Spicy Sausage and Veggie Breakfast Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This Spicy Sausage and Veggie Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate morning pick-me-up, combining hearty ingredients with a kick of spice. It's perfect for a weekend brunch or a make-ahead weekday breakfast that will keep you satisfied and energized.

Ingredients for Spicy Sausage and Veggie Breakfast Casserole

The star of the show is the spicy Italian sausage, bringing the perfect amount of heat and flavor to your morning. The olive oil helps to sauté the vegetables, creating a savory base. Both red and green bell peppers add a sweet crunch and vibrant color. Onion and garlic are kitchen staples that enhance the overall aroma and taste. The eggs and whole milk create a creamy custard that binds everything together. A bit of salt and black pepper seasons the dish, while red pepper flakes provide an extra zing. Shredded cheddar cheese adds richness and a delicious gooey texture. Fresh parsley offers a burst of freshness, and cubed day-old bread soaks up all those wonderful flavors, giving the casserole body and structure.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a serrated knife to cube the bread for cleaner cuts.
  • If you like extra spice, consider adding a chopped jalapeño to the veggie mix.
  • This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a side of crispy bacon for added crunch. If you're hosting brunch, consider serving it alongside a light, bubbly mimosa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely, feel free to swap in your favorite sausage, though keep in mind it may alter the spice level.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it either before baking or after. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake or reheat as needed.

Spicy Sausage and Veggie Breakfast Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to ensure easy release later. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook until it's browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer it to a plate to cool slightly.

Using the same skillet, toss in the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté these together until they soften and start to release their flavors, about 5 minutes. The kitchen should be smelling pretty fantastic by now!

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This mixture will be the custard that holds your casserole together. Stir in the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, and cubed day-old bread. Mix everything until it's well combined.

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, giving the flavors a moment to meld and settle.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of flavors with spicy, savory, and cheesy goodness.
  • Great for feeding a crowd or prepping for the week.
  • Uses day-old bread to minimize waste and adds great texture.
  • Customizable with your favorite veggies or cheese.

Ingredients

1 lb spicy Italian sausage
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
6 cups cubed day-old bread

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Transfer to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Stir in the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, shredded cheese, chopped parsley, and cubed bread. Mix well.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!