If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the heartwarming coziness of a Sunday morning, this Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the answer. Brimming with savory sausage, golden hash browns, melty cheddar, and the luscious richness of eggs, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone linger at the table just a little longer. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or surprising your family with a special brunch, this all-in-one casserole is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead and endlessly adaptable—perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for your Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole couldn’t be easier. Each element brings something special—rich flavor, satisfying texture, or brilliant color—so don’t skip a thing! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Breakfast Sausage: Choose your favorite mild or spicy sausage for big, savory flavor that anchors the casserole.
- Frozen Shredded Hash Browns (thawed): These form the cozy, crispy base and make assembly a snap—no peeling or shredding needed.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar brings creaminess and that irresistible cheesy crust on top; feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you like a little kick.
- Diced Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, giving every bite a savory pop.
- Large Eggs: The backbone of the casserole, eggs hold everything together and give the dish a custard-like texture.
- Whole Milk: For extra-rich, fluffy eggs; you can substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk if preferred.
- Garlic Powder: A small but mighty seasoning, it enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt: Brings out the best in every ingredient; adjust to your taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds just enough warmth and depth.
- Nonstick Spray or Butter for Greasing: Keeps your casserole from sticking and adds extra flavor if you use butter.
How to Make Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. A little bit of planning makes things go smoothly—grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a layer of softened butter. This step isn’t just about easy cleanup; it ensures every slice of your Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole slides out perfectly golden, with no sticking disasters.
Step 2: Brown the Breakfast Sausage
Heat a skillet over medium and crumble in your sausage. While it cooks, break it up with a spoon, letting it get browned and delicious. Once it’s fully cooked, don’t forget to drain off any excess fat. This keeps the casserole from getting too greasy and lets all those meaty flavors shine through.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Seasonings
In a large bowl, crack all eight eggs and whisk them up until smooth. Pour in the milk, then add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it all together until well blended. This simple mixture is the secret to the custardy, cloudlike layers in your Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Now for the fun part—building your casserole. Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. Scatter the cooked sausage and diced onion over the top, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. By layering like this, every forkful captures all the good stuff in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Give your egg mixture one last whisk, then pour it evenly over the casserole—watch it nestle among the layers, promising puffy, cheesy, golden goodness. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are sizzling, the top turns golden brown, and the center is set. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes so everything firms up before slicing in.
How to Serve Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
A few finishing touches make your Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole feel extra special. Try a sprinkle of fresh chives, snipped green onions, or a little more shredded cheese on top right before serving. If you love a hint of heat, scatter on some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce—personalize it to your heart’s content!
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with colorful fresh fruit, a crisp side salad, or a platter of flaky biscuits. A light arugula salad with a zippy vinaigrette or classic buttermilk pancakes round out the meal and make breakfast—or brunch—a true celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making this for a special occasion, cut the casserole into tidy squares and pile them up on a beautiful serving board alongside bowls of salsa, sour cream, and avocado. For potlucks or grab-and-go breakfasts, bake the mixture in muffin tins for adorable single servings that stay perfectly portable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a meal prep dream. Let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Whether you’re packing individual slices in containers or keeping the whole pan in the fridge, it stays moist and delicious—even a few days later.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully! Slice it up, wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then stash in a freezer-safe bag or container. It keeps beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, and it will taste just as fresh as the day you made it.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm larger portions in the oven at 325°F until hot throughout. Cover with foil if you’re reheating a big batch to keep it from drying out. The cheese melts all over again, while the eggs keep their dreamy, custardy texture.
FAQs
Can I make Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based alternative or use sauteed mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty, meatless version that everyone will love.
Can I assemble the casserole the night before?
Yes, one of the best features of Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is that you can prep it ahead. Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed in the morning—no extra work needed!
What type Breakfast
Cheddar is a classic, but you can mix things up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even Swiss for a different flavor twist. Using a blend of cheeses adds even more depth and gooey texture!
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Try adding diced bell peppers, baby spinach, mushrooms, or even fresh tomatoes. Just be sure to sauté moisture-heavy veggies first so your casserole stays fluffy, not soggy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage and hash browns don’t contain any wheat-based fillers or additives. Always double-check ingredient labels to be safe.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something soul-soothing about sharing a homemade Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole with friends or family. It’s a breeze to make, totally customizable, and incredibly comforting—so why not treat yourself and the people you love to a hearty breakfast that feels like a warm hug? Give it a try, get creative, and savor every golden, cheesy bite!
Print
Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a delicious morning meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Packed with savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and gooey cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a breakfast favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 (20-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- nonstick spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
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: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the thawed hash browns in the prepared baking dish. Top with sausage, onion, and cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Notes:
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
- Add bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.
- Use dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
