Hash Brown, Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
Morning routines can be hectic, but starting your day with a delicious and hearty breakfast can make all the difference. Enter the Hash Brown, Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole—a dish that combines all your breakfast favorites into one convenient bake. Even if you’re not a morning person, this casserole is bound to put a smile on your face and fuel your day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This breakfast casserole is perfect for those busy mornings or leisurely brunches with family and friends. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is packed with flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without spending all morning in the kitchen.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven
- 13 x 9 baking dish
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Sauté pan
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 2 lb bag frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 lb beef breakfast sausage (sage or spicy)
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 8 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a sauté pan, cook the onions and brown and crumble the sausage. Drain any excess grease.
- If desired, leave some grease in the pan and quickly brown the hash browns for added flavor.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the hash browns evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer the cooked sausage on top of the hash browns.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and hash browns.
- Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, watching to ensure the cheese doesn’t over-brown.
Tips for Success
Make sure to fully thaw the hash browns before using them to avoid excess moisture. You can prepare this casserole the night before and store it in the fridge, or freeze it for later. Just remember to adjust the baking time if cooking from cold or frozen.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to customize this casserole to your liking. Add some bell peppers for extra color and flavor, or swap out the sausage for bacon or ham. A sprinkle of chives or green onions on top can also add a fresh touch.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 350 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 25g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I freeze or refrigerate this casserole?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Refrigerate it overnight or freeze it for longer storage. Remember to add extra baking time if cooking it directly from the fridge or freezer.
Conclusion
This Hash Brown, Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole is a delightful way to start your day. Whether you’re serving it for a family breakfast or a special brunch, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!
