This Cheesy Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a morning winner! It’s filled with delicious sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and creamy cheese—perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Who wouldn’t love a dish you can whip up in one pan? It’s so hearty, you might just find yourself eating it for dinner too. I know I do! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns are a great starter, but if you prefer fresh, you can grate your own potatoes. Just soak them to remove excess starch and then squeeze out the moisture.
Breakfast Sausage: I love using pork sausage for that classic breakfast flavor, but if you want something lighter, turkey or chicken sausage is a perfect substitute. You can even go for vegetarian sausage if you prefer!
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella bring excellent flavor and creaminess. If you’re looking for something different, try pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta cheese for a sharper taste. Go ahead and mix it up!
Eggs: This dish needs a good amount of eggs for structure. If you’re watching cholesterol, egg substitutes or egg whites work well here, but you might miss that rich flavor from whole eggs.
How Do You Cook the Sausage and Onion Just Right?
Cooking the sausage and onion properly is key to building flavor in your casserole. You want the sausage well browned for that nice depth, and the onions softened to enhance the overall taste.
- Heat your skillet on medium heat, then add the sausage and chopped onion.
- Cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is translucent, about 7-10 minutes.
- Make sure to break the sausage into small pieces for even cooking and easier mixing in the casserole.
- Don’t shy away from draining excess fat if there’s a lot—this keeps the dish from becoming greasy!
Cheesy Sausage And Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 15-20 minutes of preparation time and 45-55 minutes to bake in the oven. So, set aside about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes to enjoy making and baking this scrumptious breakfast dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good greasing with cooking spray or butter to stop the casserole from sticking.
2. Cooking the Sausage and Onion:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground breakfast sausage and the chopped onion. Cook them together until the sausage is browned, and the onions become soft and translucent. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. If there’s extra grease, feel free to drain it off!
3. Assembling the Casserole:
Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the hashbrowns. It’s time to bring it all together!
4. Mixing the Egg Mixture:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it) until it’s all smoothly combined. This will give your casserole that lovely fluffy texture.
5. Pouring It All Together:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hashbrowns and sausage. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the top. You can never have too much cheese, right?
6. Baking:
Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once it’s baked, let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives it a little time to set up. Before diving in, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your comforting and cheesy breakfast casserole, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week! It’s sure to be a hit at your breakfast table!
Can I Use Fresh Hashbrowns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh potatoes, just peel and grate them, then soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Be sure to dry them well before adding to the dish to avoid a soggy casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the breakfast sausage for your favorite protein, such as turkey or chicken sausage. You can also add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Just be sure to sauté any raw vegetables beforehand to reduce moisture in the casserole.
