Overnight Breakfast Casserole

This is a new holiday favorite. I made it the night before to serve on Christmas morning. Even with two big eaters in our house, we had more than enough for everyone. My husband, who is usually not a sweet potato lover, came back for seconds. It’s not just for the holidays, however. It’s a great weekend breakfast recipe and is perfect for special occasions.

12 links lean turkey sausage (in freezer section)

2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
(13 ounces)

1 cup chopped white onion (4.5 ounces)

3 tablespoons sugar-free maple syrup

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 teaspoon dried thyme

sea salt to taste

black pepper to taste

8 large egg whites

2 eggs

1/2 cup shredded mixed Italian cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Heat a large skillet over a medium setting. Coat with cooking spray. Sauté the chopped onion until it’s tender. Add the syrup to the pan and stir. Set aside.

Peel and grate the sweet potatoes.

Remove the onion from pan and cook the sausage links until they’re done.

Coat a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray. Layer grated potato along the bottom. Spread onions over top. Slice the links into small bites and layer over the onion.

Whisk together the eggs, egg whites, milk, cheese and seasonings. Pour over the casserole.

Bake for 45 minutes or until the eggs bounce back when touched.

Serve with additional maple syrup, if desired.

Makes six servings, each containing: calories, 218; fat, 9.19 grams; carbohydrates, 17.97 grams; protein, 16.71 grams; dietary fiber, 2.75 grams

—Jenny Grothe

 

Editor’s note: Jenny Grothe is a trainer, nutritionist, motivator, speaker and author who enjoys playing in the kitchen. Having lost 60 pounds, going from a size 14 to a size 4, she knows firsthand the importance of regular training and a clean diet in maintaining a healthful lifestyle. Since losing the weight five years ago, she has competed in seven figure competitions, placing in five, and has run three marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2011. To contact Jenny and learn more about her services, go to www.jen-fit.com.