Sausage hash brown breakfast has become my go-to for those mornings when I need something hearty and comforting, but don’t have endless time. I still remember my first attempt at making a sausage and hash brown breakfast casserole; I was aiming for a make-ahead dish for a family gathering and worried it would turn out dry. But this recipe? It’s a game-changer! The aroma of sizzling sausage and melting cheese fills my kitchen, promising a perfectly balanced bite every time. Let’s get this delicious breakfast bake started!
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast
This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons:
- It’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory sausage and cheesy goodness.
- This easy sausage hash brown breakfast recipe comes together in minutes, making busy mornings a breeze.
- You can prep it the night before, which is a lifesaver for weekend entertaining.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone, from kids to adults, devours.
- The crispy hash browns paired with fluffy eggs are pure breakfast perfection.
- It’s a truly quick sausage hash brown breakfast option when you’re short on time but crave something satisfying.
- The cheesy, golden-brown topping is irresistible.
- It’s versatile – easily customizable with add-ins like veggies or different cheeses.
Ingredients for Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this amazing breakfast bake. Here’s what you’ll need to make this satisfying sausage hash brown breakfast:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled – I like to use a good quality pork sausage for the best flavor.
- 20 oz frozen hash browns, thawed – Make sure they’re fully thawed for even cooking; this is key for texture.
- 8 large eggs – These create the fluffy, binding base of the casserole.
- 1 cup milk – Adds moisture and richness to the egg mixture.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – For that gooey, melted cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder – These spices are crucial for flavor depth.
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional) – For a little crunch and color.
- ½ cup chopped spinach (optional) – A great way to sneak in some greens!
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional) – Adds a lovely smoky note.
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a hint of heat.
The sausage hash brown breakfast layering is simple: hash browns on the bottom, followed by the sausage, then the egg mixture, and finally, the cheese on top.
How to Make Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast
This sausage hash brown breakfast casserole recipe is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner! It’s truly one of the easiest ways to create a delicious breakfast bake.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a moment to generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks when it’s time to serve your masterpiece.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook your 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease – this is a key step for a less oily casserole.
- Step 3: Spread the 20 oz frozen hash browns, thawed evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. I like to press them down slightly to create a good base.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the cooked, crumbled sausage evenly over the layer of hash browns. If you’re adding optional ingredients like diced bell peppers or spinach, I often sprinkle them over the sausage at this point too.
- Step 5: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs and 1 cup milk. Add your seasonings: ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp onion powder. Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is a uniform color.
- Step 6: Carefully pour this egg mixture evenly over the sausage and hash browns in the baking dish. Make sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies.
- Step 7: Generously top the entire dish with 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. Watching that cheese melt is one of the best parts of making this sausage hash brown breakfast bake!
- Step 8: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are completely set and the cheese on top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
- Step 9: Once out of the oven, let this amazing sausage hash brown breakfast casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set up perfectly.
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Bake
Want to elevate your breakfast game? These tips will ensure your sausage hash brown breakfast is absolutely perfect every time:
- For an extra layer of flavor, use browned sausage drippings to sauté optional vegetables like onions or bell peppers before adding them to the casserole.
- Don’t skip thawing the hash browns completely; this prevents a watery casserole and ensures they get nice and crispy.
- If you’re aiming for that ultimate cheesy experience, consider adding a second layer of cheese in the middle of the casserole, perhaps just before pouring in the egg mixture, for a truly decadent sausage hash brown breakfast casserole with cheese.
- Ensure your eggs and milk are well-whisked for a uniform, fluffy texture throughout the bake.
What’s the secret to a perfect Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole?
The key to a perfect sausage hash brown breakfast casserole that isn’t soggy is to drain the sausage grease thoroughly and ensure your hash browns are thawed and patted dry if needed. This helps create a wonderfully crisp bottom layer, almost like a hash brown breakfast skillet. For more tips on achieving the perfect breakfast, you can check out our about page.
Can I make Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can complete the sausage hash brown breakfast casserole prep the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time the next morning to ensure it’s heated through. For more make-ahead meal ideas, explore our author’s other recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast?
The most common mistake is soggy hash browns. Make sure they’re fully thawed. Another pitfall is overcooking the eggs, which can make them rubbery. Keep an eye on the baking time and pull it out as soon as the center is set and the cheese is golden. For more detailed cooking advice, you might find resources on egg cooking techniques helpful.
Best Ways to Serve Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast
This hearty sausage hash brown breakfast is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few complementary dishes. For a complete brunch experience, I love serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad – the sweetness of the fruit cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully.
Consider it a delicious base for a complete meal, much like a savory sausage and potato breakfast bake. A side of buttered toast or some fluffy pancakes makes it even more satisfying. For a lighter touch, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing works wonderfully to balance the flavors. You can find more serving suggestions on our contact page.
Nutrition Facts for Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast
This hearty sausage hash brown breakfast provides a satisfying start to your day. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving of this delicious bake:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you add optional items like cheese or vegetables. For more information on nutritional estimates, please see our disclaimer.
How to Store and Reheat Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
One of the best things about this sausage hash brown breakfast casserole is how well it keeps, making it perfect for meal prep and busy mornings. Once it’s baked and has cooled slightly, slice it into individual portions. Store these portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it incredibly convenient for grabbing a quick breakfast or lunch throughout the week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. This makes it an ideal candidate for a make-ahead sausage hash brown breakfast casserole for brunch or any occasion!
To reheat, you have a couple of great options. For individual slices, you can pop them in the microwave for about 60-90 seconds, or until heated through. If you have leftovers of the whole casserole, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps retain that lovely texture, especially on the cheese topping. For more details on food storage, consult our privacy policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast
What is a good sausage hash brown breakfast?
A good sausage hash brown breakfast is one that’s savory, cheesy, and satisfying, with a great balance of textures – think crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, and perfectly cooked sausage. This casserole is definitely a good sausage hash brown breakfast because it hits all those notes with minimal effort.
What are the best sausage hash brown breakfast ideas?
The best sausage hash brown breakfast ideas often involve adding extra layers of flavor or texture. Some popular variations include adding different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, incorporating vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach, or even adding a touch of spice with jalapeños or hot sauce. This recipe is a fantastic starting point for many great sausage hash brown breakfast ideas!
Can I use breakfast sausage patties instead of crumbled?
Yes, you absolutely can! If you prefer, you can cook breakfast sausage patties, crumble them up after cooking, and use them in the casserole. Just make sure to drain any excess grease well, just as you would with crumbled sausage. It’s a simple swap that works perfectly for this dish.
How do I make this a sausage hash brown breakfast casserole with eggs?
This recipe already features eggs as a key component! The eggs are whisked with milk and seasonings and poured over the sausage and hash browns, creating a delicious, custardy binder that holds everything together. It’s this egg mixture that makes it a true casserole.
Variations of Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast You Can Try
This sausage hash brown breakfast is incredibly versatile, and I love experimenting with different twists! For those looking for a lighter option or avoiding gluten, a sausage hash brown breakfast casserole no bread variation is fantastic – just ensure your hash browns are 100% potato. You could also create a delicious sausage potato hash brown breakfast casserole by swapping half the hash browns for diced, pre-cooked potatoes for a different texture.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy version by adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture. Another fun idea is to swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or a blend of Colby Jack and Monterey Jack for a different cheesy profile. These simple changes can totally transform your favorite sausage hash brown breakfast bake!
PrintSausage Hash Brown Breakfast: 1 Amazing Bake
A hearty and cheesy breakfast casserole featuring savory sausage, crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, and melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or as a make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 20 oz frozen hash browns, thawed
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- ½ cup chopped spinach (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain grease.
- Spread thawed hash browns evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage over the hash browns.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and hash browns.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until eggs are set and cheese is golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add optional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and color.
- This sausage hash brown breakfast casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
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