This recipe is a comforting and satisfying casserole, perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It’s packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, creamy cream cheese, and crispy hashbrowns, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This casserole is warm, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, making it the perfect dish to enjoy on a cold morning or a cozy night in.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt this recipe to your own preferences by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices.
- Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight, making it a great option for busy mornings or when you’re entertaining guests.
- One-Dish Wonder: With protein, carbs, and dairy all in one dish, it’s a complete and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like sausage, eggs, and frozen hashbrowns makes this a wallet-friendly meal option.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, removed from casings
- 6 large eggs
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed slightly
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk (whole milk or 2% milk works best)
- Salt, to taste (approximately ½ teaspoon)
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste (approximately ¼ teaspoon)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Excess grease can make the casserole greasy, so this step is important. Set the cooked sausage aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 6 large eggs. Add the softened cream cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to beat the mixture together until it is smooth and well combined. Make sure the cream cheese is fully incorporated to avoid lumps in the casserole. The mixture should be light and airy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared baking dish, spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the hashbrowns. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish, making sure all the ingredients are coated. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure the egg mixture settles into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. To test if the casserole is done, insert a knife into the center. If the knife comes out clean, the casserole is ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes until set.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set up a bit and make it easier to cut.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as a main dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or melon, to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Offer a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- Add a side salad with a light vinaigrette to create a more complete meal.
- Serve with a drizzle of hot sauce for those who like a little heat.
Tips:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature before mixing it with the eggs and milk. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Thaw Hashbrowns Slightly: Thawing the hashbrowns slightly before assembling the casserole will help them cook more evenly and prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Add Vegetables: You can add chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach, to the casserole for added flavor and nutrients. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little kick.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving, assuming 6 servings):
Calories: 450
Protein: 25 grams
Sodium: 600 mg
Conclusion
The Hearty Sausage and Hashbrown Bake is a winning dish for so many reasons. It is easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and satisfying any time of day. The recipe can be easily modified and it is the kind of recipe your family will ask for again and again. It’s perfect for making memories!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage? Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative to pork sausage. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. You may need to add a touch of oil to the skillet as turkey sausage tends to be drier.
- Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Yes, you can! Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would be delicious additions. Sauté them until softened before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are cooked through. About 1 cup of sautéed vegetables is a good amount.
- Can I prepare this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning? Yes, you can definitely prepare it ahead of time. Assemble the casserole as directed and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, but add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze this casserole after it has been baked. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen? Yes, you can. You’ll need about 3 cups of shredded potatoes. Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the shredded potatoes before adding them to the casserole to prevent it from becoming watery. You might consider lightly cooking the shredded potatoes in a skillet before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook through properly.
