If you’re hunting for a breakfast that’s comforting, hearty, and sneaky-healthy, I have the perfect dish for you. This Creamy Spinach and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe is one of those meals that feels both indulgent and nourishing at the same time. I absolutely love how the tender potatoes mingle with sautéed spinach and lean turkey, all held together in a creamy, cheesy egg base. Once you try it, you’ll see why it quickly became a weekend staple in my kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy yet indulgent: You get the perfect balance of creamy texture and fresh greens without feeling weighed down.
- Quick & easy prep: This casserole comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
- Family favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish—spinach included! It’s an easy way to sneak in some greens.
- Versatile and customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together like a dream for a breakfast casserole that’s loaded with flavors and texture. Grab fresh spinach and quality lean ground turkey to keep it healthy, and freshly grated potatoes for that perfect bite. Don’t skip the fresh sage—it adds such a lovely, subtle earthiness!
- Olive oil: Using olive oil ensures you get a delicate fruity flavor and a healthy fat base for sautéing.
- Yellow onions: They add natural sweetness and aroma when caramelized.
- Lean ground turkey: A lighter protein alternative that stays juicy and flavorful.
- Chili powder: Just enough spice to bring warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor without extra moisture.
- Fresh baby spinach leaves: Wilts down nicely and adds vibrant greens with mild flavor.
- Minced garlic: Garlic always gives dishes that satisfying savory kick.
- Minced fresh sage: A fresh herb that elevates the casserole with subtle, pine-like notes.
- Large eggs: Eggs are the creamy binder that hold everything together, making the texture delightfully rich.
- Fat free milk: Adds moisture with fewer calories, keeping things light.
- Grated raw potatoes: Provides the hearty body and naturally creamy texture when baked.
- Low moisture Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully without releasing too much oil.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish on top that crisps up under the oven’s heat.
- Salt and pepper: To taste – always important to season properly!
Variations
I love how versatile this Creamy Spinach and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe is—you can really make it your own without losing the magic of the original. Feel free to get creative and customize the flavors or ingredients to suit your mood or pantry.
- Swap the protein: I’ve made this with breakfast sausage instead of turkey, and it’s a delicious, slightly richer twist that my family adores.
- Make it vegetarian: Simply omit the meat and add mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for extra umami and texture.
- Cheese variations: Try swapping Mozzarella for cheddar or Gruyère to change up the flavor profile while keeping that creamy melt.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes if you’re craving a bit more heat.
- Seasonal greens: You can swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard, just make sure to cook them down well before adding.
How to Make Creamy Spinach and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Turkey
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a small 3-cup casserole dish or ovenproof skillet with nonstick spray. In a nonstick pan over medium-high heat, melt ½ tablespoon of olive oil, then add diced yellow onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant—you want them translucent and tender. Next, add the ground turkey along with chili powder and onion powder, breaking it up and cooking until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This step is where a lot of the flavor develops, so don’t rush! Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic, Sage, and Spinach
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and turn the heat down to medium-low. Toss in the minced garlic and fresh sage, sautéing gently for 2 to 3 minutes until aromatic but not burnt. Then add your fresh baby spinach leaves. Stir constantly until they’re nicely wilted—this usually takes about 2 minutes. Spinach reduces dramatically in volume, so don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first! Transfer this fragrant, green mixture to another bowl.
Step 3: Combine and Assemble
Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs and fat-free milk until smooth and slightly frothy. Now stir in the cooked turkey, sautéed spinach mixture, grated raw potatoes, and shredded Mozzarella cheese until everything is evenly combined. Pour this mixture carefully into your prepared casserole dish. For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese evenly across the top—it adds a beautifully golden, slightly crisp layer after baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and springs back gently when you press it with your finger. If you find the top browning too fast, loosely tent some foil over the dish halfway through baking. Once out of the oven, season with salt and pepper to your taste, and give it a few minutes to set before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Spinach and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh sage adds an amazing depth; dried won’t have the same bright flavor, so don’t skip it if you can.
- Grate potatoes fresh: Using freshly grated potatoes keeps the texture perfect—you want that slightly creamy, tender result.
- Don’t overcook the spinach: Just wilt it quickly so it retains some color and nutrients but isn’t watery.
- Check oven temperature: 400°F is key here for that golden crust without drying the casserole out—oven temps can vary, so adjust accordingly.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this casserole, I like to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top for a pop of color and a hint of spice. Sometimes a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on the side adds an extra creamy contrast that’s delicious.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit—like berries or orange slices—for a bright, refreshing balance. I also enjoy it alongside crunchy toasted whole-grain bread or a simple mixed green salad if you want a lighter brunch option.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday brunches or special mornings, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins and topped each with a tiny herb sprig and a light drizzle of olive oil. It’s a small touch that makes it feel extra special and perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, and honestly, the flavors seem to deepen overnight.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well! I like to portion it into single servings in freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a convenient, ready-made breakfast for busy mornings.
Reheating
I reheat slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to keep a nice texture without drying it out. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is fine, but the oven brings back that lovely crispy top.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before sautéing, so your casserole doesn’t get watery.
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What can I substitute for fresh sage?
If you don’t have fresh sage, dried sage is an option but use less—about one-third the amount—since it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh thyme gives a different but nice earthy note.
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Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It reheats well and freezes nicely, making it great for prepping breakfasts or easy lunches ahead of time.
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Can I add other veggies to the casserole?
Definitely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would all be tasty. Just sauté them before mixing into the casserole to remove excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my morning routine—it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, wholesome, and wins over everyone at the table, even the most spinach-averse family members! If you want breakfast to be a little easier, a little tastier, and packed with good-for-you ingredients, you really can’t go wrong with this casserole. Give it a try—I’m confident you’ll end up making it more often than you expect!
PrintCreamy Spinach and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Spinach and Potato Breakfast Casserole is a flavorful, protein-packed morning meal perfect for a wholesome start to your day. Featuring lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, tender potatoes, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this savory casserole is baked to golden perfection for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onions
- 8 ounces raw 99% lean ground turkey
- 3 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
- 2/3 cup grated raw potatoes, without skin
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy and Eggs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup fat free milk
- 1/2 cup shredded low moisture Mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a small 3-cup casserole dish or ovenproof skillet with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Sauté Onions and Cook Turkey: Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onions and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add the lean ground turkey along with chili powder and onion powder. Cook and crumble the turkey until fully browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to set aside.
- Sauté Garlic, Sage, and Spinach: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and fresh sage, sauté for 2-3 minutes to release their aromas. Stir in fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer the spinach mixture to a separate bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and fat-free milk until well combined. Add the cooked ground turkey, sautéed spinach mixture, grated raw potatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish or skillet. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole for a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole springs back gently when pressed, indicating it is cooked through.
- Season and Serve: Remove from the oven and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm as a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- This breakfast casserole combines savory sausage (represented here with lean ground turkey), eggs, potatoes, spinach, and cheese for a hearty meal.
- It’s a super easy recipe that’s ready in about 40 minutes total, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- The recipe is high in protein, helping to keep you full and energized throughout the morning.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or sausage based on preference.
- For crispier edges, you can use a cast iron skillet that is oven-safe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/3 of casserole)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg