Savory Breakfast Casserole

The vegetarian sausage adds a lot of sage flavor to the casserole and doesn't need to be precooked. The sausage often comes in a tube and is usually located in the refrigerated area of the produce section, near the tofu. Although we call this dish a breakfast casserole, you can serve it for dinner with sautéed greens or roasted red-skinned potatoes.

Yield:

2 casseroles, 3 servings per pan

Ingredients

1. 2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
2. 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, divided
3. 1/2 cup chopped green onions
4. 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
6. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
7. 8 large egg whites
8. 4 large eggs
9. 14 ounces meatless fat-free sausage, crumbled (such as Gimme Lean!)
10. 4 cups (1/2-inch) cubed white bread (about 4 1/2 ounces)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Combine the milk, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, green onions, and next 5 ingredients (green onions through eggs), stirring with a whisk.
3. Divide sausage and bread evenly between 2 (8 x 4-inch) loaf pans coated with cooking spray. Pour egg mixture evenly between pans. Top each pan with 1/4 cup cheese.
4. Cover each pan with foil. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. To freeze unbaked casserole: Prepare through Step 3. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing to remove as much air as possible. Wrap with heavy-duty foil. Store in freezer for up to 2 months.
6. To prepare frozen unbaked casserole: Thaw completely in refrigerator (about 24 hours). Preheat oven to 350º. Remove foil; reserve foil. Remove plastic wrap; discard wrap. Cover casserole with reserved foil; bake at 350º for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 50 minutes or until bubbly.

Notes