Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage & Cheddar Cheese Breakfast Bake is a delightful and convenient addition to any brunch buffet, especially during the bustling holiday season. It stands out as a savory, satisfying option for those who desire a hearty, comforting meal without the hassle of extensive preparation.
The essence of this dish lies in its simplicity and home-cooked feel. The base of the bake is made of hearty Italian bread, which provides a robust and satisfying texture. This bread is not merely a filler; it acts as a sponge, soaking up the rich, velvety egg custard, ensuring that every bite is moist and flavorful. The use of Italian bread also adds a subtle hint of rustic charm to the dish, reminiscent of a traditional, homemade breakfast casserole. You can see the large chunks of bread on top and they get golden crunchy just like the picture.
Generous portions of cheddar cheese are sprinkled throughout the bake, adding a gooey, creamy texture and a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. The cheddar cheese not only enhances the taste but also contributes to the dish’s visually appealing golden-brown crust when baked. Who doesn’t like a lot of cheese? I know I do.
The inclusion of meaty chicken sausage is a different take on this classic dish. It adds a substantial protein element, making the bake more filling and satisfying. The sausage’s savory flavor, with hints of herbs and spices, melds beautifully with the creamy cheese and the custardy bread, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. You can tell it’s chicken but it’s very subtle and the breakfast sausage flavors kind of overrun the chicken part. Not sure why they went with chicken, but it works well.
Preparing
One of the most appealing aspects of Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage & Cheddar Cheese Breakfast Bake is its convenience. It requires minimal effort – simply bake it in the oven for about 30 minutes or microwave it for a fraction of that time. This ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy mornings, especially during the holiday season when time is precious. If you want to get the most out of this dish, I would not do it in the microwave. I don’t think the bread will get very crunchy on top which is half the fun of this dish.
Pairings
Serving suggestions for this breakfast bake are versatile. It pairs wonderfully with a fruit medley and organic orange juice for a classic brunch. Alternatively, for those who fancy breakfast-for-dinner, it goes well with a crisp green salad, adding a fresh contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the bake. Serve it for brunch with a salad and a mimosa and you are set!
Aesthetically, the bake is inviting, with a golden-brown crust and a visibly cheesy, hearty interior. The aroma of baked cheese, bread, and sausage is comforting and reminiscent of a homemade casserole, making it a welcoming dish for any table.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage & Cheddar Cheese Breakfast Bake is a winner in terms of flavor, convenience, and versatility. It’s a substantial, tasty option for those seeking a no-fuss yet delicious meal, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family breakfast. The combination of Italian bread, cheddar cheese, and chicken sausage in a seasoned egg custard creates a comforting, satisfying dish that is sure to please a variety of palates. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply need a break from cooking, this breakfast bake is a delightful solution.
I really liked this easy to make breakfast dish and it’s great for the holidays, yet elegant enough to put out for guests. I am going to rate it 9 out of 10 Bells!
Ingredients
- EGG FILLING (EGG, CREAM, WATER, MILK POWDER, DRIED GARLIC, WHITE PEPPER, SALT)
- ITALIAN BREAD (UNBLEACHED FLOUR [WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR], WATER, SOURDOUGH STARTER [CULTURED WHEAT FLOUR, WATER, CULTURED MALTED BARLEY FLOUR], BAKERS YEAST, SEA SALT)
- CHICKEN SAUSAGE CRUMBLES (CHICKEN BREAST MEAT WITH RIB MEAT, SALT, SPICES, SUGAR, NATURAL FLAVOR, DRIED GARLIC)
- SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE (MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, MICROBIAL ENZYME, ANTI-CAKING AGENT [CORNSTARCH, POTATO STARCH], ANNATTO [COLOR], NATAMYCIN [MOLD INHIBITOR]).
- CONTAINS MILK, EGG, WHEAT.