Description
This Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and delicious morning meal perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings. Packed with savory sausage, tender hash browns, sautéed onions and peppers, and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make casserole combines comfort and convenience with a rich blend of spices and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
Base
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
Dairy and Eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 8 large eggs
Spices and Herbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper if using. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mix Egg Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage and sautéed onions and peppers evenly over the hash browns. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all layered ingredients, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a gooey cheese crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to firm up for easier slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Thawing hash browns before assembling ensures even cooking and prevents excess water in the casserole.
- You can customize this casserole by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick breakfast or snack.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
