Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, featuring key ingredients like breakfast sausage, cream cheese, hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, and eggs. Perfect for making ahead and suitable for any meal from brunch to dinner. Freeze extra portions for a quick, delicious option on busy days.
This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole holds a special place in my heart. It all began one chilly autumn morning when my extended family was visiting. Wanting to impress yet strapped for time, I decided to experiment with everyone’s favorite breakfast ingredients. As I watched the casserole turn golden in the oven, the aroma filled the house and brought everyone to the kitchen, eager and smiling. It wasn’t just a breakfast; it was a moment of togetherness. Since then, this casserole has become more than a recipe to me—it's a cherished memory of warmth and family, recreated and relished at many a gathering.
Why You'll Love This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Our Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is not just any breakfast—it's a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish packed with features that make it stand out.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it the night before for a stress-free morning or even freeze it for future use.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various ingredients according to your taste or dietary needs.
- All-in-One Meal: Combines proteins, carbs, and dairy to keep you satisfied longer.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for brunches, potlucks, and holiday mornings, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
Ingredient Notes
Each ingredient in our Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole plays a vital role in creating its comforting and savory flavor.
- Breakfast Sausage: Opt for high-quality ground sausage for the best flavor. You can choose between mild or spicy depending on your preference.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and binds all the components together. Ensure it’s softened to blend smoothly with other ingredients.
- Hashbrowns: Frozen hashbrowns are a convenient choice, providing a hearty base without the need to peel and grate potatoes.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is recommended for its depth of flavor, but feel free to experiment with other types or blends.
- Eggs and Milk: These work together to create the custard-like filling that holds the casserole together, with eggs also adding a protein boost.
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How To Make Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
To whip up this delightful Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, just follow these simple, well-explained steps.
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the oven reaches the right temperature for cooking and helps achieve a perfectly baked casserole.
- Cook the Sausage: Brown the sausage in a skillet until fully cooked; this not only cooks the meat but also enhances its flavor by caramelization.
- Mix Sausage with Cream Cheese: Blend the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese to form a creamy, flavorful layer that adds richness to the casserole.
- Brown the Hashbrowns: Sauté the hashbrowns until they are just beginning to get crispy. This adds texture and prevents the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, layer the hashbrowns, followed by the sausage mixture, and then sprinkle with shredded cheese for that gooey deliciousness.
- Combine Eggs and Seasonings: Whisk together eggs, milk, and seasonings to pour over your layers, which will solidify the casserole and infuse it with flavors.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the assembled casserole until it’s cooked through and the top is golden brown, making sure every bite is infused with savory, cheesy goodness.
Storage Options
Our Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is as practical as it is delicious, with several convenient storage options. Once baked, it can be cooled and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for quick breakfasts throughout the week. For longer storage, slice it into individual portions and freeze them. Wrapped tightly, the casserole can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick, fulfilling meal.
7. Variations and Substitutions:
This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and dietary requirements.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for a vegetarian meat substitute or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Different Proteins: Consider using bacon or ham instead of sausage if you prefer a different type of meat.
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is recommended, experimenting with mozzarella or pepper jack can add a new twist to the flavor profile.
- Egg Substitutes: For a lower cholesterol option, use egg whites instead of whole eggs or a liquid egg substitute.
With these insights and options, you can easily make this dish a beloved tradition in your own home, just as it is in mine. Enjoy the warmth and joy that comes with a good meal shared with loved ones!
Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of ground breakfast sausage
- 16 ounces of cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 32 ounces of frozen hashbrown potatoes
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- ¼ teaspoon of onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper adjusted to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Initiate by setting your oven to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is adequately heated for cooking.
- Prepare the Sausage: Utilize a skillet set over medium-high heat to cook the sausage until it is thoroughly browned. Following cooking, ensure to drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese: In a separate mixing bowl, amalgamate the browned sausage with the softened cream cheese until the mixture is uniform.
- Cook the Hashbrowns: Return to the skillet to sauté the hashbrowns. Continue cooking until they begin to acquire a slightly browned appearance.
- Assemble the Base Layer: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and evenly distribute the hashbrowns across the bottom as the first layer.
- Add Meat and Cheese Layers: Proceed by layering the cream cheese and sausage mixture over the hashbrowns. Subsequently, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. This mixture will bind the ingredients in the casserole.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring it permeates through the layers. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is fully cooked and the surface is golden brown.
