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Lightened-Up Make-Ahead Sausage Breakfast Casserole: Easy & Healthy

lightened-up make-ahead sausage breakfast casserole - featured image
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A healthier twist on the classic breakfast casserole, featuring lean turkey sausage, whole-grain bread, and reduced-fat cheese. Perfect for holiday brunches or busy mornings, this make-ahead dish delivers all the savory, custardy goodness without the heavy feeling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean turkey breakfast sausage
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups 2% milk
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • 6 cups whole-grain bread, cubed (about 8 slices)
  • 1 ½ cups reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean turkey sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the bread: While the sausage cooks, cube your whole-grain bread into 1-inch pieces. If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Let them cool.
  3. Whisk the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until fully combined. Add the milk, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk again until smooth and slightly frothy.
  4. Layer the casserole: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage over the bread. Add half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining bread, sausage, and cheese. If using bell peppers or green onions, scatter them between the layers.
  5. Pour the egg mixture: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread cubes, ensuring they all get soaked.
  6. Refrigerate (optional but recommended): Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit on the counter while the oven heats (about 15 minutes). Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  8. Rest before serving: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best texture, let the casserole rest overnight in the fridge before baking. Toasting the bread cubes prevents sogginess. Use room temperature eggs for even mixing. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil. Leftovers keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, make-ahead breakfast, healthy breakfast, lightened-up casserole, turkey sausage casserole, holiday brunch

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/lightened-up-make-ahead-sausage-breakfast-casserole-easy-and-healthy/