Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenience: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning, making it ideal for busy schedules or entertaining guests.
- Versatility: Easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Flavorful: The combination of seasoned sausage, creamy cheeses, and mild green chiles offers a satisfying and delicious experience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound beef or chicken sausage
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup chopped mushrooms
- 10 large eggs
- 1 (16-ounce) container cottage cheese
- 1 pound shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles, drained
Directions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until evenly browned. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté green onions and mushrooms until tender.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and diced green chiles. Stir in the cooked sausage, green onions, and mushrooms.
- Refrigerate: Cover the mixture and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the egg mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 60 minutes, or until the eggs are set. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
- Different Cheeses: Substitute Monterey Jack with cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy: Use spicy sausage or add a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for an extra kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
FAQs
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Prepare the casserole as directed, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next morning as instructed.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve alongside this casserole?
Pair it with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or toast for a complete meal.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Substitute the sausage with turkey or another preferred option.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the eggs are set, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the mixture overnight?
Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld and ensures a firmer texture, but if you’re short on time, you can bake it immediately after assembling.
Can I add potatoes to this casserole?
Yes, adding hash browns or diced cooked potatoes can enhance the heartiness of the dish.
How can I make this casserole lower in fat?
Use turkey sausage, reduced-fat cheeses, and low-fat cottage cheese to reduce the fat content.
Can I use fresh chiles instead of canned?
Certainly! Roast, peel, and dice fresh green chiles to use in place of canned ones.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Conclusion
This Sausage Egg Casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Its make-ahead convenience and customizable nature make it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Sausage Egg Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (+ optional overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sausage Egg Casserole is a hearty and flavorful breakfast bake featuring savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese. Perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, or meal prep, this easy casserole can be made ahead for a stress-free start to the day.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef or chicken sausage
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup chopped mushrooms
- 10 large eggs
- 1 (16-ounce) container cottage cheese
- 1 pound shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles, drained
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté green onions and mushrooms until tender.
- Combine Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and green chiles. Stir in the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables.
- Refrigerate (Optional) – Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the egg mixture. Bake for 60 minutes or until eggs are set.
- Cool & Serve – Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Customization: Use different cheeses, meats, or veggies to suit your taste.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
