Oh, this one is a game-changer! If you love a cozy, hearty breakfast that’s easy to whip up and perfect for feeding a crowd, this Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is going to be your new go-to.
It’s loaded with savory sausage, crispy hash browns, gooey cheese, and fluffy eggs all baked together in one dish.
Bonus? You can make it ahead of time, which means lazy mornings just got a whole lot tastier.
I’ve made this for holidays, weekend brunches, and even quick weeknight dinners (yes, breakfast for dinner!), and it never disappoints. Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 (20 oz) bag of frozen hash browns, thawed
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Tools
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
Pro Tips
- Use thawed hash browns: Frozen hash browns can make the casserole watery, so let them thaw completely and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Pre-cook the sausage: Cooking the sausage beforehand ensures it’s fully done and makes layering easier.
- Add veggies: Diced bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms are great additions if your family loves extra veggies.
- Cheese it up!: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to make cutting and serving easier.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meatless: Skip the sausage and use sautéed veggies instead.
- Milk: Use half-and-half for a creamier texture, or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat if needed.
- Hash browns: Swap for diced potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- Cheese: Experiment with Swiss, Gouda, or your favorite melting cheese.
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble everything the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. Perfect for busy mornings!
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Layer the Ingredients
Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the cooked sausage, then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Finally, pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish.
5. Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley, serve, and enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
This casserole also freezes beautifully – just wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
There you have it – a simple, delicious, and family-approved Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast, a special holiday morning, or breakfast for dinner, this dish is sure to please.
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or questions you have. Happy cooking! 😊