Mornings can be hectic, right? There’s the rush to get out the door, the scramble to feed everyone (while still managing to drink your coffee), and the desire to make something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Well, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: a Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. It’s everything you love about breakfast, all baked up in one hearty, comforting dish that will make your mornings feel just a little bit easier. Plus, you can even make it ahead of time, so all you have to do is pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Let me tell you, this recipe is a total game-changer. We’re talking crispy hash browns, juicy breakfast sausage, melty cheddar cheese, and creamy scrambled eggs all layered together and baked to golden perfection. It’s a breakfast that’s not just filling but super satisfying, and everyone at the table will be coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start dreaming about that perfect casserole, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this delicious dish. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s super simple and requires just a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage – We’re going for that juicy, flavorful sausage to add a little spice to the dish. You can use mild sausage if you prefer, but hot sausage brings a nice kick that pairs perfectly with the cheesy goodness.
- 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns – You want to keep it easy, right? No need to shred your own potatoes when you’ve got frozen hash browns ready to go. They get crispy in the skillet and create a perfect base for the casserole.
- 1 tsp salt – A little salt to bring all the flavors together.
- 1/2 tsp pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper is your best friend here. It’s a simple but necessary seasoning for that perfect savory touch.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder – Garlic powder adds a hint of savory flavor that’s not too overpowering but still gives the dish some depth.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder – Like the garlic, onion powder is subtle but enhances the overall taste of the casserole, adding a nice richness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – This is what makes everything come together into a melty, gooey masterpiece. You can’t go wrong with cheddar!
- 8 eggs – Eggs are the key to holding all of the ingredients together and creating that soft, fluffy texture once everything is baked.
- 2 cups milk – A little milk mixed with the eggs helps make that custard-like layer that’s so dreamy in casseroles.
With all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making this casserole!
How to Make the Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). This is the perfect temperature for the casserole to bake through without overcooking or burning the top. While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan with some cooking spray. This step is crucial because it helps prevent your casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a whole lot easier. Plus, you’ll be able to serve it up without all that mess.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Next, grab a large skillet and cook your sausage over medium heat. You want to cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks so you get those lovely crumbles of sausage. Depending on the sausage, you might have some excess grease that needs to be drained. Once the sausage is cooked through and nice and browned, drain any fat and set the sausage aside.
Step 3: Crisp Up the Hash Browns
In the same skillet, add your frozen shredded hash browns. Let them cook for a few minutes until they start to get lightly browned and crispy. You might need to add a little bit of oil to the skillet to help them crisp up, especially if there’s not enough fat left from the sausage. Stir them occasionally to get an even golden-brown color. These crispy hash browns are going to form the base of your casserole, so you want them to be perfectly crispy.
Once your hash browns are done, carefully transfer them into your greased 9×13-inch pan. Spread them out evenly on the bottom of the dish. Now you’re ready for the next layer!
Step 4: Layer the Sausage and Cheese
Now, take your cooked sausage and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the hash browns. Don’t be shy—this is the flavorful, hearty part of the dish! After the sausage, take your cheddar cheese and sprinkle it over the sausage. The cheese will melt into the sausage and hash browns as it bakes, creating that amazing gooey texture we all crave in a breakfast casserole.
Step 5: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, it’s time to whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You want to make sure everything is well combined so you get a smooth, creamy egg mixture. The eggs and milk will create a soft, custard-like texture that holds all the layers together once baked. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage, cheese, and hash brown layers in your pan. This is what’s going to make it all come together in that magical casserole form.
Step 6: Let it Rest (Optional)
If you’re planning to bake the casserole right away, go ahead and move to the next step. But if you’d rather prep it for later, here’s a pro tip: Cover and refrigerate the casserole at this point. You can let it rest in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the more time the flavors have to meld together, and when you pop it in the oven, you’ll have a super flavorful, perfectly cooked casserole. If you do this, just make sure to bring it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
It’s finally time to bake! Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the top is golden brown and bubbly. The cheese will be perfectly melted and slightly crispy around the edges, and the whole casserole will smell amazing. If you want to make sure it’s fully cooked, you can check the middle by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean when the casserole is done.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice it into squares and watch as everyone digs in. It’s the perfect way to start your day, and it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. You’ve got the crispy hash browns, savory sausage, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs—what’s not to love?
Tips and Tricks to Make It Even Better
- Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some veggies, feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach with the sausage. You could also throw in some mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make It Spicy: If you’re a fan of heat, you can add some chopped jalapeños or even use spicy sausage to take things up a notch.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole is fantastic for meal prep! You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning, or bake it in advance and reheat it for an easy breakfast during the week.
Why This Casserole is a Must-Try
There’s something magical about casseroles. They’re so versatile, easy to make, and always packed with flavor. This Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole has everything you need for a filling breakfast or brunch. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and you can make it ahead of time if you’ve got a busy morning. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, having friends over for breakfast, or just want a tasty and filling meal to get you through the day, this casserole has you covered.
So, the next time you’re craving a delicious, comforting breakfast that’s easy to make and sure to impress, give this Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole a try. It’s one of those recipes that’s bound to become a family favorite. Trust me—once you try it, you won’t be able to stop making it!
