This hearty breakfast casserole combines all your favorite morning flavors into one satisfying dish. With layers of savory sausage, crispy hash browns, creamy eggs, and melted cheese, this recipe transforms busy mornings into stress-free occasions. Perfect for feeding a crowd, holiday gatherings, or meal prep enthusiasts who want delicious breakfasts ready throughout the week.
Ingredients
Main Components:
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage
- 1 package (30 oz/850g) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (110g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (110g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation Phase (20 minutes)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Remove the frozen hash browns from the freezer and allow them to thaw completely. This can be done overnight in the refrigerator or by spreading them on paper towels for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Cooking the Sausage (8-10 minutes)
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage, breaking it into small, bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the sausage for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s completely browned and no pink remains. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Drain the excess grease by transferring the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, or carefully pour off the fat from the skillet.
Assembly Process (10 minutes)
- Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer that covers the entire surface.
- Distribute the cooked and drained sausage evenly over the hash brown layer, ensuring good coverage throughout the dish.
Creating the Egg Mixture (5 minutes)
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them thoroughly until the yolks and whites are completely combined.
- Add the whole milk to the beaten eggs and whisk until smooth. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously until the cream cheese is completely incorporated and the mixture is smooth without lumps.
Final Assembly and Baking (35-40 minutes)
- Pour the egg and cream cheese mixture evenly over the sausage and hash brown layers, ensuring it reaches all corners of the dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface, followed by the mozzarella cheese, creating a generous cheese layer.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
- The top should be golden brown and the cheese should be bubbly and lightly browned in spots.
Finishing Touches
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set properly for cleaner slicing.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions if desired, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Cut into squares and serve warm directly from the baking dish.
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 portions
Per Serving (approximate):
- Calories: 385
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 18g
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Protein Variations
Bacon Breakfast Casserole: Replace sausage with 12 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smokier flavor profile.
Ham and Cheese Version: Use 2 cups of diced ham instead of sausage, and add diced bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat entirely and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach for a veggie-packed alternative.
Turkey Sausage Alternative: Substitute regular breakfast sausage with turkey sausage to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor.
Cheese Combinations
Mexican-Style Casserole: Use pepper jack and Mexican blend cheeses, and add diced jalapeños and cilantro.
Swiss and Gruyere Upgrade: Replace cheddar and mozzarella with Swiss and Gruyere for a more sophisticated flavor.
Three-Cheese Blend: Add Monterey Jack to the cheddar and mozzarella combination for extra creaminess.
Dietary Modifications
Lower-Fat Version: Use turkey sausage, reduced-fat cheeses, egg whites instead of whole eggs, and low-fat milk.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free sausage.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk, use dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based cheese alternatives.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This breakfast casserole is perfect for make-ahead meal planning. Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from refrigeration 30 minutes before baking and add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Leftover portions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Individual servings reheat beautifully in the microwave for 60-90 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
For longer storage, wrap cooled portions individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile breakfast casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, buttered toast, or English muffins. For special occasions, serve alongside crispy bacon strips, breakfast potatoes, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette.
The casserole works equally well for brunch gatherings, potluck breakfasts, or holiday morning celebrations. Its hearty nature makes it satisfying enough to serve as a light dinner option when paired with a side salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh hash browns, but they should be partially cooked first. Sauté them in a skillet with a little oil for 5-7 minutes until slightly golden, then proceed with the recipe. Fresh hash browns may release more moisture, so consider draining any excess liquid before assembly.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked? The casserole is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, the center no longer jiggles when gently shaken, and the top is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
Why is my casserole watery? Excess moisture typically comes from not properly draining the sausage grease, using hash browns that weren’t fully thawed and drained, or not allowing the cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing. Always drain components thoroughly and ensure proper mixing.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd? Absolutely! Use two 9×13 inch pans or one large roasting pan. Cooking time may increase by 10-15 minutes for larger quantities. Check the center for doneness with a knife test rather than relying solely on time.
What’s the best way to reheat individual portions? For best results, reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil when oven reheating to prevent the top from over-browning.
This breakfast casserole represents the ultimate comfort food experience, combining convenience with incredible flavor. Whether you’re hosting overnight guests, preparing for a busy week, or simply wanting to elevate your weekend breakfast routine, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
