If you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting, and satisfying breakfast that’s both easy to make and feeds a crowd, Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish! Combining crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, eggs, and cheese in one casserole, this dish is everything you could want in a breakfast—flavorful, filling, and simple to prepare. It’s the ideal meal for a family breakfast, holiday brunch, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
The best part about this casserole is that you can make it the night before and bake it in the morning, saving you time on busy mornings. It’s a versatile dish too—add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spices, or swap the sausage for bacon or turkey sausage to suit your tastes. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and comforting breakfast casserole!
Why This Casserole Works So Well
Crispy Hashbrowns: The Perfect Base
Hashbrowns serve as the crispy, savory base for this casserole. They add texture and substance to the dish while soaking up the savory flavors from the sausage, eggs, and cheese. Frozen hashbrowns are easy to work with and provide the ideal crispy texture without requiring any extra prep.
Sausage: Savory and Flavorful
The sausage in this casserole is the key to its rich, savory flavor. You can use traditional pork breakfast sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version. The sausage is browned and crumbled before being mixed into the casserole, infusing every bite with savory goodness.
Eggs and Cheese: Creamy and Rich
Eggs and cheese are the foundation of any great breakfast casserole. The eggs provide a creamy texture that binds everything together, while the cheese adds richness and flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses can be used, giving you the flexibility to create a casserole that suits your tastes. The melted cheese on top creates a gooey, comforting finish.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the best things about this casserole is that it can be prepared the night before. You simply assemble it, refrigerate overnight, and bake it the next morning for an easy, no-fuss breakfast. This makes it perfect for holiday mornings, family gatherings, or any time you want to enjoy a comforting breakfast with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
To make this hearty and flavorful casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or plant-based sausage)
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns (thawed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
How to Make Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
1. Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it apart into crumbles with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. If you’re using vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, add them to the pan and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened. Once the sausage is cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Casserole Base
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. Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly in the bottom of the baking dish, pressing them down lightly to form an even layer.
3. Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Layer the cooked sausage (and any vegetables, if using) evenly over the hashbrowns in the baking dish. Then, pour the egg mixture over the top of the sausage and hashbrowns, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
5. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden and the eggs are fully set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean when the casserole is done.
6. Let It Cool and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole hot with a side of fruit, avocado slices, or a simple salad. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal.
Health Benefits of Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Protein-Packed
With eggs, sausage, and cheese, this casserole is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The eggs in this casserole provide essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, and B vitamins. The addition of vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and spinach) boosts the vitamin and antioxidant content, providing additional health benefits like immune support and improved skin health.
Healthy Fats
The eggs, sausage, and cheese provide healthy fats, which are important for brain health, hormone production, and energy. The olive oil used for cooking adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which can support heart health and lower bad cholesterol.
Customizable for Dietary Preferences
This casserole is customizable for different dietary needs. You can use turkey sausage, plant-based sausage, or skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. Additionally, you can choose a dairy-free milk and cheese option to make the casserole dairy-free.
Full of Fiber
When you add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the casserole, you increase the fiber content, which is important for digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast comfort food—hearty, savory, and satisfying, with the perfect balance of crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheese. This dish is quick to assemble and can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings, family gatherings, or holiday brunches.
It’s also highly customizable, so you can swap in your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or breakfast meats to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just feeding your family, this casserole will quickly become a favorite breakfast staple.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just bake it as directed. This makes it perfect for holiday mornings or meal prep.
2. Can I use frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, frozen hashbrowns work perfectly in this casserole. Just make sure to thaw them before using them in the casserole for the best texture.
3. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great lower-fat option and will work just as well in this recipe. You can also use vegetarian sausage for a plant-based version.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them first before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook through.
5. 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 plenty of great dairy-free cheese options available.
6. How long will leftovers keep?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until heated through.
7. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Once assembled, wrap it tightly in 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. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend. Just make sure it melts well for that creamy, gooey texture.
9. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also use a plant-based sausage alternative if you want a vegetarian version with more protein.
10. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the eggs are fully set, and the top is golden and slightly crispy. You can check by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean if the casserole is fully cooked.