Mediterranean Breakfast Casserole

This Mediterranean breakfast casserole revolutionizes mornings with protein-packed chicken sausage, nutrient-dense kale, and vibrant cherry tomatoes all bound together with eggs and tangy feta. Perfect for meal prep or serving a hungry family, this one-pan wonder delivers Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

I first made this casserole when hosting a brunch for friends with different dietary needs. Everyone raved about it, and now it's my go-to whenever I need a reliable crowd-pleaser that still feels special.

Ingredients

• Chicken sausage: The mild Italian variety adds fantastic flavor without overwhelming the dish. Look for ones without added sugar or fillers for the cleanest option.
• Kale: This powerhouse green holds up beautifully during baking and adds incredible nutrition. Make sure to remove the tough stems before chopping.
• Cherry tomatoes: These burst with sweet acidity that balances the richness of the eggs. Choose ripe, vibrant ones for the best flavor.
• Feta cheese: Adds a tangy, salty dimension that makes the Mediterranean flavors sing. Traditional Greek feta made from sheep's milk offers the most authentic taste.
• Eggs: The foundation of this casserole. Farm-fresh eggs with bright orange yolks will give you the best color and flavor.
• Sea salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors. A coarse sea salt allows you to control the seasoning more precisely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Oven:

Heat your oven to 375°F. This moderate temperature ensures the eggs cook through evenly without browning too quickly on top. Position your rack in the center of the oven for the most consistent heat distribution.

Cook The Sausage:

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the chicken sausage and break it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even browning. The sausage should have nice caramelization which adds depth to the entire dish.

Wilt The Kale:

Add the chopped kale directly to the cooked sausage. Cover the skillet to create steam which quickly wilts the kale without overcooking it. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes. The kale should be bright green and slightly softened but still maintain some texture.

Prepare The Eggs:

Crack all 12 eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk vigorously until the whites and yolks are completely incorporated. Add the sea salt and whisk again to distribute. Well-beaten eggs create a more uniform texture in the final casserole.

Assemble The Casserole:

Transfer the sausage and kale mixture to a lightly oiled casserole dish approximately 9x13 inches. Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes and feta cheese evenly across the top, making sure they're distributed throughout the dish for consistent flavor in every bite.

Combine And Bake:

Pour the beaten eggs over everything in the casserole dish. Use a spoon to gently stir the mixture, ensuring the eggs get into all the nooks and crannies. Bake for 32 to 40 minutes until the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 full minutes before cutting into it. This resting period is crucial as it allows the eggs to fully set and makes for cleaner, more attractive slices.

Save

The feta cheese is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I once substituted cheddar in a pinch, and while still good, it lacked that distinctive Mediterranean tang that makes this casserole so special. My husband now refuses to eat it without feta, claiming it's just not the same without that briny punch.

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole shines as a meal prep solution. You can prepare it completely, bake it, and then refrigerate for up to 4 days. Individual slices reheat beautifully in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day in the refrigerator, making second-day servings even more delicious than the first.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this Mediterranean casserole lies in its adaptability. Swap spinach for kale if you prefer a milder green. Replace chicken sausage with turkey sausage or even a plant-based option for vegetarians. Add olives, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for even more Mediterranean flair. The egg base works as a canvas for whatever ingredients you have on hand or that align with your dietary preferences.

Save

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a complete breakfast. A side of Greek yogurt topped with honey complements the savory flavors beautifully. For guests who aren't following low-carb diets, warm pita bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up any bits left on the plate. I love setting out hot sauce or za'atar spice blend for people to customize their portions.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the meat in this breakfast casserole?

Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken sausage with turkey sausage, pork breakfast sausage, or even a plant-based alternative. For a vegetarian version, consider using crumbled tempeh or simply increasing the vegetables and cheese for added flavor and texture.

→ How long will this casserole keep in the refrigerator?

The casserole will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it excellent for meal prep. Individual slices can be reheated in the microwave for about 60-90 seconds or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

→ Can I freeze portions of this breakfast casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. After cooling completely, cut into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

→ What other vegetables work well in this Mediterranean casserole?

This versatile dish works well with many Mediterranean-inspired vegetables. Try spinach instead of kale, add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, or zucchini. Just be mindful that watery vegetables might need to be pre-cooked to remove excess moisture before adding to the casserole.

→ Can I make this breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is still cold from the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with this Mediterranean breakfast casserole?

This protein-rich casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or crusty whole grain bread. For a more substantial brunch, serve with roasted potatoes or a Mediterranean-inspired grain salad with cucumber and olives.