Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a hearty family favorite that comes to life during lazy weekend mornings, holidays, or any time you crave comfort food. This dish layers crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and melted cheese under a fluffy egg mixture, creating a flavor-packed casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. I can’t help but reminisce about the times I’ve served this to friends and family, watching them dig in with satisfied smiles. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a filling breakfast before a busy day, this casserole is a must-try.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
You’ll love this casserole for its incredible flavor, simple ingredients, and versatility! It’s not just quick to prepare; it’s also budget-friendly, making it ideal for everyday meals or special occasions. Imagine a dish that pleases both kids and adults alike—this is it. You can whip it up on a Sunday and have delicious leftovers throughout the week for breakfast or brunch.
“I made this casserole for a family gathering, and it was gone in minutes! Everyone loved the flavors and how filling it was. I’ll definitely make it again!” — A happy home cook
The Cooking Process Explained
Making a Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a straightforward process that combines just a few steps for a delightful result. You start by cooking the sausage until it’s perfectly browned, then sauté the hash browns until crispy. After layering everything in a baking dish, you whip up a creamy egg mixture that ties all the flavors together and bake until set. It’s as easy as that!
To help you better visualize the steps, here’s what you’ll need to gather before diving into the cooking:
Key Ingredients
To make this delicious casserole, gather the following:
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
Tip: Feel free to substitute the hot sausage with mild or turkey sausage based on your preference!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the fat and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the hash browns and cook until they are lightly browned. If necessary, add a little oil to ensure they crisp up nicely.
- Place the hash browns in the bottom of the greased pan. Top with the cooked sausage and sprinkle cheddar cheese over everything.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the hash brown layer.
- Note: If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is slightly golden.
Creative Ways to Serve It
This casserole can be served fresh out of the oven with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley for that extra burst of flavor. Pair it with fresh fruit for a balanced meal. You can also add a side of toast or some fluffy pancakes to round out your breakfast spread. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you find yourself with leftovers (which can be challenging!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Always remember to handle your leftovers with care to ensure food safety!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- To save time, you can cook the sausage and hash browns the night before and assemble the casserole in the morning.
- If you’re short on time, skip the browning step for the hash browns, but make sure to use fresh ones to avoid excess moisture.
- Consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a nutritious twist!
Flavor Swaps for Variety
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Why not try different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy kick, or add in some diced green chilies? You can also experiment with different meats, such as diced ham, bacon, or even a veggie sausage for a plant-based version.
Your Questions Answered
- How long does it take to prepare? The total preparation and cooking time is about 1 hour, including 10-15 minutes of prep and 35-40 minutes of baking.
- Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight; bake it the next morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
- What if I have dietary restrictions? You can easily substitute the sausage for a vegetarian option and use dairy-free milk and cheese to accommodate those with lactose intolerance.
This Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a delightful mixture of flavors and textures that will leave you and your loved ones craving more. Give it a try the next time you want to impress at breakfast!
Print
Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A hearty family favorite featuring crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and melted cheese, perfect for brunch gatherings or a filling breakfast.
Ingredients
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the fat and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the hash browns and cook until lightly browned. If necessary, add a little oil for crispiness.
- Place the hash browns in the bottom of the greased pan, top with the cooked sausage, and sprinkle cheese over everything.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the hash brown layer.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is slightly golden.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the hot sausage with mild or turkey sausage. This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg