This Cheesy Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a warm and filling dish. With crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, and gooey cheese, it’s perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Picture this: a cozy morning, and you can just pop this casserole in the oven. I love how it feeds a crowd, but really, it’s great for leftover seconds—because who wouldn’t want more cheesy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns are super convenient. If you prefer, you can use fresh potatoes. Just shred and par-cook them a bit to soften up before using. This makes for an extra crispy base!
Breakfast Sausage: I love pork sausage for its flavor, but turkey sausage is a great lighter option. Feel free to use vegetarian sausage if you’re looking for a meat-free meal!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic in this casserole. If you’d like to mix it up, consider pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Any good melting cheese works!
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds creaminess. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, which also brings a nice tangy flavor!
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Cooks Evenly?
To avoid an unevenly cooked casserole, layering is key! Start with the hashbrowns at the bottom, then add the sausage and cheese in layers. This way, the moisture from the eggs helps steam the hashbrowns while the cheese melts beautifully on top.
- Cook the sausage and onion first to ensure there’s no excess liquid in the casserole.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to firm up. This makes it easier to cut and serve.
- If you notice the cheese browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil for the second half of cooking.
Cheesy Sausage And Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheese & Garnish:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 45 to 55 minutes to bake. So in total, plan for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes to enjoy this cheesy breakfast delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and to perfection! While the oven is warming up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage and finely chopped onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step adds flavor that will complement the hashbrowns!
3. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 8 large eggs, sour cream, milk, salt, and black pepper. Using a whisk, mix until everything is smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will bind all the layers together in the casserole.
4. Layer the Hashbrowns:
Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of your greased casserole dish. This will serve as a delicious base for all the yummy layers!
5. Add Sausage and Cheese:
Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the layer of hashbrowns. After that, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sausage layer. This creates delicious layers of flavor!
6. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Now, pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole. This will soak into the layers and hold everything together. It’s going to be so good!
7. Finish with More Sausage and Cheese:
Top the casserole with the remaining cooked sausage and the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese. The more cheese, the better, right?
8. Bake:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 to 55 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbling. It’s hard to wait, but the results will be worth it!
9. Let it Sit:
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything firm up just a bit more, making it easier to serve.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Optionally, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a little color and extra flavor. Then, dig in and enjoy your warm, cheesy masterpiece! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a delicious meal.
Can I Use Frozen Hashbrowns?
Absolutely! Frozen shredded hashbrowns work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand for even cooking.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be 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, pop individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also switch up the cheese by using mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor!