If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch that’s hearty, protein-packed, and totally satisfying, you’re going to love this Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I often make when I want something quick to prep but that feels a bit special—plus, they reheat beautifully, so breakfast is basically ready to go all week. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new go-to for busy mornings or even an easy dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Convenient: You can prep these egg cups ahead of time, making busy mornings way less stressful.
- Balanced Nutrition: With protein from the sausage and greens from the spinach, it’s a wholesome, satisfying combo.
- Versatile & Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or sausage type to keep things fresh and exciting.
- Family Friendly: My kids and husband always ask for seconds – they’re that good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here come together effortlessly, creating a flavor-packed egg cup that’s anything but boring. I like to use fresh spinach and good-quality sausage for the best taste. Keep an eye out for sausage with no fillers or added sugars if you want to keep it super clean.
- Eggs: The base of these cups, providing protein and structure—make sure they’re fresh for the fluffiest texture.
- Unsweetened almond milk: I use almond milk here to keep it light, but you can swap for dairy if you prefer a richer bite.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- Ground black pepper: Just enough to add a little kick.
- Ground pork sausage: This packs in savory richness—try homemade or your favorite local brand for the best flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh note; ripping it into small pieces helps it blend well.
- Red bell pepper: Gives a nice crunch and a mild sweetness that balances the sausage beautifully.
Variations
I love mixing things up a bit to suit what we have on hand or to accommodate dietary preferences. This recipe is so adaptable — you’ll find it easy to make your own.
- Use turkey or chicken sausage: I’ve done this for a leaner version and still loved the flavor and texture.
- Add different veggies: Sometimes I throw in mushrooms, onions, or zucchini – all pair beautifully with the eggs and sausage.
- Try cheese: If you’re not avoiding dairy, a little shredded cheddar or feta sprinkled on top before baking adds delicious richness.
- Make it spicy: A dash of crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños wakes these up nicely if you like a bit of heat.
How to Make Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your muffin tin a good spray with non-stick cooking spray—this saves you from any post-bake sticking drama. I sometimes like to use silicone muffin liners, but regular tins work perfectly too.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Eggs and Milk
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, almond milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. This step is key for that fluffy, cohesive texture in your egg cups. I’ve learned not to skip the almond milk—it really lightens the eggs without watering them down.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Heat a cast iron skillet or your favorite pan over medium-high heat, then add the ground sausage. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds flavor — don’t rush it! Set the sausage aside once done.
Step 4: Assemble Your Egg Cups
Now for the fun part: add about a tablespoon of cooked sausage, a tablespoon of torn spinach, and a tablespoon of diced red bell pepper into each muffin well. Then pour the egg mixture evenly over the fillings—leave a small gap at the top because the eggs will puff up as they bake, but will settle as they cool.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for around 17 minutes. Check them at this point; if the tops aren’t fully set, pop them back in for 2-3 minute increments until done. You’re aiming for firm but not overcooked—these are best with a tender, slightly springy texture.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Enjoy your baked egg cups hot right out of the oven, or cool them completely and refrigerate for later. I often make a batch on Sunday for easy weekday breakfasts—just heat and go!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
- Don’t Overfill the Muffin Cups: Leave some space at the top so the eggs can rise and won’t spill over.
- Cook Sausage Thoroughly First: Browning the sausage well builds deeper flavor and ensures it’s fully cooked inside the eggs.
- Use Fresh Spinach: It wilts nicely while baking and gives a fresh pop of color and nutrients.
- Let Cool Before Removing: Patience here helps your egg cups keep their shape when you take them out of the tin.
How to Serve Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
I like topping these egg cups with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions—the fresh flavor balances the richness of the sausage. Sometimes I add a little hot sauce or a smear of avocado for creaminess and a mild kick.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted sweet potatoes, a fresh fruit salad, or crunchy toast. When I want a heartier meal, I serve it alongside sautéed mushrooms or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate these egg cups with colorful edible flowers or microgreens for a beautiful brunch spread. You can also serve them in mini cast iron skillets or on small wooden boards for a rustic feel that impresses guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover egg cups in an airtight container in the fridge—they stay good for up to 4 days. This makes my weekday breakfasts a breeze because all I have to do is reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze these egg cups individually wrapped in parchment paper and placed in a zip-top bag. I’ve done this when prepping for busy weeks, and they thaw quickly in the fridge overnight, ready for a quick reheat.
Reheating
I recommend reheating them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or in a toaster oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to keep the edges nice and crisp. Avoid overcooking or they’ll get rubbery—just warm enough to enjoy!
FAQs
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Can I make the Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free when you use unsweetened almond milk and skip any cheese additions. It’s a great option for those avoiding dairy without sacrificing flavor.
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Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
You can, but I recommend thawing and squeezing out as much moisture as possible before adding it to your egg cups. Excess water from frozen spinach can make your egg cups soggy.
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How long do baked egg cups keep in the fridge?
They’ll stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days. After that, they might start to lose their texture and flavor.
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Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Bake them the day before, then reheat gently before serving. They also look great on a platter and are perfect for brunch gatherings.
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What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet for cooking sausage?
No worries—you can cook the sausage in any heavy-bottomed skillet or non-stick pan. The key is to cook the sausage thoroughly and nicely browned.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe turns out every time. It’s quick, easy, and perfect whether you’re looking to add more protein to your day or impress friends with a fuss-free brunch. I used to struggle with breakfasts that left me hungry by mid-morning, but these cups are so filling and flavorful, I’m energized until lunchtime. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to make breakfast exciting and nourishing all at once. Plus, your family will thank you for making mornings that much easier!
Print
Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These baked egg cups are a versatile and protein-packed breakfast option made with eggs, ground pork sausage, fresh spinach, and red bell pepper. Baked in a muffin tin, they are easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and can be enjoyed warm or chilled for a convenient, nutritious start to your day.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 5 eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Filling
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup ground pork sausage
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup fresh spinach, ripped into small pieces
- 1/4 of a large red bell pepper, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for assembly.
- Mix the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together 5 eggs, 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of ground pork sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Assemble the Cups: Spoon about a tablespoon of cooked pork sausage into each muffin well. Add a tablespoon of fresh spinach pieces and a tablespoon of diced red bell pepper on top of the sausage. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the fillings in each muffin cup, filling almost to the top but leaving a little space for expansion during baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 17 minutes. Check the egg cups for doneness; if the tops aren’t fully cooked, continue baking in 2-3 minute increments until set and cooked through.
- Serve or Store: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve immediately or allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for easy grab-and-go meals.
Notes
- Pork Sausage: You can use homemade breakfast sausage or your favorite store-bought variety. Check ingredients for Whole30 or Paleo compliance if desired.
- Muffin Pan: Silicone muffin liners can be used as an alternative to spraying the pan and should not affect the cooking time.
- Storage: Store leftover baked egg cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
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