Start your day the delicious and easy way with a hearty breakfast that practically makes itself! This incredible Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution for busy mornings or feeding a crowd. It combines savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and cheesy eggs into one comforting dish. Get ready to simplify your breakfast routine with this wonderful recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
You will quickly fall in love with making this delightful breakfast casserole for many reasons. Sweet Emily is all about making baking simple for busy parents and beginners, and this recipe delivers!
- Quick Prep Time: Assemble this dish in under 20 minutes with minimal effort.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before and just bake it in the morning.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Everyone adores the classic combination of sausage, eggs, cheese, and potatoes.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
- Hearty and Comforting: It’s a filling meal that will keep you satisfied all morning long.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your savory Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole. Each component plays a vital role in building flavor and texture, ensuring a delicious result every time.
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (30-32oz) 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
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many ingredients to customize this Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole to your taste. For the sausage, choose mild, sage, or turkey sausage to adjust the flavor profile. If using turkey sausage, you might need a bit of oil for browning. For hash browns, shredded, diced, or even potato crowns work well; ensure they are fully thawed for even cooking. Feel free to use Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for the cheese. Any milk, from skim to whole, or even half-and-half, will work perfectly in the egg mixture.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy recipe. This simplicity helps busy parents and beginners feel confident in the kitchen.
- A 9×13 inch baking dish is essential for this casserole.
- A large skillet with deep sides makes cooking the sausage and hash browns easy.
- You will also need a large mixing bowl and a whisk.
Instructions
Making this Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a straightforward process, perfect for beginners. Follow these easy steps for a delicious and comforting meal.
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, ensuring an easy release after baking. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook and Drain Sausage. In a large skillet, cook the entire two pounds of breakfast sausage over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Break up the sausage into small crumbles as it cooks. Once fully browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Proper draining prevents a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Brown Hash Browns in Skillet. Add the frozen shredded hash browns to the same skillet. If needed, add a small amount of oil (about a tablespoon) to prevent sticking and encourage browning. Cook the hash browns for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden and slightly crisp. This pre-browning step is crucial for texture.
Step 4: Layer Hash Browns, Sausage, and Cheese. Spread the lightly browned hash browns evenly across the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch pan. Next, scatter the cooked and drained sausage crumbles over the hash brown layer. Finally, evenly sprinkle the two cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage.
Step 5: Whisk Egg Mixture; Pour Over Layers. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eight eggs until well beaten. Add the two cups of milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the eggs. Whisk everything until thoroughly combined and well-seasoned. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layers of hash browns, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. Ensure the liquid saturates all ingredients.
Step 6: Option to Refrigerate or Bake Immediately. At this point, you have two choices. For make-ahead convenience, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight (or for at least 4 hours). If baking immediately, proceed to the next step. Allowing it to rest helps the flavors meld.
Step 7: Bake Uncovered Until Golden. If baking from chilled, remove the casserole from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Bake the Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, uncovered, in the preheated 350ºF oven for 33-38 minutes. The casserole is ready when the center is set, the eggs are cooked through, and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is simple with a few smart techniques. Ensure your hash browns are perfectly browned by cooking them in a single layer if possible, avoiding overcrowding the skillet. Properly draining sausage fat is crucial; use a slotted spoon to transfer sausage, or pour through a fine-mesh sieve. To prevent a soggy casserole, always pre-brown the hash browns and ensure the egg mixture fully sets. Confirm eggs are fully cooked by checking the center for jiggle; it should be firm.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls for a flawless breakfast casserole. Not pre-browning hash browns often leads to a soft, mushy texture in the final dish. Skipping fat draining from the sausage makes the casserole greasy and less appealing. Lastly, under-seasoning the egg mixture can result in a bland flavor profile, so taste and adjust as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your warm Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with a variety of complementary sides. A fresh fruit salad or a bowl of sliced oranges adds a lovely contrast. Offer a basket of warm biscuits or toast on the side for a complete meal. For extra flavor, top individual servings with your favorite salsa, a dash of hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream. This casserole is truly perfect for any brunch buffet.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole: cover it tightly with foil and then plastic wrap, and it will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or warm larger amounts in an oven at 300°F until heated through.
According to USDA guidelines, egg dishes and casseroles should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Variations & Customizations
Feel free to get creative with your Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole!
- Meat Swaps: Try crispy bacon, diced ham, or a mix of different breakfast sausages for varied flavors.
- Vegetable Additions: Sauté diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms and add them to the layers for extra nutrition and taste.
- Cheese Changes: Experiment with different shredded cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack.
- Spice It Up: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. It is calculated using a standard online nutrition calculator and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This information is intended as a general guide.
| Amount Per Serving |
|---|
| Calories: 450 |
| Total Fat: 32g |
| Saturated Fat: 13g |
| Cholesterol: 245mg |
| Sodium: 980mg |
| Total Carb: 20g |
| Dietary Fiber: 2g |
| Total Sugars: 4g |
| Protein: 22g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is ideal for make-ahead convenience. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
What kind of sausage works best?
Any breakfast sausage works well. Choose between hot, mild, or sage-flavored sausage based on your preference.
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can. Ensure you shred them finely and pat them very dry before browning to prevent a watery casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the center is firm and no longer jiggly, and the top is golden brown and bubbly. An internal temperature of 160°F is ideal.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is! You can freeze the unbaked casserole, tightly covered, for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole truly embodies deliciousness and convenience, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast rotation. Whether for a relaxed weekend brunch or a busy weekday morning, its simple preparation and hearty flavors are sure to impress. We encourage you to try this fantastic recipe and experience the joy of a stress-free, satisfying meal. Share your creations or leave a comment below with your favorite variations – we’d love to hear from you!
For optimal food safety, cooked leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Best Make-Ahead Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage until no longer pink, then drain the fat and set the sausage aside.
- Cook hash browns in the same skillet until lightly browned, adding oil if needed. Spread hash browns in the prepared pan, then layer with cooked sausage and shredded cheese.
- Whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the hash brown and sausage layers in the pan.
- Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes until cooked through and golden.
Notes
