Dominique here, ready to share an irresistible breakfast casserole that will transform your mornings! This Sausage Hash Brown casserole perfectly combines classic, hearty flavors into one delicious dish. It’s ideal for busy weekdays or festive holiday brunches, offering a stress-free, make-ahead solution. Prepare it the night before and simply bake for a truly delightful start to your day.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
- Effortless: This recipe features simple steps with minimal fuss, making it perfect for even the newest cooks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It feeds a hungry crowd with ease and is always a hit at any gathering.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the Sausage Hash Brown casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
- Comfort Food: Enjoy a hearty, satisfying breakfast that feels like a warm hug.
- Versatile: Easily customize the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering Sausage Hash Brown casserole. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that classic breakfast flavor everyone adores.
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
Notes & Substitutions
- Sausage: Feel free to swap hot breakfast sausage for mild pork sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Potatoes: If shredded isn’t available, frozen diced potatoes or even cubed fresh potatoes work well.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a sharp cheddar for varied flavors.
- Add-ins: Boost the flavor by incorporating sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach into the casserole layers.
- Other Meats: Cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or even shredded chicken can replace or complement the sausage.
Equipment
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to create this delicious Sausage Hash Brown casserole.
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Meat masher (optional, for breaking up sausage)
- Cheese grater (optional, if using block cheese)
How To Make Sausage Hash Brown
Creating this delicious Sausage Hash Brown breakfast casserole is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy, step-by-step instructions for a perfect result every time.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet, cook the 2 pounds of breakfast sausage over medium-high heat. Use a meat masher or spoon to break it apart into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until no longer pink, then drain off any excess fat thoroughly. For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground meat and sausage to a specific internal temperature. View safe minimum internal temperatures for ground meat and sausage. Set the cooked sausage aside. This step is crucial for a non-greasy Sausage Hash Brown casserole.
Add the frozen shredded hash browns to the same skillet (add a little oil if necessary to prevent sticking). Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and some edges are crispy. This browning adds fantastic texture to your casserole.
Spread the lightly browned hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Next, layer the cooked and drained sausage over the hash browns, ensuring it’s distributed evenly. Finally, sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage layer.
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Whisk until the egg mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the hash brown, sausage, and cheese layers in the baking dish. Make sure the liquid saturates all components for proper setting.
If you are baking the casserole later, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate it at this point.
Bake the Sausage Hash Brown casserole, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes in the preheated oven. The casserole is done when the eggs are fully set in the center and the top is golden brown and bubbly. An inserted knife should come out clean.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Assemble the casserole as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and chill it overnight.
- Freeze (Unbaked): Assemble, wrap tightly with foil, then an additional layer of plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Freeze (Baked): Bake the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw: Ensure unbaked casseroles thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Reheat: Thaw frozen baked portions, cover, and bake at 350°F until warm through, about 20-30 minutes.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Crispy Hash Browns: Always brown your hash browns well in the skillet before adding them to the dish. This prevents a mushy texture in your Sausage Hash Brown casserole. Pre-cooking hash browns before adding them to a casserole is a common chef’s tip to ensure a crispy texture and avoid a soggy dish. Learn more tips for preventing a soggy breakfast casserole.
- Season Eggs: Don’t skip seasoning the egg mixture. It’s essential for a flavorful casserole, not just bland eggs.
- Avoid Dryness: Watch your baking time carefully; overbaking can lead to a dry and rubbery casserole.
- Rest Time: Allow the baked casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the eggs set further and makes for cleaner slices.
- Drain Fat: Thoroughly draining the sausage fat is critical. Too much fat will make your casserole greasy.
- Thaw Completely: If baking from frozen, ensure the casserole thaws entirely before baking. This prevents uneven cooking and ensures a perfectly set dish.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile Sausage Hash Brown casserole pairs wonderfully with various sides and stores well for easy meal prep.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices with a fresh fruit salad for a light contrast.
- Add a dollop of salsa or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick.
- Offer a side of warm toast or flaky biscuits.
- Pair it with orange juice or freshly brewed coffee for a complete breakfast.
Storage:
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze individual baked portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Always ensure proper sealing to maintain freshness and flavor.
Variations:
- Add different vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers to the layers.
- Try a spicy cheese, such as jalapeño jack, for a flavorful kick.
- Line the bottom of the dish with crescent rolls for a flaky crust.
- Make individual Sausage Hash Brown casseroles in muffin tins for easy grab-and-go servings.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutrition information is an approximate estimation per serving for this Sausage Hash Brown casserole. Actual values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This hearty dish is generally high in protein, making it a satisfying meal.
| Nutrient | Approximate Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-500 kcal |
| Protein | 25-30 g |
| Fat | 30-35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15-20 g |
This information is provided for general guidance and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for specific dietary considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh hash browns?
Yes, you can. Just be sure to thoroughly dry them after shredding to prevent a watery casserole.
How do I prevent a soggy casserole?
Always drain the cooked sausage exceptionally well and ensure your hash browns are lightly browned before layering them.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Sauté any vegetables like onions, peppers, or spinach first to remove excess moisture and enhance their flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends entirely on the type of breakfast sausage you choose for your Sausage Hash Brown casserole. Use hot sausage for a kick or mild for a gentler flavor.
Can I use milk alternatives?
You can substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk or soy milk, but please note that the taste and texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole truly embodies simplicity and deliciousness, making it a fantastic addition to any breakfast or brunch. Its make-ahead convenience ensures stress-free mornings, while its hearty flavors guarantee a happy crowd. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family meal, this versatile casserole is sure to become a cherished recipe. Give this crowd-pleaser a try, and don’t forget to share your experience and any unique twists in the comments below!
Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- Cook the sausage in a large skillet until browned, then drain the fat and set it aside.
- Brown the hash browns in the skillet, then place them in the prepared pan and layer with cooked sausage and shredded cheese.
- Whisk together eggs, seasonings, and milk, then pour this mixture over the hash brown, sausage, and cheese layers.
- If preparing ahead, cover the casserole and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes until golden and set.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
- Dominiquehttps://goldfoodie.com/author/empirecipegmail-com/
