Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delightful and effortless Sausage Hash Brown Casserole! This beloved dish combines the hearty goodness of eggs, savory sausage, golden hash browns, and gooey cheese into one irresistible breakfast bake. Whether you’re planning a special holiday brunch, feeding a houseful of guests, or simply craving a comforting weekend meal, this casserole is your perfect solution. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can even be made ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free morning for everyone.
The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
Imagine waking up to the aroma of a freshly baked breakfast casserole, ready to pull from the oven with minimal effort. This Sausage Hash Brown Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a game-changer for busy mornings and festive gatherings alike. Its blend of classic breakfast flavors makes it a universal crowd-pleaser, suitable for all ages. Forget about juggling multiple pans on the stove; this all-in-one dish simplifies your morning routine without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. From its crispy hash brown base to its rich, cheesy, and protein-packed filling, every forkful promises a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that will start your day on the perfect note.
Why This Sausage Hash Brown Casserole Shines
- Effortless Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for leisurely weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, potlucks, or when hosting overnight guests.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with protein from eggs and sausage, plus filling hash browns and cheese, it’s a complete meal that keeps you energized.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and simply bake in the morning, making your mornings smoother.
- Freezer-Friendly: A great option for meal prepping; simply freeze portions for quick breakfasts later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breakfast Casseroles
Removing excess moisture from thawed hash browns is a crucial step to prevent your casserole from becoming soggy. Dry hash browns will crisp up better and contribute to a more desirable texture in the final dish, ensuring a firm, flavorful base.
Absolutely not! While breakfast sausage is traditional, feel free to use your favorite ground sausage. Options like sage sausage, spicy hot sausage, or even Italian sausage can add a unique twist to the flavor profile. You can also experiment with other meats like crumbled cooked bacon, diced ham, or even ground turkey for a lighter alternative. The versatility of this recipe means you can tailor it to your taste.
Yes, adding vegetables is a fantastic idea to boost flavor and nutrition! Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced mushrooms, spinach, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick are excellent choices. We recommend sautéing tougher vegetables like bell peppers and onions with the sausage until softened before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook through evenly and integrate well with the other ingredients.
Yes, casseroles are wonderfully freezable! You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight for morning baking. For longer storage, wrap the uncooked casserole well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, you can either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or bake it directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed until it’s heated through and golden brown. Cooked leftovers can also be frozen in individual portions for convenient grab-and-go meals.
Cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either warm individual servings in the microwave for a quick option, or for a crispier result, reheat portions in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly heated.
This recipe is designed for a standard 9×13-inch baking dish. This size ensures the casserole cooks evenly and achieves the desired depth for a perfect slice. If you use a different size, adjust the baking time accordingly; a smaller, deeper dish may require more time, while a larger, shallower dish might cook faster.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
Crafting this delightful casserole requires a few simple yet essential components. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for selection:
- Frozen Hash Browns: A 30-ounce bag of frozen shredded hash browns (or a 2-pound bag) works perfectly. Remember to thaw them completely and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels to prevent a watery casserole. If you prefer, you can shred your own potatoes or use refrigerated hash browns; the key is moisture removal.
- Pork Breakfast Sausage: One pound of your favorite ground pork breakfast sausage is ideal. Whether you prefer regular, extra sage, or a hot variety for a spicy kick, any choice will add savory depth. For an even quicker preparation, consider using pre-cooked, crumbled sausage found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
- Onion: Half a finely diced onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the casserole. If onions aren’t to your taste, feel free to omit them.
- Eggs: Eight large eggs serve as the crucial binder, holding all the components together while providing essential protein and a rich, custardy texture to the bake.
- Milk: Half a cup of milk (any kind, from whole to skim) helps create the light and fluffy egg mixture, ensuring a moist and tender casserole.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Two cups of shredded cheddar cheese will melt into a glorious, cheesy layer, adding immense flavor and a delightful gooeyness. Feel free to substitute with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for some heat, or a Mexican blend for a different twist.
- Salt and Pepper: One teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper are foundational seasonings. Adjust these to your preference, and don’t hesitate to experiment with other spices. A teaspoon of Cajun or Creole seasoning can add a vibrant, zesty flavor if you’re looking for an extra kick.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious and memorable breakfast casserole that everyone will adore:
Begin by ensuring your hash browns are fully thawed. Take a clean paper towel and firmly pat them dry, removing as much excess moisture as possible. This critical step prevents your casserole from becoming watery and ensures a delightful texture. Set the dried hash browns aside. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your ground breakfast sausage and finely diced onions. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned and crumbled, and the onions are softened and translucent. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the casserole from being overly oily. Once cooked, transfer the sausage and onion mixture to a separate bowl and set aside.
Optional Step for Extra Crispy Hash Browns: If you desire a crispier texture and richer color for your hash browns, increase the heat in the same skillet to high. Add the patted-dry hash browns and spread them flat in an even layer across the bottom of the skillet. Allow them to cook undisturbed for several minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust, then flip and brown the other side. This step enhances both the flavor and texture, but it’s not essential if you’re short on time. Once browned, remove them from the skillet.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eight large eggs with the half cup of milk until well combined and slightly frothy. Stir in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, along with the salt and pepper. This egg mixture will act as the binding agent, infusing flavor and moisture throughout your casserole.
Now it’s time to assemble your casserole. In the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the thawed and dried hash browns evenly across the bottom, forming a firm base. Next, spoon the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the hash browns, distributing it in an even layer. This creates a flavorful middle stratum.
Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the sausage and hash brown layers, ensuring it seeps down and coats all the ingredients. This will help bind everything together as it bakes.
Finally, sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. This top layer of cheese will melt into a golden, bubbling crust during baking. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to ensure even cooking and prevent the top from browning too quickly.
Place the covered casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it during this final stage to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This brief resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice and serve. Then, simply slice into generous portions and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade Sausage Hash Brown Casserole!
Expert Tips for Casserole Perfection
- Prep Ahead is Key: This casserole is designed for make-ahead convenience. Assemble the entire dish the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply pop it into the oven. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from a cold state.
- Crispy Hash Browns: While optional, browning your hash browns in a skillet before adding them to the casserole will significantly enhance their texture and flavor, adding a delightful crispiness to the base.
- Seasoning is Crucial: Don’t be shy with your seasonings. Taste your sausage mixture before adding it to the casserole to ensure it’s well-seasoned. The eggs will absorb some of the flavor, so a well-seasoned base is important.
- Prevent Watery Casserole: Always pat your thawed hash browns very dry. This is the most common reason for a soggy breakfast casserole.
- Even Baking: Ensure your ingredients are spread evenly in the baking dish to allow for consistent cooking and browning.
- Don’t Overbake: While you want the eggs set, overbaking can lead to a dry casserole. The edges should be golden, and the center should be firm when lightly pressed.
Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole
This Sausage Hash Brown Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a touch of sweetness and freshness, or with a side of toasted English muffins or warm biscuits. A glass of orange juice or a freshly brewed cup of coffee completes the perfect breakfast or brunch spread.
Customizing Your Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to your taste:
- Different Meats: Swap breakfast sausage for crumbled bacon, diced ham, ground turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss, or a blend of your favorites.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or green chilies for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture, or use hot breakfast sausage for a spicier kick.
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme can add a lovely aromatic finish.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
- Pork Chop Hash Brown Casserole
- Cowboy Hash Brown Skillet
- Breakfast Bundt Cake
- Texas Breakfast Hash Brown Casserole
- Old School Hamburger Hash
- Chicken Hash Brown Casserole
- Microwave Scrambled Eggs Cup
Originally published: October 2011
Updated & republished: June 2023
Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
This Sausage Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate easy breakfast casserole! Eggs, cheese, sausage, and hash browns are all you need for a delicious breakfast!
Rating: 4.89 out of 5 stars (59 Reviews)
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 9
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 30 ounce bag frozen hash browns, (thawed & patted dry with paper towels)
- 1 pound pork breakfast sausage (regular, extra sage or hot)
- ½ onion, finely diced
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a skillet, cook onions and brown and crumble sausage.
- Optional: Remove the cooked sausage, turn the heat up to high, and add in the hash browns. Pat them flat into the skillet. Allow them to brown, then flip over and brown the other side. Then continue with the rest of the recipe.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and salt and pepper.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread hash browns evenly into the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage on top of hash browns.
- Next, pour the egg mixture evenly on top of that layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
- Take foil off and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to make sure the cheese doesn’t brown up too much.
Video
Notes
- Make sure the hash browns are thawed and dried. Pat them dry with a paper towel. You don’t want that extra moisture to make your casserole runny.
- Frozen hash browns come in different size bags. I used a 30-ounce bag, but a 2-pound bag will also work.
- You do not have to brown the hash browns. I like this step as it gives the hash browns some color and additional texture, but it’s not necessary for this dish to still be delicious.
- Like most casseroles, this is perfect to make the night before to have ready to bake the next morning!
- This casserole can be frozen.
- For an additional kick of flavor, try adding about a teaspoon of Cajun or Creole seasoning into the egg mixture along with the salt and pepper.
Nutrition Information
Course: Breakfast | Cuisine: American
Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 29g | Sodium: 920mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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