This Cheesy Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a hearty start to your day! It features crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, and gooey cheese all baked together in one tasty dish.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and in no time, breakfast is served. Plus, it’s great for feeding a crowd—or for leftovers! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns make this dish super easy. If you want to use fresh potatoes, grate them and squeeze out excess moisture. You can also use other frozen vegetables like diced peppers to add color and flavor.
Breakfast Sausage: I love using pork sausage for its rich flavor. However, turkey sausage is a great lighter alternative. You can even substitute with vegetarian sausage or cooked bacon for different taste variations.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is the star here. You can mix it up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses. I find that a stronger cheese enhances the flavor! If you need a dairy-free option, there are plant-based cheeses available.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. Greek yogurt can be used as a healthy substitute. It’ll give a similar texture but with added protein. If you’re dairy-free, look for coconut or almond yogurt.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Is Creamy and Not Dry?
A big concern with casseroles is ensuring they stay creamy. Here are my tips:
- Use the right balance of liquid from eggs and milk. Make sure you whisk them well to incorporate air.
- Sour cream is key for a nice creamy texture, so don’t skip it!
- Cover the casserole with foil for the first half of baking to trap moisture, then uncover it to allow cheese to brown.
If you follow these tips, your casserole should come out perfect and delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Cheesy Sausage And Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole requires about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 45-55 minutes to bake. With a total time of about 1 hour, you can have a delicious breakfast ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s fully browned and crumbly. If you’re including the onion, add it to the skillet and cook until it’s softened. After cooking, drain any excess grease. Set the meat mixture aside for later.
3. Layer the Hashbrowns and Cheese:
Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the hashbrowns for a cheesy goodness layer.
4. Add the Sausage:
Next, evenly distribute the cooked sausage and onions (if using) over the cheese layer, making sure it’s spread out nicely.
5. Mix The Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until everything is fully combined and smooth. This will create a creamy texture in the casserole.
6. Combine and Top:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole base. Finally, top it off with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese for that delicious melty finish.
7. Bake and Enjoy:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is set in the middle and the cheese is all melted and golden brown. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Slice up your cheesy sausage and hashbrown breakfast casserole and enjoy it warm—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a hearty dinner!
Happy cooking! Enjoy this warm, savory, cheesy breakfast casserole that combines crispy hashbrowns, flavorful sausage, and creamy cheese in every satisfying bite!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hashbrowns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Just grate them and squeeze out any excess moisture before layering them in the casserole. This will help ensure your dish doesn’t turn out watery.
Is It Possible to Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will go in the oven cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make this Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap out the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just make sure the other ingredients, like cheese and sour cream, are also vegetarian-friendly if that’s a concern!