Looking for a quick, satisfying, and delicious breakfast dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is exactly what you need! This one-pan meal combines crispy hash browns, savory sausage, eggs, and gooey cheese, all baked together in perfect harmony. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a make-ahead dish for busy mornings.
This casserole is ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and customizable to your tastes. Whether you prefer sausage, bacon, or a vegetarian version, this casserole is versatile and always satisfying. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious breakfast casserole!
Why This Casserole Works So Well
Hash Browns: A Crispy and Hearty Base
Hash browns are the perfect foundation for this breakfast casserole. They provide a crispy, hearty base that soaks up all the flavors of the eggs, cheese, and sausage. They also add texture, making every bite satisfying. You can use frozen hash browns for convenience, which saves time and eliminates the need to peel or shred potatoes.
Savory Sausage: Flavorful and Filling
Sausage adds a rich, savory depth to this casserole. You can choose between pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage, depending on your preferences. The sausage is browned and crumbled before being added to the casserole, ensuring that it cooks through and imparts its flavors to the rest of the dish.
Eggs and Cheese: Creamy and Comforting
Eggs and cheese create the creamy, comforting texture of this casserole. The eggs bind all the ingredients together while creating a fluffy, soft interior. The cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend) melts into the eggs, making the casserole rich and indulgent. It’s the perfect combination of creamy and savory.
Easy to Make and Customizable
This casserole is simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or onions for extra flavor and nutrition, or swap out the sausage for bacon or ham. The beauty of this dish is that it’s versatile and can be tailored to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients for Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
To make this flavorful and satisfying casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or plant-based sausage)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
- Hot sauce (for serving, if desired)
How to Make Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Break the sausage apart into crumbles with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. If you’re using vegetables like onions and bell peppers, add them to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the prepared baking dish. Press them down slightly to form a compact base.
Evenly distribute the cooked sausage (and vegetables, if using) over the hash browns. Then, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and hash browns.
4. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of your favorite cheeses. If you prefer a cheesier casserole, feel free to add more cheese!
5. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and golden brown. To check if the casserole is done, insert a knife or toothpick into the center—it should come out clean if the eggs are fully cooked.
6. Let It Cool and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added flavor and color.
Slice the casserole into squares and serve hot. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess, or drizzle with hot sauce for some added heat.
7. Enjoy!
This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor—perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion.
Health Benefits of Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Protein-Packed
This casserole is a great source of protein, thanks to the eggs, sausage, and cheese. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body health. The combination of protein-rich eggs and sausage makes this a satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The eggs in this casserole provide essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, and B vitamins. If you add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, you’ll increase the vitamin content, adding important nutrients like vitamin C and folate, which support immune function and overall health.
Healthy Fats
The eggs, sausage, and cheese provide healthy fats, which are important for brain health, hormone production, and overall energy. While this casserole is rich, the healthy fats help balance the dish and keep you feeling satisfied without a sugar crash later.
Carb-Friendly
While hashbrowns are a source of carbs, this dish provides a balanced breakfast with protein and healthy fats to help stabilize your blood sugar levels. If you prefer a lower-carb option, you can substitute the hashbrowns with cauliflower rice or a low-carb potato alternative.
Conclusion
Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and satisfying goodness. With crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and hearty breakfast, this casserole is a guaranteed hit.
The best part? It’s completely customizable! Add your favorite vegetables, use different types of cheese, or swap the sausage for bacon or a vegetarian alternative. You can make it your own and enjoy a warm, comforting meal with minimal effort.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just bake it as directed. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or holiday breakfasts.
2. Can I use frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, frozen hashbrowns work perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them before using them in the casserole for the best texture.
3. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by replacing the sausage with plant-based sausage or simply adding more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
4. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can make the casserole dairy-free by using dairy-free milk and cheese substitutes. There are many great dairy-free cheese options available, including vegan cheddar and mozzarella.
5. How long will leftovers keep?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
6. Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them first before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook through.
7. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Once assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
8. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the eggs are fully set, and the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can check by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean when the casserole is fully cooked.
9. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use bacon, ham, or ground turkey instead of sausage. Just be sure to cook the meat first before adding it to the casserole.
10. Is this casserole gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free hashbrowns, this casserole is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on any processed ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.