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A lightened-up breakfast casserole recipe, freshly baked and golden brown.

Classic Lightened-Up Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This lightened-up breakfast casserole is packed with flavor and perfect for a crowd. Lean sausage, fresh vegetables, and whole-wheat bread are baked in a savory egg mixture, topped with reduced-fat cheese for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • large bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean breakfast sausage (chicken or turkey)
  • 6 slices whole-wheat bread cubed (preferably stale)
  • 1 tbsp cooking spray
  • large onion chopped
  • 1-2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 12 large eggs
  • 1 cup skim milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend)

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean breakfast sausage until browned, then drain excess fat and set aside.
  • Sauté the chopped onions and bell peppers in the same skillet for 5-7 minutes until softened, then add spinach and cook until just wilted.
  • Spread the cubed whole-wheat bread in the prepared baking dish, then scatter the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables over the bread.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, skim milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
  • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring the bread cubes are saturated, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is set in the center, golden brown on top, and a knife inserted comes out clean.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage while it's cooking. This casserole is great for meal prepping; simply reheat individual portions throughout the week. You can also customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as mushrooms or zucchini.