Breakfast Casseroles with Sausage and Hash Browns are a hearty and simple way to start your day. This dish combines crispy, golden hash browns with savory sausage and gooey melted cheese, all baked together into one delicious casserole. It’s perfect for mornings when you want something filling and tasty without a lot of fuss.
I love making this casserole for weekend brunches because it’s so easy to prepare ahead of time. You just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and then enjoy the wonderful smell as it bakes. The best part is the blend of flavors and textures — the crispiness of the hash browns and the juicy sausage keeps everyone coming back for more. I find that adding a little bit of onion or bell pepper gives it even more flavor without any extra trouble.
When serving, I like to scoop out generous portions and pair the casserole with some fresh fruit or a light salad. It’s great for sharing with family or friends since it’s made in one big dish, making mealtime easy and relaxed. This breakfast casserole feels like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s a dish I’ll happily make anytime I want to bring everyone together first thing in the morning.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This is the star protein that adds rich, savory flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey sausage works well. For a vegetarian twist, try plant-based sausage crumbles.
Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns save time and give a nice crispy texture once baked. Fresh shredded potatoes can be used but they need to be well-drained to avoid sogginess.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts nicely and offers a sharp flavor. You can swap it with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a bit of heat.
Eggs & Milk: These bind everything together and give the casserole its fluffy texture. Whole milk is great for richness, but you can use any milk or even a dairy-free milk if needed.
Onions & Seasonings: Onions add mild sweetness and depth, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder and black pepper help keep a good balance of flavors.
How to Make Sure Your Breakfast Casserole Is Perfect Every Time?
The key to a great casserole is to layer and cook it right so every bite has the perfect mix of flavors and texture.
- Cook sausage and onions fully: This helps avoid excess moisture and ensures the meat is flavorful and browned.
- Use thawed, drained hash browns: If frozen or watery, they can make the casserole soggy. Let them thaw and squeeze out extra liquid if needed.
- Mix eggs and milk well: This creates a smooth custard that keeps the casserole moist but firm.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole near the end. It’s done when the eggs are set and the top is golden but not dry.
- Let it rest: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps it firm up, making it easier to cut and serve.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for layers to cook evenly and serve a crowd.
- Large skillet – great for browning sausage and softening onions without crowding.
- Mixing bowl – you’ll whisk eggs and milk here to create a smooth custard.
- Whisk or fork – helps blend eggs and seasonings well for even flavor.
- Spatula or spoon – handy for spreading layers and scraping the skillet clean.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap breakfast sausage for bacon or diced ham for a different smoky flavor.
- Use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese to change the cheese’s taste and meltiness.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.
- Stir in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hash Browns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (bulk or removed from casings)
- 4 cups frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
Seasonings and Others:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty casserole takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. Then, it needs around 35-40 minutes in the oven to bake until golden and set. Allow for 5 minutes to cool before serving. Altogether, plan for about 50-60 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Cook Sausage:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter to stop sticking. Next, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks until browned and fully cooked. If you like onions, add the diced onion now and cook for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Drain any extra grease and remove from heat.
2. Layer the Hash Browns and Sausage:
Evenly spread the thawed hash browns across the bottom of your baking dish. Then, spread the cooked sausage and onions evenly over the hash browns.
3. Add Cheese and Egg Mixture:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage layer to add delicious, melty flavor. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder until the mixture is smooth. Pour this evenly over all the layers in the dish.
4. Bake and Serve:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting breakfast!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes! If using fresh potatoes, shred and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent sogginess. You might want to par-cook them slightly before layering to help them crisp up in the oven.
Can I Make This Breakfast Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake for about 40-45 minutes or until hot and set, adding a few extra minutes since it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work great. Cook them lightly before adding to avoid excess moisture. This is a delicious way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
