Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage and Smoked Turkey Bacon
If you’re on the hunt for a savory, satisfying morning meal, this Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage, Smoked Turkey Bacon and Cheddar Cheese (plant-based) is a true winner. Rich with layers of hearty turkey sausage, crisp smoked turkey bacon, and melting cheddar cheese, this dish delivers comfort and flavor all in one easy bake. Whether you’re preparing for a weekend brunch or a cozy weekday breakfast, this casserole offers a perfect balance of protein, texture, and taste that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Nourishing: Packed with turkey sausage and smoked turkey bacon for a protein-rich start to your day.
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect even for busy mornings.
- Customizable Flavors: Adapt with your favorite vegetables or plant-based cheeses for a personal touch.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for stress-free mornings or delicious brunches.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of savory meatiness and creamy cheddar cheese creates a well-rounded dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to build texture, flavor, and visual appeal in this Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage, Smoked Turkey Bacon and Cheddar Cheese. Each element plays a role in making this dish irresistible.
- Turkey Sausage: Choose flavorful, pre-cooked turkey sausage for easy cooking and savory depth.
- Smoked Turkey Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy texture that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Cheddar Cheese (plant-based): Melts smoothly, providing a deliciously creamy layer throughout the casserole.
- Eggs: The binder that holds everything together with rich protein content.
- Milk (plant-based): Creates moisture and helps the eggs cook tenderly throughout the dish.
- Bread: Cubed day-old bread gives structure and soaks up flavors wonderfully.
- Onion and Bell Peppers: Provide natural sweetness and colorful contrast.
- Seasonings (natural): Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (natural) make flavors pop.
- Natural Gelling Agent: Ensures the casserole sets perfectly without affecting the taste or texture.
Variations for Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage, Smoked Turkey Bacon and Cheddar Cheese
This recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity. Feel free to swap or add ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or to keep mealtime exciting and fresh every time you make it.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase nutrients and color.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella or pepper jack (plant-based) for a new flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme brighten the taste.
- Plant-Based Version: Use vegan turkey sausage and smoked turkey slices for a fully plant-based casserole.
How to Make Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage, Smoked Turkey Bacon and Cheddar Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Meats and Vegetables
Start by cooking the turkey sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside, then crisp up the smoked turkey bacon in the same pan, allowing the fat to infuse flavor into the veggies. Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers in the remaining drippings until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with plant-based milk, natural seasonings, and a natural gelling agent to help everything set just right. Stir in the cubed bread, cooked sausage, smoked turkey bacon, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheddar cheese (plant-based) until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing it out evenly. Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is set firm but still moist.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes once out of the oven. This brief pause helps the layers settle for cleaner slices and enhanced flavor melding.
Pro Tips for Making Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage, Smoked Turkey Bacon and Cheddar Cheese
- Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread absorbs moisture and flavors better, preventing sogginess.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir gently to keep bread cubes intact and maintain texture.
- Cook Meats Thoroughly: Ensures safety and brings out maximum flavor before baking.
- Rest Before Serving: Gives the casserole time to firm up, making it easier to cut.
- Customize Seasonings: Adjust spices to your liking for perfect balance.
How to Serve Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage, Smoked Turkey Bacon and Cheddar Cheese
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top to add freshness and a pop of color. A light drizzle of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) can enhance savory notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair with a simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly with grape juice (natural) vinaigrette, or serve alongside fresh fruit to complement the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions, or cut into squares and pack into breakfast burritos for a fun twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts during the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months for convenient, ready-to-bake meals later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a few minutes if it was frozen. This keeps the texture tender while restoring the melt-in-your-mouth feel of the cheddar cheese (plant-based).
FAQs
Can I make this breakfast casserole vegan?
Absolutely, replace the turkey sausage and smoked turkey bacon with plant-based alternatives, and ensure to use vegan cheddar cheese (plant-based) to keep it fully plant-powered without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes, assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
While fresh bread can work, slightly stale bread soaks up egg mixture better and keeps the casserole from becoming too soggy.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese (plant-based)?
You can swap with mozzarella or pepper jack (plant-based) for a milder or spicier cheese flavor that still melts well in the casserole.
How do I store leftover casserole safely?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to keep freshness, consuming within 3 days for best taste and safety.
Final Thoughts
Sunny mornings and cozy brunches are made even better with this Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage, Smoked Turkey Bacon and Cheddar Cheese. It’s a dish that truly hits all the right notes comforting, packed with protein, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try and watch how quickly this flavorful casserole becomes a staple in your breakfast rotation.
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Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage, Smoked Turkey Bacon and Cheddar Cheese
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage, Smoked Turkey Bacon and Cheddar Cheese (plant-based) is a savory and satisfying morning meal packed with protein and rich layers of flavor. It combines hearty turkey sausage, crispy smoked turkey bacon, creamy melting cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables, making it perfect for weekend brunches or cozy weekday breakfasts. Easy to prepare and customizable, this casserole delivers comfort and balanced nutrition with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 cup pre-cooked turkey sausage, diced
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 5 large eggs
Dairy and Milk
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup plant-based milk
Bread and Vegetables
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
Seasonings and Others
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Meats and Vegetables: Cook the turkey sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp, letting the fat render to flavor the vegetables. Sauté the chopped onions and bell peppers in the remaining drippings until soft and fragrant.
- Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, plant-based milk, natural seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika), and natural gelling agent. Stir in the cubed bread, cooked turkey sausage, smoked turkey bacon, sautéed vegetables, and shredded plant-based cheddar cheese until fully combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set firm but still moist inside.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set further for clean slicing and enhanced flavor melding before serving.
Notes
- Use stale, day-old bread for better absorption of moisture and flavors, preventing sogginess.
- Stir gently when combining ingredients to keep bread cubes intact for a better texture.
- Cook all meats thoroughly to ensure safety and develop deep flavors.
- Let the casserole rest after baking for easier slicing and improved flavor.
- Customize seasonings to suit your preferences for a perfect flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: breakfast casserole, turkey sausage casserole, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheddar cheese, savory breakfast, easy bake casserole, protein-rich breakfast
