There’s nothing like the smell of a casserole baking on a cold morning. I made an easy breakfast casserole for Christmas a few years ago. It had sausage, hash browns, and lots of cheese.
As I put it together, I couldn’t wait to see everyone’s faces. This casserole was a hit! Even my family members who are hard to please loved it. They all wanted more.
If you want a warm, comforting breakfast, try this recipe. It’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend brunch.
What is a Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole?
A Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a tasty dish. It has crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs. It’s all mixed with gooey cheese.
This casserole is good for breakfast or any meal. You can make it a day ahead. Then, just bake it when you’re ready. It’s perfect for busy mornings or family gatherings.
This dish can feed up to 12 people. It’s a hit with a 4.85 out of 5 rating from 1776 votes. You can change it up by using turkey sausage or different meats.
Using frozen hash browns or tater tots is okay. You can also pick different cheeses. It’s easy to make.
Getting the ingredients is simple. You need eggs, pork sausage, heavy cream, and shredded hash browns. It takes about one hour to cook. You can make other foods while it bakes.
Adding Frank’s Hot Sauce or Chunky Salsa makes it even better. It’s a delicious meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Frozen Shredded Hash Browns | 16 ounces |
| Large Eggs | 6 |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Kosher Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | To taste |
This dish is more than just breakfast. It’s a comforting meal that brings people together. Every bite is satisfying and starts your day off right.
Why You Should Make a Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast casseroles are special to me, like the sausage hash brown kind. They’re great for big groups, like family gatherings or brunch with friends. Making a breakfast casserole ahead of time lets me spend more time with loved ones, not stuck in the kitchen.
I can make a breakfast casserole my own way. Some like it spicy with hot sauce, others like sausage and cheese. It’s a breakfast that everyone loves.
It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and about an hour to cook. This means I can feed up to twelve people easily. It’s perfect for busy mornings or big events. Being able to reheat and serve it makes our gatherings better.
Ingredients for Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Getting the right ingredients is key for a tasty breakfast casserole. A sausage breakfast casserole is full of flavor and texture. It’s great for any morning. Here’s what you need for this easy recipe.
Main Ingredients Needed
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag of frozen shredded hash browns
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional Ingredients to Enhance Flavor
Some extra ingredients can make your casserole even better:
- Chopped vegetables like bell peppers and onions
- Different cheese types, like pepper jack or mozzarella
- Herbs and spices, like garlic powder and onion powder
With these ingredients, you can make a delicious Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. It will impress your family and friends. The mix of flavors and textures will make it a favorite.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
When making an easy breakfast casserole, like the Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, the right tools help a lot. I’ve listed the cooking equipment you need and some extra tools to make cooking better.
Essential Cooking Equipment
- A large skillet for cooking sausage and hash browns
- A 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling the casserole
- Mixing bowls to combine ingredients effectively
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Preparation
- A meat masher for breaking up sausage easily
- A rotary cheese grater for quickly shredding cheese, saving precious prep time
Having these tools makes cooking your breakfast casserole easy. A large skillet is great for cooking sausage and hash browns. A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for putting the casserole together.
Mixing bowls help mix eggs, milk, cheese, and more. A meat masher makes sausage easy to break up. The rotary cheese grater makes shredding cheese fast. These tips will help you make your next breakfast casserole a breeze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this easy breakfast recipe is simple and fun. Follow these steps to make a tasty breakfast casserole with eggs. It will wow your family and friends.
Preparing the Sausage and Hash Browns
First, heat my oven to 350°F. In a big skillet, I cook 1 pound of sausage until it’s brown. Then, I drain the fat.
Next, I add 16 ounces of frozen hash browns to the skillet. I cook them until they’re crispy. This makes my brunch casserole extra tasty.
Combining Ingredients for the Casserole
When the sausage and hash browns are done, I grease a baking dish. I spread the hash browns at the bottom. Then, I sprinkle 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese on top.
After that, I add the cooked sausage. In a bowl, I mix 6 eggs, ½ cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and garlic powder. I pour this mix over the layers, making sure everything is coated.
Baking Your Breakfast Casserole
I put the dish in the oven and bake it for 35-40 minutes. It’s ready when the eggs are set and the top is golden. If I made it ahead, it might need more time to cook well.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole Tips
Preparing a make-ahead breakfast saves time in busy mornings. I often make my breakfast casserole ahead of time. This way, I can enjoy a hearty meal while keeping up with my schedule. Here are some tips to help you prepare your meals better.
How to Prepare in Advance
To make a great breakfast casserole, I mix all the ingredients together. Then, I cover the dish and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking makes it perfect.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If there are leftovers, which is common, I store them in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, I use the microwave or oven for a crispy texture. For longer storage, I wrap servings in foil and freeze them in bags for up to four months. This keeps a tasty meal ready whenever I need it.
Variations of Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
The classic sausage hash brown breakfast casserole is very flexible. I love trying new things to make it even better. It keeps the comforting feel we all love.
- Swap out the pork sausage for crispy bacon or lean turkey sausage for a healthier option.
- Incorporate vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Experiment with various cheese types such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Replace traditional hash browns with tater tots for a fun, crispy texture.
- Use almond milk or oat milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter version.
These changes make the dish even better and fit different diets. They add fun to our breakfasts. Whether it’s a simple meal or a big feast, we can always try something new with hash brown casserole.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Adding the right sides to your savory breakfast casserole makes it even better. It’s a crowd-pleaser that shines with tasty sides. Here are some great options to try.
Perfect Sides for Your Breakfast Bake
- Fresh fruit salad, featuring a mix of seasonal fruits for a refreshing touch.
- Muffins, like blueberry or banana, offer a sweet contrast to the savory dish.
- Yogurt parfaits in mason jars add a creamy texture.
- Green salads or melon prosciutto salad offer a light, crisp balance to the hearty casserole.
- Cinnamon rolls or biscuits add a sweet and buttery finish.
- Sautéed vegetables bring a nutritious component that pairs nicely.
- Bagels with cream cheese add a classic touch, keeping things simple yet satisfying.
- Pancakes or waffles with maple syrup are delightful alongside.
- Bacon or sausage provides a fulfilling protein option to enhance your breakfast platter.
- Make-ahead options like quick breads or scones are perfect for a leisurely brunch.
With 21 best side dish suggestions, any gathering will feel festive. Mixing different flavors and textures makes for a memorable meal. Whether it’s a family brunch or a large gathering, these pairings will impress everyone at the table.
Nutrition Information
Knowing the nutrition facts of a sausage hash brown breakfast casserole helps me choose better meals. This recipe is tasty and good for a balanced diet. A serving has about 268 calories and the right mix of nutrients for different diets.
Calories and Macronutrients Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the calories and macronutrients found in one serving of the breakfast casserole:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 268 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 189 mg |
| Sodium | 451 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Dietary Considerations
I can change the breakfast casserole to meet different dietary needs. Using turkey sausage makes it lighter. Non-dairy milk makes it good for those with lactose issues. Checking the labels of cheese and other ingredients helps follow specific diets. This makes it easy for everyone to enjoy a healthy and tasty breakfast.
Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Ideas
When I think of a crowd-pleasing breakfast, several dishes come to mind. The classic sausage hash brown breakfast casserole is a favorite. It’s easy to make and serves many, perfect for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
Other delicious options include:
- Egg and cheese muffins
- Pancake casseroles
- Veggie frittatas
These recipes can be made ahead, making preparation stress-free. They’re great for weekend brunch or holiday mornings. The ingredients are simple and likely in most kitchens, making them convenient.
Here’s a helpful comparison of these options:
| Breakfast Idea | Servings | Bake Time | Make Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sausage Hash Brown Casserole | 12 large or 15 regular | 50-60 minutes | Yes |
| Egg and Cheese Muffins | 12 | 25-30 minutes | Yes |
| Pancake Casserole | 8-10 | 35-40 minutes | Yes |
| Veggie Frittata | 6-8 | 30-35 minutes | Not typically |
Each option brings a unique flavor to the breakfast table. They make entertaining easy. By having a variety, everyone can find something they like, making mornings special.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
This sausage hash brown breakfast casserole is a family favorite. It’s easy to make and tastes great. It’s perfect for family gatherings and lazy weekends.
It’s a big hit at our holiday meals, like Christmas and Easter. It cooks fast, so I can spend time with my family. We use big eggs and Jimmy Dean sausage for extra flavor.
This recipe is also very flexible. You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for 24 hours. Or freeze it for up to six months. It’s perfect for busy mornings.
It’s also good for you, with 294 calories per serving. It’s full of protein and tastes amazing. This casserole is loved by everyone at our table.
Ultimate Comfort Food for Breakfast and Brunch
The Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It has cheesy, savory flavors that are great for cold mornings or holiday meals. I serve it on weekends and everyone loves it.
This dish is easy to make. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare. Then, it bakes for about an hour and 20 minutes. The smell of it cooking makes my kitchen feel cozy.
Serving this casserole at brunch always impresses my guests. You can add different ingredients to make it your own. It’s a mix of eggs and hash browns that makes it special. It’s perfect for any time you want to feel cozy.
