Hearty Breakfast Casserole

This cheesy sausage and egg hashbrown bake transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole that's perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings. The golden hashbrowns form a perfect base for savory sausage and eggs, all bound together with melty cheese for a dish that feeds a crowd with minimal effort.

I first made this casserole for a family reunion breakfast and it disappeared in minutes. Now it's requested at every holiday gathering and has become my signature dish for overnight guests.

Ingredients

• Breakfast sausage: Offers savory protein and sets the flavor foundation for the entire dish
• Frozen hashbrowns: Provide convenience and create the perfect crispy yet tender base
• Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and binds ingredients together while adding richness
• Eggs: Create structure and transform the casserole into a complete meal
• Milk: Helps create a custardy texture when combined with the eggs
• Cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible golden top and adds sharp flavor contrast
• Green onions: Provide fresh flavor and appealing color contrast
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Infuse depth without the prep work of fresh aromatics
• Salt and pepper: Balance and enhance all the flavors in the casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prep Pan:

Heat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat your baking dish with cooking spray. Make sure to get the corners and sides well to prevent sticking. A 9x13 glass dish works best as it conducts heat evenly.

Brown the Sausage:

Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes. Break it into small crumbles with your spoon and cook until no pink remains. Drain thoroughly on paper towels to prevent excess grease from making the casserole soggy.

Create the Cream Cheese Base:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with milk and seasonings. Beat until smooth using a hand mixer or strong whisk. This creates the creamy foundation that will bind everything together. Make sure the cream cheese is truly at room temperature to avoid lumps.

Combine Main Components:

Fold the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, half the cheese, and half the green onions into the cream cheese mixture. Use a gentle touch to mix thoroughly without breaking up the hashbrowns too much. The mixture should be evenly coated but not mashed.

Assemble the Casserole:

Transfer the hashbrown mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Press down gently to create a fairly compact base. This helps ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.

Prepare and Add Egg Mixture:

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until well combined and slightly frothy. Pour the eggs evenly over the hashbrown layer, allowing them to settle into all the nooks and crannies. The eggs will bind everything together as they cook.

Top with Remaining Cheese:

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top in an even layer. This will create a beautifully golden, slightly crispy top that everyone will fight over. For extra flavor, consider using a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and monterey jack.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake in your preheated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes. The casserole is done when the center is set and doesn't jiggle when gently shaken, and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting to allow the layers to set.

Pin it

This casserole holds special meaning in our family as it was my grandmother's go-to recipe whenever we had overnight guests. She always said the secret was in letting the hashbrowns thaw completely to remove excess moisture, a tip I faithfully follow every time.

Make-Ahead Tips

This casserole is perfect for preparing in advance. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time since youre starting with cold ingredients.

Perfect Substitutions

The beauty of this breakfast bake is its flexibility. Swap the breakfast sausage for diced ham, crumbled bacon, or plant-based breakfast meat for a different flavor profile. Not a fan of cheddar? Try pepper jack for some heat, gruyere for sophistication, or a Mexican blend for a southwestern twist. The cream cheese can be replaced with sour cream or Greek yogurt if you prefer a tangier flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While this casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or a simple green salad for brunch. For a special occasion breakfast, serve alongside mimosas or bloody marys. If serving for dinner, add a simple side of roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Pin it

This dish is sure to become a staple in your home, perfect for any occasion that calls for generous, delicious comfort food.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this breakfast casserole the night before?

Yes! This casserole works perfectly as an overnight dish. Prepare the entire mixture through step 5, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, add the egg mixture and cheese, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

→ What protein substitutions can I make for the sausage?

You can easily substitute the breakfast sausage with bacon, ham, chorizo, or plant-based sausage alternatives. For bacon, cook until crispy and crumble before adding. For ham, simply dice it into small pieces. Each alternative will bring a unique flavor profile to the dish.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Absolutely! Cut leftovers into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and add 1-2 cups of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. You could also include plant-based breakfast sausage or increase the amount of hashbrowns for added substance.

→ What sides pair well with this breakfast casserole?

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, a simple green salad, or toast. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside muffins, pancakes, or roasted tomatoes. A light citrus juice or coffee balances the richness perfectly.

→ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, you can substitute fresh potatoes. Peel and grate about 2 pounds of russet potatoes, then rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess moisture using a kitchen towel. Season with a bit of salt and let them rest for 10 minutes before incorporating into the recipe as directed.