If you are looking for a warm, satisfying breakfast that brings comfort and flavor in every bite, this Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine golden, crispy hash browns mingling with spicy, savory sausage and gooey melted cheddar, all bound together by a creamy egg custard. It’s the perfect dish to wake up to on a busy morning or to serve for a crowd—guaranteed to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. Trust me, once you try this casserole, you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and heartiness. Each ingredient plays a specific role: the sausage adds a kick of flavor and protein, the hash browns provide a crispy, tender base, and the eggs and milk create a creamy, rich texture that brings everything together. The seasonings are subtle but essential for depth, while the cheddar cheese tops it all off with melty, savory goodness.
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage: Choose your favorite spicy or mild sausage to control the heat and flavor profile.
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns: These form the golden, crispy foundation that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the spices.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a mild kick and complements the savory elements.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Adds sweetness and enhances the overall aroma.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: For that rich, melty topping that pulls everyone to the table.
- 8 eggs: The essential binder that holds the casserole together with a creamy texture.
- 2 cups milk: Keeps the egg mixture light and fluffy while soaking into the hash browns.
How to Make Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and giving your 9×13-inch pan a light spray of cooking oil. This little step ensures the casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup much easier, letting you focus on creating this delicious masterpiece.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the hot breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. This step brings out the sausage’s flavorful spices and browns it perfectly. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness, then set the sausage aside for layering later.
Step 3: Brown the Hash Browns
Next, it’s time to give those frozen hash browns a bit of love in the skillet. Add them carefully, and cook until they turn a lovely golden brown on the edges. If your pan needs a little assistance to prevent sticking, a small drizzle of oil will do the trick. Once browned, spread the hash browns evenly in the bottom of your prepared pan, then layer the cooked sausage and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, building that mouthwatering flavor stack.
Step 4: Mix the Egg Custard
Whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until everything is thoroughly combined. This egg mixture is the heart of the casserole, soaking into the hash browns and sausage, creating a luscious custard that holds the dish together and adds richness.
Step 5: Combine and Chill if Needed
Pour the egg custard evenly over the layered hash browns, sausage, and cheese. If you’re not ready to bake right away, cover the casserole and pop it into the fridge—this makes the Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe great for meal prepping ahead of time or preparing the night before.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the uncovered casserole for 35 to 40 minutes. During this time, the custard sets, the cheese melts into a golden crust, and the hash browns crisp up beautifully on the edges. When a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean, your tasty breakfast casserole is ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, or a dusting of paprika can elevate your casserole’s flavor and appearance. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa on the side adds a delightful contrast and brings freshness to each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as the star of your breakfast or brunch, but pairing it with fresh fruit salad, toast, or a simple green salad provides a nice balance. The light, fresh sides complement the casserole’s richness and create a well-rounded meal perfect for family gatherings or lazy weekend mornings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins to create personalized portions. You can also sneak in some vegetables like diced bell peppers or sautéed spinach into the mix for extra color and nutrition without sacrificing any of that classic flavor you love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for quick, delicious breakfasts throughout the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then place them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Freezing is an excellent way to save time on busy mornings without giving up any flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the oven at 350ºF for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices in short intervals for a quick meal, though baking helps maintain that crispy top and creamy interior.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in the Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with mild sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. Each will bring a unique flavor while keeping the casserole delicious.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes. Use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk and swap shredded cheddar for a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture and flavor might change slightly but will still be very tasty.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely. Diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach all make wonderful additions that boost color, texture, and nutrition without overpowering the classic flavors.
How far ahead can I prepare this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and bake when ready.
What’s the best way to get crispy hash browns in the casserole?
Cooking the hash browns in the skillet until lightly browned before assembling helps achieve a crispier texture. Also, avoid overloading the pan, so they have space to crisp evenly.
Final Thoughts
The Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a magical combination of simplicity and indulgence that will brighten any morning. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends alike. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!
Print
Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and delicious Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole perfect for feeding a crowd. Crispy hash browns are layered with savory cooked sausage and melted cheddar cheese, then topped with a flavorful seasoned egg and milk mixture. This casserole is easy to prepare ahead and bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection, making it a great option for weekend brunch or holiday mornings.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
Hash Browns Layer
- 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
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the hot breakfast sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside.
- Cook Hash Browns: In the same skillet, add the frozen shredded hash browns. Cook until they are lightly browned and crisp, stirring occasionally. Add a little oil if the skillet is dry to prevent sticking. Then, spread the browned hash browns evenly on the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Top with the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese evenly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until well combined and smooth.
- Combine and Refrigerate (Optional): Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash brown, sausage, and cheese layers in the pan. At this point, you may cover the casserole and refrigerate it if you plan to bake it later.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden and bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole the night before by assembling and refrigerating it before baking the next morning.
- For a milder flavor, use mild breakfast sausage instead of hot.
- Adding vegetables like diced bell peppers or onions can boost flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use a non-stick spray or lightly grease the pan to make serving easier.
