactly to your liking.
- Feeds a Crowd: This bake stretches nicely to serve a family brunch or small gathering hassle-free.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient has its role in bringing this egg bake to life. When you layer the rich sausage with nutrient-packed spinach and crispy bell peppers, you get texture, flavor, and plenty of colors that make this dish a feast for the senses.
- Sausage: Use a good quality sausage that’s either raw or pre-cooked; browning it adds great depth of flavor with caramelized edges.
- Olive Oil: Just a splash to sauté your veggies without weighing them down.
- Garlic: A little punch of garlic brightens up the whole dish and pairs perfectly with the spinach.
- Spinach: Fresh is best here—when sautéed, it wilts down beautifully and melds into the eggs.
- Bell Peppers: Diced and sautéed until tender, they add sweetness and a nice bite of color.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and savory balance when cooked until soft.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of everything in the bake.
- Eggs: The foundation that holds all the ingredients together in a custardy, flaky goodness.
- Milk: Any kind works here; it makes the eggs tender and adds creaminess.
- Shredded Cheese: I love this with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella, but feel free to use your favorite—it melts perfectly and adds richness.
Make It Your Way
I like to tweak this egg bake depending on what’s in season or what I have on hand. Sometimes, I swap the spinach for kale or add mushrooms for an earthy twist. Don’t hesitate to make it yours!
- Variation: Once, I mixed in some sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese—I loved how the tangy feta cut through the richness of the sausage.
- Vegetarian Option: If you prefer to skip the sausage, use crumbled firm tofu or plant-based sausage for a similar savory profile.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing veggies for a subtle heat boost.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage and Spinach Egg Bake Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. If your sausage isn’t fully cooked, break it up and brown it until deliciously golden – about 5 to 7 minutes. Even if it’s pre-cooked, I like to give it a little sizzle to bring out extra flavor. Once browned, transfer it evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Don’t drain all the fat just yet; we’ll use it for the veggies!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Using the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic, diced yellow onion, bell peppers, and fresh spinach. Cook gently for about 6 to 7 minutes until the veggies soften and the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper about a minute before taking them off the heat. This step infuses the dish with vibrant, fresh flavors.
Step 3: Combine & Add Eggs
Mix the sautéed vegetables with the browned sausage directly in the casserole dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and half of your shredded cheese. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the sausage and veggie base. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and add a final dash of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Bake or Refrigerate Overnight
Go ahead and bake immediately at 375°F (191°C) for about 45 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the center is set but still custardy. Or, if mornings are hectic, cover the dish tightly and pop it in the fridge overnight—you’ll save valuable time and have a hot breakfast ready to go.
Top Tip
Having made this recipe countless times, I found a few tips that make all the difference to ensure success every time.
- Don’t Overcook the Eggs: The bake will continue to firm up slightly as it cools, so it’s best to pull it just when it’s set but still a touch jiggly in the middle.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh spinach and peppers give a brighter flavor and pleasant texture—frozen veggies tend to lose their punch.
- Season Strategically: Season your cooked veggies before combining, then adjust salt and pepper again after adding eggs for layered seasoning.
- Make Ahead: Baking straight away is great, but prepping the night before means you’ll thank yourself on those busy mornings.
How to Serve Sausage and Spinach Egg Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my slice with freshly chopped chives or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to add color and a little zing. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of salsa adds brightness and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this egg bake with crispy roasted potatoes or a light mixed green salad. If I’m feeling indulgent, some warm, buttery toast is the perfect side to mop up any cheesy goodness left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, I’ve served it in mini muffin tins for easy individual portions — guests love how easy it is to grab and go. Layering it with colorful heirloom tomatoes on the side really makes the platter pop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I usually slice into portions immediately after it cools, so taking out just what I need is quick and mess-free.
Freezing
This egg bake freezes beautifully. I freeze it unbaked, tightly wrapped with plastic and foil. When I want to enjoy it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. The texture stays just right—definitely one of my favorite make-ahead tricks.
Reheating
For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works wonders and keeps it moist. If you want to restore a bit of the original baked texture, pop small slices under the broiler for a minute or two.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can swap out the sausage for vegetarian alternatives like plant-based sausage crumbles or even seasoned tofu, and the rest of the recipe remains exactly the same. The flavors are still delicious and the texture stays satisfying.
You can prepare this Sausage and Spinach Egg Bake Recipe up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven for the suggested baking time. It’s perfect for busy mornings!
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both are my favorites because they melt well and complement the sausage and spinach nicely. Feel free to get creative with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a little heat, or even a bit of feta for tanginess.
It’s better to freeze the casserole unbaked to maintain the best texture. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, freeze up to 2 months, then thaw overnight and bake fresh. Freezing after baking can make the texture a bit watery when reheated.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Spinach Egg Bake Recipe has been a trusty go-to for mornings when I need something hearty, wholesome, and fuss-free. I hope you find it just as comforting and versatile—it’s one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again, whether for weekday breakfasts or casual brunch get-togethers. Give it a try and make it your own—here’s to cozy mornings and happy kitchens!
Print
Sausage and Spinach Egg Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and customizable overnight egg bake casserole featuring savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for breakfast or brunch. This dish can be prepared ahead, baked immediately, or frozen for convenient meals.
Ingredients
Meat
- 10 to 12 ounces sausage (casing removed)
Vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 large bell peppers (diced)
- ½ medium yellow onion (diced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Dairy
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (any kind)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (any flavor; divided)
Other
- Olive oil (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare casserole dish: Spray a 7 x 11 or 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside. Preheat the oven to 375ºF (191ºC) if baking immediately.
- Cook sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until slightly cooked through. If using fully cooked sausage, this step can be brief or skipped. Even if fully cooked, browning adds flavor. Transfer sausage evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sauté vegetables: Add olive oil if needed to the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic, fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, and diced onion until vegetables are tender and spinach is wilted, about 6 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during the last minute.
- Combine sausage and vegetables: Remove skillet from heat. Add the cooked vegetable mixture to the sausage in the casserole dish, stirring gently to combine evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare egg mixture and assemble: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ¼ cup shredded cheese. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetables in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheese on top, then season with a bit more salt and pepper.
- Bake casserole: If not already preheated, preheat oven to 375ºF (191ºC). Bake casserole for approximately 45 minutes or until edges are browned and eggs are set. Remove from oven and allow to cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Storage and reheating: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave as needed. The baked casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat at 350ºF (177ºC) for about 20 minutes.
- Freezing unbaked casserole: Assemble casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as directed.
Notes
- This casserole can be baked immediately, refrigerated overnight, or frozen for later use, making it versatile for meal prep.
- Customize the vegetable choices or cheese types to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Use any type of milk you prefer, such as dairy, almond, or oat milk.
- Make sure to allow the casserole to cool before slicing to maintain structure.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean sausage and reduced-fat cheese.
- Freeze individual portions for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 197 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 303 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 223 mg
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