Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Ah, the Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole! This dish is not just a breakfast option; it’s a warm hug on a chilly morning, a gathering of flavors that wraps you in comfort and satisfaction. Let me take you behind the scenes of this delightful recipe, one that I’ve relied on for family brunches, lazy Sundays, or even when friends drop by unexpectedly. With each bite, you get a taste of hearty sausage, crispy hash browns, and melty cheese that make you wonder why you ever thought breakfast could be boring!

Why you’ll love this recipe

So, what makes this breakfast casserole such a winner? For starters, it embodies convenience without sacrificing flavor. You can toss everything together, pop it in the oven, and go about your morning—literally, while it bakes, you can sip your coffee and do a little happy dance in your PJs! Plus, its versatility allows you to customize it based on what’s lurking in your fridge; think of it as your canvas for culinary creativity.

Each layer in this casserole sings a little song of texture: the crispy edges of the hash browns, the chewy goodness of the sausage, and the creamy egg mixture that melds it all together. And let’s not overlook the melted cheddar—a golden crown on this breakfast royalty! This dish is also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or a comforting meal on a busy weekday.

Gather these ingredients

To whip up this luscious dish you’ll need:

• 1 lb sausage: I usually go for breakfast sausage because the herbs and seasonings add a savory punch. But, if you’re in the mood for something different, Italian sausage or even turkey sausage can work wonders too.

• 1 package (30 oz) frozen hash browns: This is where the magic really starts. I love the convenience of frozen hash browns, but if you have fresh potatoes, don’t hesitate to shred and pan-fry them for an even better crunch.

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar is classic! It’s rich, sharp, and oh-so-melty. Feel like making it gourmet? Try a blend of Gruyère for nuttiness or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

• 1/2 cup chopped onion: Onions bring depth to this casserole; I like using yellow onions for their sweetness. If you have green onions or shallots, feel free to experiment.

• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper: A splash of color and sweetness! Bell peppers brighten things up, but if you’ve got some sweet or spicy peppers on hand, they’ll add a fun twist.

• 12 large eggs: Eggs bind everything together like a cozy blanket. They bring fluffiness and a rich flavor.

• 1 cup milk: Milk adds creaminess to the mix. If you’re aiming for decadence, consider using half-and-half!

• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t underestimate the importance of seasoning! It’s the secret handshake of flavor, so be generous.

Preparing Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Let’s dive into the step-by-step magic of creating this breakfast masterpiece:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial. Giving it a head start ensures your casserole bakes evenly.

2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until it’s perfectly browned and crumbly—think about five to seven minutes. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives you that lovely texture to bite into.

3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, then layer it up! Start with hash browns (no need to thaw—just spread them out), followed by the cooked sausage, chopped onion, bell pepper, and finally, sprinkle that glorious cheddar cheese on top.

4. Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well mixed. Give it a good whisk; we’re aiming for fluffy eggs! Pour this mixture lovingly over your layered masterpiece.

5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the eggs are set and the whole thing is golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly; I promise you won’t be able to resist peeking!

6. Let it cool slightly before indulging. This helps it set just a bit more and makes slicing a breeze!

Best way to enjoy it

Now, let’s talk about serving! This breakfast casserole shines when it’s fresh out of the oven, but there are countless ways to elevate the experience:

• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs—think chives or parsley—to brighten the dish.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra zing.
• Pair it with fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the richness.
• Thinking brunch? Mimosas or a good ol’ cup of coffee make the perfect companions!

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep that deliciousness fresh:

• Storage: Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’s good in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

• Freezing: If you’re looking to store it long term, you can freeze portions. Just allow it to cool completely, then cut into squares and wrap tightly. It’ll last about 2 months in the freezer.

• Reheating: When you’re ready for round two, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or pop individual servings in the microwave—about 1-2 minutes should do the trick!

Pro chef tips

Here are some chef-level secrets to make your casserole even more delightful:

• Toast your spices briefly in the skillet after cooking the sausage to elevate the flavors.
• Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking before cutting; this helps it hold its shape.
• Experiment with your layers! Throw in some diced tomatoes or jalapeños for unexpected bursts of flavor.
• If you want a richer texture, swap out some of the milk for heavy cream.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to customize this casserole:

• Vegetarian Style: Swap the sausage for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and black beans. The earthiness will still give you that hearty bite!

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese to crank up the heat.

• Breakfast of Champions: Top this bad boy with crispy bacon bits for added crunchy goodness.

Ingredients list

• 1 lb sausage
• 1 package (30 oz) frozen hash browns
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 12 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to follow

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and layer the hash browns, sausage, onion, bell pepper, and cheese.
4. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper; pour over the layered ingredients.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes until eggs are set and golden.
6. Cool slightly before serving.

Your questions answered

• How long does it take to prepare? You’re looking at about 20 minutes for prep and 45-55 minutes baking time.

• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare it the day before, store it in the fridge, and bake in the morning.

• What can I serve with this? We’ve covered brunch drinks and fresh fruit; it pairs perfectly with a light salad or even pancakes!

• Is it freezer-friendly? Yes! Just freeze after baking, then reheat when you’re ready.

• Can I adjust the spices? Of course! Adjust salt and pepper to taste, or experiment with herbs for added flair.

Cook up this delightful casserole, and you’ll create a memory not just for yourself but for anyone lucky enough to share the table with you. Believe me; with this dish in your repertoire, you’ll be such a superstar in the kitchen. So, roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to dive into the cozy comfort of this ultimate breakfast casserole!

Print Recipe

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Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Cooking Method: Baking Courses: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Casserole C Comfort Food Dairy High Protein Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 55 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 25 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 300

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a comforting and hearty breakfast dish perfect for family brunches or gatherings. With layers of sausage, hash browns, and melted cheese, it will surely be a hit!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb sausage (breakfast sausage or Italian sausage)
• 1 package frozen hash browns (30 oz)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses)
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped onion (yellow onion preferred)
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
• 12 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for richness)
• to taste salt (for seasoning)
• to taste pepper (for seasoning)

Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   This ensures even baking.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook Sausage

   In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes.
   Mark as complete

3. Prepare Baking Dish

   Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer the hash browns, cooked sausage, onion, bell pepper, and cheddar cheese.
   No need to thaw the hash browns.
   Mark as complete

4. Mix Egg Mixture

   Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients.
   Whisk until well mixed for fluffiness.
   Mark as complete

5. Bake

   Bake for 45-55 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
   The kitchen will smell heavenly!
   Mark as complete

6. Cool and Serve

   Let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes before slicing.
   This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 300kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 8g40%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 200mg67%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 400mg12%

Total Carbohydrate 20g7%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 2g

Protein 15g30%

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Vitamin A 800 IU

Vitamin C 30 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.5 mg

Niacin 2 mg

Vitamin B6 0.3 mg

Folate 60 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Great for brunch or as a make-ahead breakfast option.

Keywords: breakfast casserole, hash browns, sausage, cheddar cheese, brunch