Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a warm, hearty breakfast that’s both effortless and unforgettable, then Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is about to become your new morning go-to. Imagine a creamy layer of perfectly baked hash browns, juicy sausage, melted cheddar, and soft eggs mingling in every flavorful bite. This crowd-pleaser is as reliable for holiday brunches as it is for a cozy weekend at home, and you’ll love how each ingredient adds its own personality to the dish. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this casserole delivers comfort and satisfaction with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this casserole is how it’s built on a handful of everyday essentials, each one working double duty to create fantastic flavors and textures. Every ingredient brings something unique to this comfort classic, from crispy edges to oozy cheesy goodness, making this Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole utterly irresistible.
- Breakfast sausage (pork or turkey): Choose your favorite; pork brings richness and classic flavor, while turkey lightens things up without sacrificing taste.
- Olive oil (if needed): A splash helps brown the sausage beautifully, especially if you’re using lean turkey.
- Small onion (diced): For a flavorful base and sweet depth that rounds out those savory notes.
- Red bell pepper (diced): Adds bright color and a touch of sweetness, making each bite pop.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (thawed): They create the perfect foundation—no peeling or grating required!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts right into the casserole, lending gooey richness and a gorgeous golden crust.
- Large eggs: The superstar that binds everything together and delivers that dreamy, custard-like texture.
- Whole milk: Gives lightness to the eggs and helps them puff up just right.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory zing that amplifies every other flavor.
- Salt: A pinch ties all the elements together—don’t forget it!
- Black pepper: A little kick for balance and warmth.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): The ultimate finishing touch for freshness and a bright pop of color on top.
How to Make Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spritz or brush with non-stick spray or oil. This small step keeps your Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole from sticking and makes serving a breeze later on.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your breakfast sausage (and olive oil if needed). Cook, breaking it into crumbles as you go, until the sausage is thoroughly browned and cooked through. If your sausage renders a lot of fat, just drain off the excess grease before moving on.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper
Add your diced onion and red bell pepper directly to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté everything together for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and their flavors really meld into the sausage.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is completely combined. This mixture will become the custardy magic that holds your casserole together.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Spread your thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon the sausage and veggie mixture over the hash browns, spreading it out for even coverage. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top so you get delicious gooeyness in every bite.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Pour that beautifully seasoned egg mixture over the entire casserole, making sure it seeps into all those nooks and crannies. Pop the dish into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set and the top is deliciously golden-brown.
Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Serve
As tough as it is to wait, let your Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole rest for 5–10 minutes out of the oven. This little pause makes slicing and serving easier—and helps all those lovely flavors settle.
How to Serve Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Top your casserole with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions just before serving. This instantly brightens up your casserole and gives each portion a fresh, fragrant finish. If you want something a little different, try a sprinkle of chives or even a dusting of smoked paprika for extra color and kick!
Side Dishes
This Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole shines as the centerpiece, but it also loves a little company on the plate. Try pairing it with a side of mixed fruit, a simple green salad, or some flaky biscuits for a complete and cozy breakfast spread. If you’re serving a crowd, set out extra toppings like salsa, avocado, or hot sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, serve your casserole in generous squares on individual plates with a garnish on each, or scoop it into ramekins for a brunch buffet. Want to get even fancier? Add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hollandaise overtop. For a holiday brunch, try cutting the baked casserole into festive shapes with a cookie cutter for a touch of playful charm!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container—your casserole will stay fresh for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick, satisfying breakfast on the fly!
Freezing
If you want to meal prep, this casserole freezes wonderfully either baked or unbaked. For best results, cool the baked casserole completely, wrap portions well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If freezing unbaked, assemble as directed but don’t bake; wrap tightly and bake straight from the fridge when ready—just add about 10 extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave for about a minute or warm larger amounts in a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. A splash of milk before reheating keeps everything moist and fluffy, so your Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole tastes just as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I prepare the Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, let the casserole sit at room temperature while your oven preheats, then bake as usual. This makes morning entertaining practically effortless!
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Cheddar is classic, but you can mix things up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a bit of feta for a tangy twist. Combining cheeses is a fun way to play with different flavors and textures!
Can I add vegetables to boost the nutrition?
Definitely! Chopped spinach, sliced mushrooms, or even a handful of baby kale can be added along with the onions and peppers. Just sauté any watery veg first to avoid a soggy casserole.
Is Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your sausage and hash browns to be sure they don’t have any hidden wheat-based fillers or additives.
How do I know when my casserole is done?
Your casserole is ready when the center is set and doesn’t jiggle when you give the dish a gentle shake. If you want to be extra sure, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, and the top will be golden.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole truly brings everyone to the table, and it’s so easy you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Whether you’re fueling a busy family morning or hosting a festive brunch with friends, it’s a cozy, comforting classic that just makes your day a little brighter. I hope it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen too—happy baking!
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Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and comforting breakfast option that is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping ahead. With layers of savory sausage, crispy hash browns, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs, this casserole is sure to be a hit at any breakfast or brunch gathering.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the sausage and vegetables: In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned, then add onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer hash browns in the baking dish, top with sausage mixture and cheese, then pour the egg mixture over.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until set and golden on top. Let it rest before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole the night before and bake in the morning.
- Customize with spinach or mushrooms for added vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
