Italian Baked Eggs & Sausage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic choice for those who love rich, savory flavors. The Italian sausage adds a zesty kick, while the fire-roasted tomato and garlic pasta sauce infuses the dish with deep, smoky flavor. The eggs bake to perfection, with runny yolks and firm whites, creating a luxurious texture when served with the ricotta and Parmesan. The broiled bread slices act as the perfect vessel for scooping up all the deliciousness. It’s easy to make, can feed a crowd, and offers a delicious combination of comforting ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage

• 1 jar (24 ounces) fire-roasted tomato and garlic pasta sauce

• 1 can (14-½ ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained

• ¾ cup part-skim ricotta cheese

• 8 large eggs

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil

• 1 French bread demi-baguette (4 ounces), cut into 1-inch slices

• ¼ cup butter, softened

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, crumbling it as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

3. Stir in the fire-roasted tomato and garlic pasta sauce and the drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Mix well.

4. Transfer the sausage and tomato mixture to a 13x9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

5. Dollop ricotta cheese on top of the meat mixture, spacing it out across the surface.

6. Gently break an egg into a small bowl, then carefully slip it onto the meat mixture between the ricotta dollops. Repeat with the remaining eggs.

7. Sprinkle the dish with salt, pepper, and shredded Parmesan cheese.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the egg whites are completely set and the yolks have started to thicken but are not hard.

9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil.

10. While the eggs bake, prepare the bread: spread butter on the French bread slices and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.

11. Preheat your broiler, then broil the bread slices 3-4 inches from the heat source for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

12. Serve the baked eggs and sausage with the toasted bread slices.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture for a spicier flavor.

• Cheese Variety: Substitute ricotta with mascarpone for a richer, creamier texture or use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a more melty cheese option.

• Bread Options: Instead of French bread, use ciabatta or sourdough for different textures and flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. If reheating eggs, be mindful not to overcook them.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage. Just crumble it into the skillet and heat it through before adding the sauce and tomatoes.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sausage and tomato mixture ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Then, when you're ready to bake, add the ricotta, eggs, and Parmesan before cooking.

3. Can I use frozen spinach in place of ricotta cheese?

You can replace the ricotta with spinach for a different flavor profile. If you do so, make sure to thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to the dish.

4. How can I ensure the eggs are cooked perfectly?

To achieve perfectly baked eggs, check the eggs after 30 minutes of baking. The whites should be fully set, and the yolks should remain slightly runny. If you prefer the yolks more firm, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor.

6. What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh fruit platter to balance the richness of the eggs and sausage.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread for toasting. Make sure that the sausage and other ingredients you choose are gluten-free as well.

8. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers, but be aware that the texture of the eggs may change slightly after freezing. For best results, freeze without the bread and toast it fresh when reheating.

9. Can I cook this recipe in a smaller dish?

Yes, you can use a smaller baking dish if you want fewer servings, but make sure to adjust the baking time as the eggs may cook faster in a smaller dish.

10. Can I skip broiling the bread?

Yes, you can skip broiling the bread if you prefer. The dish will still be delicious without the crispy bread, but it adds an extra crunch that complements the rich egg mixture.

Conclusion

Italian Baked Eggs & Sausage is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory sausage, rich tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and perfectly baked eggs makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. With its easy preparation and ability to be customized, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you serve it for brunch, dinner, or as a special weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Italian Baked Eggs & Sausage is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. With a savory combination of Italian sausage, rich pasta sauce, and creamy ricotta, topped with perfectly baked eggs, this dish will leave you satisfied and craving more.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking, Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 pound bulk Italian sausage

1 jar (24 ounces) fire-roasted tomato and garlic pasta sauce

1 can (14-½ ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained

¾ cup part-skim ricotta cheese

8 large eggs

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon minced fresh basil

1 French bread demi-baguette (4 ounces), cut into 1-inch slices

¼ cup butter, softened

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, crumbling it as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the fire-roasted tomato and garlic pasta sauce and the drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Mix well.
4. Transfer the sausage and tomato mixture to a 13x9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Dollop ricotta cheese on top of the meat mixture, spacing it out across the surface.
6. Gently break an egg into a small bowl, then carefully slip it onto the meat mixture between the ricotta dollops. Repeat with the remaining eggs.
7. Sprinkle the dish with salt, pepper, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the egg whites are completely set and the yolks have started to thicken but are not hard.
9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil.
10. While the eggs bake, prepare the bread: spread butter on the French bread slices and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
11. Preheat your broiler, then broil the bread slices 3-4 inches from the heat source for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
12. Serve the baked eggs and sausage with the toasted bread slices.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture for a spicier flavor.
• Cheese Variety: Substitute ricotta with mascarpone for a richer, creamier texture or use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a more melty cheese option.
• Bread Options: Instead of French bread, use ciabatta or sourdough for different textures and flavors.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 225mg