If you’re looking for a simple, hearty breakfast that feels a little special but is super easy to whip up, you’re going to love this Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe. I absolutely love how these cups come out fluffy, flavorful, and packed with protein — perfect for busy mornings or even a grab-and-go snack. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to nail this recipe and maybe even make it your new breakfast obsession!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Meal Prep: You can make a batch in under 30 minutes for breakfasts that last all week.
- Balanced & Delicious: Packed with protein, greens, and a little veggie crunch — it tastes as good as it looks.
- Kid-Friendly & Customizable: Great for picky eaters, and you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have at home.
- Comes Together Quickly: Perfect for busy mornings when you want something wholesome without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a way that’s super comforting and satisfying. I love using fresh spinach for that pop of green and a mild sweetness from red bell pepper that balances the sausage nicely. Here’s what I recommend grabbing beforehand.
- Eggs: The star of the show, providing that light, fluffy texture you want in an egg cup.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: Helps to keep the eggs tender and adds a little creaminess without extra heaviness.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- Ground Pork Sausage: I like to use a good quality sausage with plenty of seasoning—feel free to swap for turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Fresh Spinach: Ripped into small pieces, it cooks down perfectly and adds a fresh, earthy bite.
- Red Bell Pepper: Diced small for sweetness and crunch, it’s a little something special.
Variations
I love encouraging you to make this recipe your own! Whether you’re swapping out veggies or trying to keep it paleo-friendly, there’s plenty of room to experiment here. Here’s a few ways I like to mix it up:
- Cheesy Twist: I sometimes sprinkle a little shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before baking for a gooey finish my family goes crazy for.
- Veggie Boost: Tried adding mushrooms or zucchini, chopped small, when I want more greens in my day.
- Spice it Up: When I’m in the mood for a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeño works wonders.
- Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey or even plant-based sausage works — just watch your cooking time for different moisture levels.
How to Make Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference for evenly cooked egg cups. Then, grab your muffin tin and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. This trick helps the egg cups pop right out without any sticking — I discovered this the hard way on my first try when I forgot to grease the tin!
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs and Seasonings
In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, almond milk, salt, and black pepper until everything is nicely combined and a little frothy. This is the base that keeps the egg cups light. I like to whisk for at least a minute to incorporate some air — it makes a big difference in texture.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Heat a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground pork sausage. Break it up into small pieces with your spatula and cook until browned and cooked through. The aroma at this point is heavenly — if you have kiddos, they’ll be asking when breakfast is ready! Once done, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble Your Egg Cups
This is where everything comes together. Spoon about a tablespoon of cooked sausage into each muffin cup, then add a tablespoon of torn spinach and a tablespoon of diced red bell pepper. Now, pour the egg mixture over the top — fill each cup mostly full but leave a little space at the top because the eggs will puff up as they bake, then deflate slightly after cooling. I usually give the pan a gentle shake to help the eggs settle evenly.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Pop your muffin tin into the oven and bake for about 17 minutes. Don’t worry if the tops still look a little soft — sometimes I like to check and then give them a couple more minutes in 2-3 minute increments if needed. The key is to make sure the eggs are fully set but still moist, not rubbery. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 6: Enjoy or Store
Once baked, let your egg cups cool slightly before removing them from the tin. I find they pop out best when they’re not too hot. Serve immediately for fresh warmth or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days — perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick protein boost!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
- Non-Stick Success: Always spray your muffin tin generously — prevents frustrating sticking and keeps your cups intact.
- Even Veggie Size: Keep the spinach and bell pepper pieces small so they cook evenly and fit comfortably in each cup.
- Don’t Overfill: Leave a little space at the top of each muffin cup to allow for rising without overflows.
- Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick or gently press on the tops to ensure they’re not undercooked before pulling from the oven.
How to Serve Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of shredded cheese just before serving. Sometimes I add a tiny dollop of hot sauce or a smear of avocado for creaminess and a little extra kick—totally optional but really tasty!
Side Dishes
To round out breakfast, I like serving these egg cups with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or fresh fruit salad for a refreshing balance. If it’s a weekend brunch, crispy whole grain toast or a simple green salad can make it feel a bit more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve lined my muffin tin with colorful silicone liners, then placed the cups on a pretty platter with a variety of toppings on the side—cheeses, diced tomatoes, fresh herbs—so guests can customize their own. It’s a fun, interactive breakfast idea that always gets compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they keep beautifully for up to four days. When packed right, they stay moist instead of drying out, which makes for an easy breakfast or snack on the go.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing these baked egg cups individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer bag. When you want one, just thaw it overnight in the fridge — it reheats like a charm!
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend microwaving for about 30-45 seconds or warming in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes wrapped loosely in foil. This keeps the egg cups moist and delicious, almost like freshly baked.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of sausage in this Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausages work well. Just be mindful of moisture content and seasoning intensity — you might need to adjust the salt or cook time slightly depending on the type you choose.
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How do I prevent the egg cups from sticking to the muffin tin?
Spraying the muffin tin generously with non-stick cooking spray is your best bet. You can also use silicone muffin liners, which tend to release the egg cups easily and save cleanup time.
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Can I prepare these egg cups ahead of time for meal prep?
Definitely! These egg cups are one of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts. Bake them, cool completely, then store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage. They reheat quickly and retain great texture.
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What if I don’t have almond milk—can I substitute something else?
You can substitute any milk or milk alternative you prefer — regular dairy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work well and help keep the eggs tender.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Egg Cups with Sausage and Spinach Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, quick, and endlessly adaptable while still feeling like a treat. Whether you’re a busy parent, a brunch lover, or someone trying to eat smarter during the week, you’ll enjoy how effortlessly these come together and keep you fueled. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and I promise it’ll become a go-to recipe that you’ll make over and over!
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
Description
These Baked Egg Cups are a delicious and convenient breakfast option featuring fluffy eggs combined with savory ground pork sausage, fresh spinach, and crisp red bell pepper. Baked to perfection in a muffin tin, they make a great on-the-go meal or meal prep idea that’s high in protein and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 5 eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Fillings
- 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
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray and set aside to prepare for assembling the egg cups.
- Whisk: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, unsweetened almond milk, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Sausage: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble: Evenly distribute a tablespoon or so of the cooked pork sausage into each muffin well. Add about a tablespoon each of the fresh spinach and diced red bell pepper to each well, layering them over the sausage. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the fillings in each muffin cup, filling almost to the top but leaving a little room since the eggs will expand while baking and then slightly deflate as they cool.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 17 minutes. Check the top of the egg cups; if they are not fully set, continue baking in 2–3 minute increments until cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and enjoy immediately, or let them cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for an easy make-ahead breakfast.
Notes
- Pork Sausage: You can use homemade breakfast sausage or your favorite store-bought version. For Whole30 or Paleo compliance, check the ingredient list to avoid added sugars or preservatives.
- Muffin Pan: Silicone muffin liners can be used if preferred. This substitution should not affect the baking time.
- Storage: Store leftover 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 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
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