Okay, confession time: Weekend mornings in my house used to be chaos. Trying to whip up something delicious and satisfying while still half-asleep? Not always my finest hour! That all changed when I stumbled upon the magic of the make-ahead breakfast casserole. This Savory Low-Carb Sausage & Egg version wasn’t just good; it was a revelation! It started as an attempt to make a family favorite a bit healthier, and after a few tweaks (like finding the perfect low-carb bread that didn’t turn to mush), it became the absolute star of our weekend brunch lineup.
Seriously, if you need a dish that feels special but requires minimal morning effort, this is it. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and secretly low-carb, making it a total crowd-pleaser whether your guests are watching carbs or just love a good, cheesy breakfast bake. Plus, the savory smell wafting from the oven? Pure weekend bliss!
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Casserole:
- Make-Ahead Marvel: The real beauty? You assemble it the night before! Just pop it in the oven in the morning while you sip your coffee. Effortless entertaining unlocked.
- Low-Carb Comfort Food: It delivers all the cozy, satisfying vibes of a classic breakfast casserole but fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. No missing out here!
- Flavor Explosion: We’re talking savory pork sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, earthy sage, and perfectly soaked low-carb bread cubes – it’s a taste combination that just works.
Gather Your Goodies (Ingredient Breakdown):
- 12 ounces bulk pork sausage: Feel free to use mild, hot, or even a sage-flavored sausage! Turkey sausage works too if you prefer.
- 6 large eggs: The backbone of our casserole custard.
- 1 ¾ cups unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened cashew or macadamia milk are great low-carb subs! If not strictly low-carb, regular milk works fine.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- ¾ teaspoon ground mustard: Adds a lovely little tang that complements the sausage and cheese.
- ½ teaspoon dried sage: This herb is best friends with pork sausage. Fresh sage is amazing if you have it (use about 1.5 tsp chopped).
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a little gentle spice.
- 5 slices low-carb bread, cut into ½-inch cubes (approx. 4 cups cubed): Choose your favorite brand! Day-old bread works best as it soaks up the custard better without getting soggy.
- ¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend would be delicious too.
- Cooking spray or butter: For greasing the dish – don’t skip it!
Let’s Get Baking (Step-by-Step):
- Prep Your Pan: Grab your trusty 8×8 inch square baking dish and give it a light coating with cooking spray or a little softened butter. Set it aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Get a medium skillet heating over medium-high heat. Add your sausage and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain off that extra grease really well – nobody wants a greasy casserole!
- Mix the Magic Custard: In a big bowl, whisk those eggs like you mean it! Then, stir in the almond milk, salt, ground mustard, sage, and black pepper until everything is happily combined.
- Combine Everything: Now, gently fold the cubed low-carb bread, that lovely shredded cheddar, and your cooked sausage into the egg mixture. Stir it gently until the bread looks nicely coated.
- Chill Out Time: Pour this glorious mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover it up tightly (plastic wrap or a lid works) and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This is super important – it lets the bread soak up all that yummy custard!
- Wakey Wakey, Bakey Bakey: About 30 minutes before you want to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge to let it shake off the chill. Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Into the Oven: Uncover your masterpiece and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown, it looks puffed up, and a knife stuck near the center comes out clean.
- Patience, Grasshopper!: Let the casserole rest on a wire rack for about 5-10 minutes before you slice into it. This helps it set up perfectly. Then, cut into 6 portions and serve warm!
Your Meal Prep Secret Weapon:
This casserole is basically designed for meal prep! Here’s how to make it work for you:
- Assemble Ahead: Do steps 1-5 the night (or even up to 24 hours) before you plan to bake. Cover tightly and keep refrigerated.
- Bake When Ready: On the morning you want to serve it, just follow steps 6-8. Easy peasy!
- Portion Power: Once baked and cooled slightly, you can slice the casserole into individual servings. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Reheat & Eat: Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave (start with 60-90 seconds) or pop them back in the oven/toaster oven at around 325°F until warmed through. Perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts all week long!
Tips from My Kitchen:
- Sausage Swap: Don’t love pork? Try turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based crumbles. Adjust seasonings if needed!
- Veggie Boost: Want some greens? Sautéed spinach (squeeze out excess water!), diced bell peppers, or onions (cooked with the sausage) can be great additions. Just be mindful they add moisture, which might slightly increase baking time.
- Cheese Please: Mix up the cheese! A little smoked gouda or pepper jack could add a fun twist.
- Don’t Rush the Soak: Seriously, that overnight chill makes a huge difference in texture. Let the bread get properly saturated!
- Storage Smarts: Leftovers? Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze baked portions (well-wrapped) for longer storage, though the texture might change slightly upon reheating.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole is pretty much a meal in itself! But if you want to round it out:
- Serve alongside some fresh avocado slices or a simple handful of berries.
- For a bigger brunch spread, pair it with a light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
- It’s fantastic for holiday mornings, weekend guests, or honestly, just a Tuesday when you want something special!
- And coffee… definitely coffee.
Savory Low-Carb Sausage & Egg Casserole
A delicious and satisfying make-ahead casserole featuring savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and low-carb bread cubes. Perfect for meal prep, this dish is chilled overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before baking, offering a convenient low-carbohydrate breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bulk pork sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups unsweetened almond milk or other low-carb milk alternative
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 slices low-carb bread cut into ½-inch cubes (approx. 4 cups cubed)
- ¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Prepare Dish: Lightly grease an 8x8 inch square baking dish with cooking spray or softened butter.
- Cook Sausage: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the pork sausage, crumbling it with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Drain off any excess grease thoroughly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, unsweetened almond milk, salt, ground mustard, dried sage, and black pepper until uniformly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Add the cubed low-carb bread, shredded Cheddar cheese, and the cooked, drained sausage to the egg mixture. Gently stir to ensure the bread is well-coated.
- Chill: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish securely (e.g., with plastic wrap or a fitted lid) and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This step is crucial for the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
- Preheat & Rest: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Uncover the dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the casserole is puffed, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into 6 portions and serving warm.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 344
- Fat: 25.8g
- Net Carbohydrates: 2.5g
- Protein: 24g
Give It a Try!
Honestly, this Savory Low-Carb Sausage & Egg Casserole has become such a staple for us, making hectic mornings feel a little more delicious and a lot less stressful. I really hope you give it a try! It’s simple, satisfying, and totally adaptable.
Let me know if you make it – I love seeing your creations!
