This Cheesy Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to start your day! With layers of crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, and gooey cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
It’s so easy to whip up, you’ll feel like a breakfast hero! I love serving this on lazy weekends when everyone is still in pajamas. Just bake it, slice it, and watch everyone enjoy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns are perfect for convenience. If you can’t find them, you can use fresh shredded potatoes, just be sure to wring out excess moisture to prevent a soggy casserole.
Breakfast Sausage: You can use pork or turkey sausage depending on your preference. For a vegetarian option, try swapping in a plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu seasoned with spices.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to mix in other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variety!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess, but Greek yogurt works as a great substitute. It will keep the dish slightly healthier without losing that creamy texture.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Is Cooked Perfectly?
Baking the casserole for the right amount of time is key to achieving a great texture. Here’s what to focus on:
- Check for doneness: Insert a knife or toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when fully set.
- Golden brown top: You want the cheese on top to bubble and develop a lovely color, giving off that inviting aroma.
- Resting time: Allowing the casserole to stand for a few minutes after baking helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
Enjoy making this delicious breakfast casserole that’s sure to please anyone at your table! 😊
How to Make Cheesy Sausage And Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 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 delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes for prep, and you’ll need to bake it for about 50-60 minutes. So, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes total, with just a bit of waiting for it to cool before serving. Perfect for a weekend brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole won’t stick.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage and onion (if you’re using it). Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Once cooked, drain any excess fat so your casserole isn’t too greasy.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until everything is nicely blended and smooth. This is where the flavor starts to come together!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Next, add the thawed hashbrowns, the cooked sausage, and 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Stir everything together until well mixed—each bite will have a bit of everything!
5. Pour into Baking Dish:
Pour your mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it out so it bakes uniformly.
6. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. More cheese means more gooey goodness!
7. Bake it Up:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is firm, and the top is beautifully golden brown.
8. Rest and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove it from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to cut into squares.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish your cheesy masterpiece with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Slice it up and get ready for everyone to rave about how delicious it is!
Enjoy this hearty, cheesy, sausage-packed breakfast casserole that’s great for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy mornings! 😊
Can I Use Fresh Hashbrowns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh hashbrowns, just make sure to grate them and squeeze out any excess moisture before using to prevent a soggy casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it in the morning, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will start out cold.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, or different types of cheese and sausage. Just keep in mind that adding more veggies may require additional baking time to ensure everything is cooked through.
