If you have ever dreamed of waking up to a warm, comforting dish that combines the perfect harmony of savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and ooey-gooey cheese, then this Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is about to become your new breakfast obsession. It’s a wonderful mix of textures and flavors, all baked into one dish that’s perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or any time you want a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a big, cozy hug. Trust me, once you try this casserole, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving that mouthwatering balance of taste, texture, and color. From the savory sausage to the melty cheeses and creamy base, every component brings something special to the table.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy): Adds savory, rich flavor and a hearty protein boost that anchors the casserole.
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns (thawed): Provides a crispy, tender base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- 1 small onion (diced): Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Offers vibrant color and a slight crunch with natural sweetness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor and that irresistible cheesy melt.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchiness and a mild creaminess to balance the cheddar.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a creamy binder that keeps everything rich and moist.
- 1 cup sour cream: Enhances creaminess and adds a touch of tang to brighten the flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the texture just enough for a smooth, luscious casserole base.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle, aromatic kick to complement the sausage.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a beautiful rosy hue to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that rounds out the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Sprinkles a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly with a golden crust. Don’t rush this part—preheating thoroughly is key to perfect baking.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is fully browned and crumbly. Take your time to break it apart as it cooks so every bite is packed with savory goodness. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, diced onion, red bell pepper, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so every inch of the casserole will be bursting with flavor. This is where the magic happens—the creaminess combines with the sharp cheese and hearty sausage for pure comfort food bliss.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the oven and let it bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until it is bubbling hot and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. The aroma wafting from your oven during this time is as delightful as the taste itself!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish. Your Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is now ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is my go-to, feel free to jazz things up with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions for added flavor and a pop of color. These simple touches elevate the dish and provide extra bursts of freshness.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines brilliantly on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some fresh fruit can help balance the richness and keep your meal feeling light and vibrant. Roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed greens are excellent companions as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming brunch presentation. You can also garnish each serving with a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle of crispy bacon crumbs to add an exciting texture and burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay tasty and fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Simply prepare it up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a hassle-free meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker fix. Adding a few minutes under the broiler at the end can help restore that crispy, golden top.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of breakfast sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works great and gives you a lighter option while still packing plenty of flavor. Just cook it thoroughly as you would with pork sausage.
Is it okay to use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
While fresh potatoes can work, frozen shredded hashbrowns are key for convenience and consistent texture. If using fresh, be sure to grate and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a soggy casserole.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, plant-based sausage, or extra veggies. Adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain that savory depth.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level depends on your choice of sausage. Using mild breakfast sausage results in a comforting, mild dish, while spicy sausage adds a pleasant kick. You can also add chili flakes if you want more heat.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Definitely! This is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food joy wrapped up in a golden, bubbly bake. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how effortlessly this dish can become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Print
Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty and comforting breakfast or brunch dish packed with savory sausage, tender hashbrowns, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, it combines creamy mushroom soup and sour cream for richness, with a touch of garlic and paprika for extra flavor. Baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a satisfying meal that can be made ahead of time and baked when ready.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Base
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and crumbled, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, diced onion, diced red bell pepper, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top has turned a golden brown color.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving to add a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- You can assemble this casserole the night before, cover with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate to bake the next day.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers on top before baking.
- This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a hearty family breakfast.
- Use mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference.
