This Cheesy Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy mornings or cozy brunches. It’s packed with savory sausage and crispy hashbrowns, all covered in yummy cheese!
Who doesn’t love a breakfast that feels like a hug? I often make this when I have friends over because it’s easy to prepare and always a hit. Plus, leftovers are great for a quick snack! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: I love using a mix of mild and spicy sausage, giving the dish an extra kick. If you’re vegetarian, try using plant-based sausage or a combination of mushrooms and spices for flavor.
Hashbrowns: Frozen hashbrowns are super convenient. However, you can also use diced fresh potatoes. Just make sure to pre-cook them a bit for even cooking in the casserole.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the star! I often mix sharp cheddar for flavor and mild for smooth melting. Feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different twist.
Onions: Diced onions add sweetness and flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can use green onions or simply leave them out.
How Do You Make Sure the Casserole Is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the casserole just right is key to enjoying this dish. Here are my tips to ensure it cooks evenly and is delicious:
- Preheat your oven! This step ensures even cooking and browning.
- Spread the ingredients evenly in the baking dish. This helps everything cook uniformly.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so check if it’s set in the middle—no jiggle means it’s ready!
- Let it cool for five minutes before cutting. This helps the casserole firm up, making it easier to serve.
These steps will help you create a delicious breakfast casserole that everyone will love!
Cheesy Sausage And Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty breakfast casserole will take about 15-20 minutes to prep and another 45-50 minutes to bake. So, overall, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for making ahead for a brunch or special breakfast gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing to Bake:
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep the casserole from sticking.
2. Cooking the Sausage and Onions:
Next, grab a large skillet and cook the breakfast sausage along with the diced onion over medium heat. Stir it around until the sausage is brown and the onion is nice and soft, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any extra grease, drain it off so your casserole isn’t too greasy.
3. Layering the Hashbrowns:
Now, spread those thawed hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will be the delicious base of your casserole!
4. Adding the Sausage Mixture:
Sprinkle the cooked sausage and onion mixture evenly over the hashbrowns. This is where the flavor really starts to come together!
5. Cheese It Up:
Time to get cheesy! Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sausage and hashbrowns. Yum!
6. Mixing the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until it’s all combined. This mix will hold everything together.
7. Pouring it All Together:
Pour that egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in your baking dish. Make sure every bit gets some love!
8. Final Touch of Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a gooey, cheesy layer.
9. Baking Time:
Put your casserole in the oven and bake it uncovered for about 45-50 minutes. You want to make sure it’s set in the middle and the top is golden and bubbling. The smell will be amazing!
10. Cool It Down:
Once it’s done, let your casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. This helps it hold its shape and makes serving easier.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite of this delicious breakfast casserole!
This recipe serves 8 and is a perfect filling breakfast or brunch option. Plus, any leftovers can be refrigerated and easily reheated for a quick meal later!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use any type of breakfast sausage you prefer, whether it’s mild, spicy, or even turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before layering.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before! Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Customize the Veggies in the Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole. Just make sure to sauté them a bit first to ensure they cook through properly.
