Sausage Egg Bake
Why Make This Recipe
Sausage Egg Bake is a delicious and hearty dish that many people love, especially for breakfast or brunch. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or weekend brunches with friends. Its combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and crispy hash browns makes it not only satisfying but also very comforting. Plus, it’s a simple dish that can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy the time with your guests instead of spending it in the kitchen.
The best part about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tailor it to your preferences, whether you like spicy sausage or prefer to keep it mild. You can also add different vegetables or swap the cheese to customize it to your taste. This dish will please even the pickiest eaters, making it a great choice for any occasion.
How to Make Sausage Egg Bake
Creating a Sausage Egg Bake is quite straightforward. You’ll begin by cooking the sausage, which will provide the hearty base for your dish. Then you’ll make a creamy egg mixture and layer it with crispy hash browns and shredded cheese before baking it all together. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious breakfast.
Ingredients
To make a delicious Sausage Egg Bake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups hash browns
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
These ingredients work together to create a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Directions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Sausage Egg Bake:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your bake cooks evenly and comes out perfectly.
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Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat. Stir it frequently until it is browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking. This helps to keep the dish from being too greasy.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mixing these ingredients well will create a fluffy and flavorful egg base.
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Layer the Hash Browns: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Once greased, layer the frozen or fresh hash browns evenly across the bottom of the dish. This provides a delicious and crispy foundation.
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Add the Cooked Sausage: After layering the hash browns, spread the cooked sausage evenly over them. This adds a nice, savory element to your dish.
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Pour the Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the sausage layer. Make sure it distributes evenly to cover all ingredients.
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Top with Cheese: Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the egg mixture. This will give your Sausage Egg Bake a delightful cheesy crust.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. You can check if the eggs are set by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done!
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Cool and Serve: Once done, allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares and serving. This waiting time helps it set up better for cutting.
How to Serve Sausage Egg Bake
When it comes to serving your Sausage Egg Bake, there are plenty of delicious options. You can serve it warm straight from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a touch of color and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with slices of fresh fruit, a light salad, or some crispy bacon for a complete breakfast spread.
If you want to make it even more special, consider offering sides of salsa or hot sauce for those who like an extra kick. You can also serve it with toast or muffins on the side. Coffee or fresh juice could make a nice drink accompaniment, enhancing the overall experience.
How to Store Sausage Egg Bake
If you have any leftovers after your gathering, you can store them easily for later. Here’s how:
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Refrigerate: Allow the Sausage Egg Bake to cool down to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Freeze: For longer storage, consider freezing portions of your Sausage Egg Bake. Cut it into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Tips to Make Sausage Egg Bake
Here are some tips to ensure your Sausage Egg Bake comes out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh eggs and quality sausage. Fresh ingredients will make a big difference in taste.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to add in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or onions to enhance the nutritional content and flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the baking time, as overcooking can lead to dry eggs. Check for doneness a few minutes before the time is up.
- Choose Your Cheese Wisely: While shredded cheddar is a popular choice, consider using other types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a mix to add different flavors.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time. Prep it the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and pop it in the oven in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
- Serve with a Salad: For a brunch option, serve your Sausage Egg Bake with a light salad, balancing the meal with some greens.
Variations
There are several fun ways to switch up your Sausage Egg Bake:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to make a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy sausage or add diced jalapeños to the mix for some heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix different types of cheese or add cream cheese instead of regular cheese for a creamier texture.
- Hash Brown Substitutes: If you want to break from tradition, swap hash browns for tater tots or even sliced potatoes for a different bite.
- Mini Bakes: Instead of a single large bake, use muffin tins to create individual servings. This makes for great grab-and-go breakfasts.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen hash browns for this recipe?
Yes, frozen hash browns are perfect for this recipe! Just layer them directly in the baking dish, no need to thaw. -
Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven in the morning and enjoy. -
How do I know when the bake is fully cooked?
The bake is done when the center is set (insert a knife; it should come out clean) and the top is golden brown. -
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes! To reheat, place slices in the microwave or toaster oven until warm throughout. You can also reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. -
What kind of sausage should I use?
You can use any kind of sausage you prefer—pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage alternatives. The choice is yours!
Overall, Sausage Egg Bake is a wonderful recipe that brings together flavor and simplicity. With its hearty ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a beloved dish in your home! Whether for breakfast, brunch, or any meal of the day, it’s a recipe worth trying. Enjoy!
PrintSausage Egg Bake
A hearty breakfast dish made with sausage, eggs, hash browns, and cheese, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups hash browns
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Grease a baking dish and layer hash browns evenly across the bottom.
- Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the hash browns.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until eggs are set and top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Customize with different vegetables or cheeses as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
