If you are on the hunt for a breakfast dish that brings everyone to the table with warm smiles and full bellies, this Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It combines crispy hash browns, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese to create a truly comforting and satisfying start to your day. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special holiday morning, this casserole can be made ahead to ease your morning rush while delivering unbeatable flavor that feels homemade and hearty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe plays a vital role, coming together perfectly to provide taste, texture, and color. These staples are simple but essential for creating that irresistible combination you’ll crave again and again.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage: Choose your favorite brand or try spicy sausage for an extra kick.
- 1 (20 oz) bag frozen hash browns (shredded or diced), thawed: The crispy, golden base that soaks up every delicious bite.
- 8 large eggs: Provide the perfect binding agent to hold everything together with a fluffy texture.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess and softens the casserole for a tender finish.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby-Jack): Melts beautifully, bringing gooey richness and a lovely golden color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors to make each bite pop.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives subtle depth without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: A smoky note that adds warmth and visual appeal.
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing: Prevents sticking and helps the edges crisp up nicely.
How to Make Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Sausage
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish well. Cooking the sausage first in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked is crucial. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease after cooking to keep the casserole from becoming too oily—this ensures that every bite is flavorful but balanced.
Step 2: Layer the Hashbrowns and Sausage
Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates the crispy, golden foundation of the casserole. Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage over the hash browns to spread the savory goodness evenly. Topping this layer with shredded cheese ensures that every forkful will be rich and melty.
Step 3: Prepare and Pour the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This seasoning blend ties every element together, creating a custard-like consistency that sets beautifully during baking. Pour the mixture evenly over the layered hash browns, sausage, and cheese for a perfectly balanced casserole.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes or until the center is fully set and the top turns lightly golden. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing—this resting time helps everything firm up, making it easier to serve perfect squares.
How to Serve Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh brightness that complements the rich casserole. For extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can add layers of flavor that excite the palate.
Side Dishes
Pairing this hearty casserole with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green side salad balances the richness and keeps the meal feeling light and vibrant. Toasted English muffins or buttered toast are also wonderful companions to soak up any delicious leftovers on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins for personalized portions. This makes it easier to serve guests and adds a charming touch to your breakfast or brunch spread. Alternatively, top with diced avocado or sliced tomatoes for a colorful and nutrient-rich twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It maintains its flavor and texture wonderfully, so you can enjoy it fresh again with minimal effort.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly before placing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep that perfect cheesy, sausage-filled goodness intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the crispiness of the hash browns. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but the texture won’t be quite as crisp. Cover loosely to prevent drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in the Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use spicy sausage, turkey sausage, or even substitute with bacon or ham for different flavors. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before assembling the casserole.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing and make-ahead meals?
Yes, it is perfect for make-ahead breakfasts. You can assemble it the night before or freeze it for later. Just thaw before baking, and you’ll have a fresh, delicious meal ready when you need it.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added to boost nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the sausage or before layering so they’re cooked through.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar or Colby-Jack are excellent for meltability and flavor, but you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little zing.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your sausage and frozen hash browns contain no gluten additives. Always check the labels just to be safe.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in food form. It’s easy to make, versatile, and endlessly satisfying — perfect for sharing with family or friends when you want to start the day off right. I hope you give this recipe a go and come to love it as much as I do!
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Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and cheesy breakfast baked delight featuring crispy hash browns, savory breakfast sausage, eggs, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s an ideal make-ahead dish for busy mornings, weekends, or holiday brunches that serves a crowd and satisfies all palates.
Ingredients
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby-Jack)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
Vegetables & Others
- 1 (20 oz) bag frozen hash browns (shredded or diced), thawed
Spices & Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Miscellaneous
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb of breakfast sausage until it is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease to maintain a balanced flavor and texture.
- Layer Hash Browns: Evenly spread the thawed hash browns from the 20 oz bag into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base for the casserole.
- Add Sausage and Cheese: Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the hash browns, then top with 2 cups of shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese to add richness and meltiness to the dish.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 1 cup milk, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon paprika until well combined.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled casserole layers in the baking dish. Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to allow it to set fully before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute sausage with bacon or ham for different flavor variations.
- Adding diced onions or bell peppers enhances the casserole with extra texture and flavor.
- For convenience, assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning.
- Leftover casserole can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
