Cheese sausage casserole is a baked dish comprising cheese and sausages as the main components. However, other ingredients may depend upon the recipe and the cuisine. This casserole recipe does not belong to any particular cuisine and has global popularity due to ease of making and commonly available ingredients.
Some of the popular cheese sausage casserole recipes are macaroni and cheese sausage casserole, baked ziti and Italian sausage casserole, and spinach cheese and sausage casserole.
Commonly Used Ingredients in Cheese Sausage Casserole and Preparation Overview
Mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar and even cottage cheese are widely used to make this cheesy dish. One of these cheeses is grated and used in the preparation of cheese sauce or sprinkled in grated form over the casserole just before baking.
For the sausages, any kind of spicy or plain sausages can be incorporated depending upon the choice. Hot Italian sausages, pork sausages, beef and chicken sausages are fondly added in sliced form to the casserole.
Other ingredients that are added to the casserole are onion powder, garlic powder, evaporated milk, mustard powder, black pepper, eggs, and, quite often, soaked bread and mashed potatoes. Bacon, ham and shredded chicken are also widely incorporated in the dish for extra flavor and volume.
Preparation of the casserole starts with the making of cheese sauce or plain white sauce. All-purpose flour, milk, shredded cheese and salt are traditionally used to make the sauce. Meanwhile, the sausages are sliced and sautéed in a little butter with other ingredients. The excess oil is drained from the pan when the sausages are done. An oven-proof greased dish is lined at the bottom with either soaked bread or mashed potatoes, and the mixture of sausages, cheese sauce and crumbled cheese is spread over the bottom layer. If the macaroni has to be used, it should be boiled in advance and mixed with cheese sauce. Beaten egg is also poured over the ingredients and extra cheese is sprinkled on the top for final touch.
Baking of the cheese sausage casserole does not take long time, but the oven should be preheated. The casserole is generally baked for 20-25 minutes or until cheese melts and turns brown from the top. Like other casserole dishes, it can also be set in advance and kept in refrigerator uncooked. It is also necessary to cover the casserole with a sheet of foil with shiny side facing down so that the casserole does not become soggy. Although it can be cooked uncovered, the cheese layer may turn crispy if not covered and a crispy layer of cheese may be undesirable in cheese sausage casserole.
Serving Of Cheese Sausage Casserole
This casserole can be served as a breakfast dish, if set a night before. However, it can be a hearty brunch or lunch main dish with the addition of some healthy vegetables like bell peppers, carrot and spinach. Generally, fork and knife are used to cut the casserole in pieces that are served individually to each person. Green salad and crusty bread go quite well with cheesy casserole.
Nutrition Facts Related to Cheese Sausage Casserole
Cheesy casserole is indeed a high-fat dish. Egg and sausages have cholesterol as well as sodium; therefore, on the whole, the dish tends to have excess fat and high percentage of cholesterol.
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