Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Imagine waking up to the tantalizing aroma of a hearty breakfast casserole baking in the oven, filling your home with warmth and comfort. This Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is your ticket to a delicious start to the day, combining all your favorite breakfast ingredients into one simple and satisfying dish. Perfect for a cozy family breakfast or a festive brunch with friends, this casserole is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines classic breakfast flavors into one dish.
• Can be prepared ahead of time, making your mornings easier.
• Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or even lunch.
• Great for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients:

• 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
• 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage until it’s no longer pink. Drain the fat.
3. Mix together the cooked sausage and cream cheese and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, cook the hash browns until they are lightly browned. Place the hash browns in the bottom of a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan.
5. Top with the sausage and cream cheese mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk. Pour this mixture over the hash brown, sausage, and cheese layers.
7. If you want to bake it later, cover and refrigerate the dish at this point.
8. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 40 to 50 minutes or until set.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Cook the hash browns until they are just lightly browned for the best texture.
• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to make slicing easier.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Add some chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• For a milder version, use regular breakfast sausage instead of hot.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 400 | Protein: 20g | Fat: 30g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes, but you’ll need to make sure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

Can I freeze the casserole after it’s baked?

Absolutely! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will keep for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to indulge in a comforting and delicious meal without any hassle. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just looking to simplify your morning routine, this casserole is sure to please. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Share your experience and any tweaks you made in the comments below. Enjoy!