If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying breakfast that’s easy to prepare, look no further than Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole. This dish combines savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and melty cheese, all baked together into a comforting casserole. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for a weekend brunch or prepping for a busy workday, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. Let’s dive into why this recipe is perfect for your next morning meal.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is more than just a filling breakfast. Here’s why it should be on your menu:
1. Quick and Easy to Make
Prep work for this casserole takes just a few minutes. Layer the ingredients in a baking dish, then let the oven do the work. No need to fuss with separate dishes or complex instructions—this recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for busy mornings.
2. A Comforting Breakfast Favorite
Who doesn’t love the combination of crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese? This casserole has all of the classic comfort food flavors that make it a beloved morning favorite.
3. Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to adjust the ingredients. Want to add bell peppers or onions? Go for it. Prefer to use turkey sausage instead of pork? It works. You can easily customize this dish based on your personal preferences or what you have on hand.
4. Feeds a Crowd
This casserole recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a family breakfast, a brunch gathering, or preparing a make-ahead meal for the week, this dish can easily be doubled or halved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sausage Hashbrown Casserole:
- 1 lb. breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 bag (30 oz.) frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Optional Add-ins:
- Diced bell peppers
- Chopped spinach or kale
- Additional cheese varieties (like mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
- Crumbled bacon for extra flavor
How to Make Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage (and onions, if using) until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess fat, if necessary, and set the sausage aside.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked sausage, hashbrowns, and shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if desired.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a side of toast.
Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply pop it into the oven for a quick breakfast.
- Customize the Cheese: Use a mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and even pepper jack for a more flavorful dish.
- Use Fresh Hashbrowns: If you prefer fresh hashbrowns, simply shred your own potatoes and cook them in a bit of oil until crispy, then add them to the casserole mixture.
- Add Veggies: To make the casserole even heartier and nutritious, add in some diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
While Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is filling on its own, it pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit like berries, apples, or citrus will balance the richness of the casserole.
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links: For a more substantial meal, serve additional breakfast meats like crispy bacon or sausage links on the side.
- Hot Sauce or Salsa: A drizzle of hot sauce or fresh salsa adds a kick and extra flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing breakfast option that’s perfect for busy mornings, brunches, or meal prepping for the week. The combination of hearty sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and melted cheese will satisfy everyone’s hunger and make breakfast something to look forward to. Try this simple and delicious recipe today, and enjoy a breakfast that will keep you full and energized all morning long!
Serving and Storage Tips for Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Serving Tips
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve the casserole fresh from the oven while it’s still warm and the cheese is gooey. Let it cool slightly before slicing to make serving easier.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top individual servings with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro for added color and a burst of freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of hot sauce can also complement the flavors.
- Pair with Sides: While the casserole is filling on its own, pair it with some refreshing sides like a mixed green salad, sliced avocado, or fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast or brunch.
- Make it a Brunch Buffet: Serve the casserole as part of a brunch spread alongside other breakfast favorites like pancakes, fruit salad, or mimosas to create a memorable gathering.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely before storing it to avoid condensation.
- Freezing: To freeze the casserole, allow it to cool fully, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat individual slices of casserole in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, but the texture may not be as crisp.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Overnight Casserole: You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge before baking. This is a great option for busy mornings or if you’re hosting a brunch and want to save time. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bake as directed—this may require a few extra minutes since the casserole will be cold from the fridge.
- Portioning for Quick Meals: If you want to make individual servings easy to grab, you can bake the casserole in a muffin tin or divide it into smaller baking dishes. Once cooked, store these portions in the fridge or freezer for quick breakfasts during the week.
With these tips, you can enjoy your Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole over several days, making it a convenient and delicious breakfast or brunch option!
1. Can I make Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it as directed, although you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
2. Can I use frozen hashbrowns for this recipe?
Yes, frozen hashbrowns work perfectly for this casserole. Just make sure to thaw them before using, as this will help prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the casserole.
3. Can I substitute the sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap the sausage for ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage if you prefer a lighter or meat-free version of the casserole. The flavor will still be delicious, and you can adjust the seasonings as needed.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
PrintSausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish packed with crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, eggs, and melted cheese. Perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or holiday brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the hashbrowns.
- Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese.
- Prepare the egg mixture:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine and bake:
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.