Ah, Friday. Welcome old friend. I missed you so… Had a fun and full week here! Got to take a cooking class at Sur la Table, where we helped make an Italian feast. (It was a birthday present from my husband, who obviously gets me, but then he couldn’t go because of a work thing. So I took a friend instead!) It was fun and delicious and a nice night out for this usually boring mama. I also finally got my holiday cards addressed, stuffed, stamped and (mostly) out the door. Love that December is the one time of year that I actually look forward to getting the mail because there’s bound to be a couple of cards each day, among the rest of the junk. It’s the little things, right?!
Now, on to today’s recipe… Who doesn’t love a breakfast casserole? (I hope you didn’t just raise your hand because we might have to part ways. And that would make me sad.) And who doesn’t love a breakfast casserole that’s a little bit healthier and LOADED up with all the veggies? Tell me I’m not alone here. Right? Right?!
My family growing up always made the traditional sausage and egg breakfast casserole. And yes, it’s really good. Like, so very good. But once I was grown and making my own food, I wanted to healthify it a bit… lighten it up a little, add some veggies - you know, make it ME. 😉 And that’s exactly what this make-ahead healthy sausage breakfast casserole is. My style all the way! It’s adapted from one of my favorite Southern cookbooks — Catering to Charleston by Frances Ellison Hamby — and has been one of my holiday and brunch staples for years! I love that I can prep it ahead and that it serves a crowd. Doubly perfect for this time of year when we’re busy and have company visiting!
Notes on make-ahead healthy sausage breakfast casserole:
The bread cubes should cover the bottom of your casserole dish. Depending on your slices, it’ll be about 7-8 slices, cubed. Hot turkey sausage adds a nice flavor boost but you can use mild when serving a crowd (or kids). You can also substitute pork sausage if you prefer, just be sure to drain any extra grease. Please feel free to customize this! You can use whatever type of sausage you like and you can leave out or change up the veggies to suit your preferences. You can substitute the equivalent amount of egg beaters in this recipe. (My mom has an egg allergy so I’ve done this before.) You can use gluten-free bread and check your sausage to make a gluten-free version of this breakfast casserole.
You can even make this vegetarian. Omit the sausage and substitute black beans (or you favorite beans) or use a 16 oz. package of mushrooms in place of the meat. (Sauté the mushrooms first so you can remove their moisture.) Have leftover veggie scraps, after what you need for this casserole? Add them to omelets later in the week or sauté or roast them up for a side dish. Like it spicy? Use the hot turkey sausage and add the optional red pepper flakes for a good kick. Like it really spicy? You can also add a small jalapeño pepper to the casserole and/or serve the casserole with some hot sauce.
Pretty much, customize this make-ahead healthy sausage breakfast casserole to make it your own! As breakfast casseroles should be, right?! And if you need some ideas for rounding out your meal, overnight cheesy grits casserole is always a hit. You can also check out some healthy muffin recipes for a small, sweet bite. Don’t forget the bubbly either. Mimosas, poinsettia cocktail and brunch punch are all good options. Cheers to the holiday season and all the get togethers! Enjoy! XO, Kathryn
I prefer hot turkey sausage but I use mild when serving a crowd (or kids). You can also substitute pork sausage if you prefer, just be sure to drain any extra grease. Like it spicy? Use the hot turkey sausage and add the optional red pepper flakes for a good kick. Like it really spicy? You can also add a small jalapeño pepper to the casserole and/or serve the casserole with some hot sauce. You can substitute the equivalent amount of egg beaters in this recipe if desired. You can use gluten-free bread and check your sausage to make a gluten-free version of this breakfast casserole. You can even make this vegetarian. Omit the sausage and substitute black beans (or you favorite beans) or use a 16 oz. package of mushrooms in place of the meat. (Sauté the mushrooms first so you can remove their moisture.) Adapted from Catering to Charleston by Frances Ellison Hamby.
