Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining all your breakfast favorites in one hearty dish. This casserole is layered with crispy hash browns, creamy eggs, savory sausage, and melty cheese, all tied together with a luxurious cream cheese filling. It’s a dish that’s as perfect for holiday mornings and brunch gatherings as it is for meal prep or busy weekdays.

Not only is this breakfast casserole loaded with flavor, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Customize it with vegetables, swap out the protein for a leaner option, or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Best of all, it’s easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy a stress-free morning while your oven does all the work.

Serve this warm, cheesy casserole with a side of fresh fruit, juice, or coffee, and you’ve got a balanced meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Combines all your favorite breakfast ingredients in one easy-to-prepare casserole.

Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for feeding a family or a crowd during holidays, brunches, or potlucks.

Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, switch the sausage for turkey or chicken, or make it vegetarian.

Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble it the night before and bake fresh in the morning for effortless entertaining.

Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, creamy layers are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings
Serving Size: 1 portion

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken), crumbled and cooked
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks.
2. Remove the sausage from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Prepare the Hash Browns

1. In the same skillet (wipe it clean if necessary), heat a tablespoon of oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add the thawed hash browns and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and partially crispy.

Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the cooked hash browns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Scatter the crumbled sausage over the hash browns.
3. Drop small dollops of cream cheese evenly across the sausage layer.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the layers, ensuring even coverage.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley, if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Ingredient Background

Hash Browns

The base of this casserole, hash browns provide a crispy, starchy layer that pairs beautifully with the creamy eggs and cheese. Thawed frozen hash browns save time and ensure even cooking.

Breakfast Sausage

Savory and flavorful, breakfast sausage adds protein and a hint of spice to the dish. Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.

Cream Cheese

The secret ingredient that takes this casserole to the next level, cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the eggs and sausage.

Eggs

The binding element of the casserole, eggs provide structure and a fluffy texture while boosting the protein content.

Cheese

A blend of cheddar and mozzarella ensures a gooey, melty topping that ties all the flavors together.

Technique Tips

Thaw Hash Browns Properly: Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Cook Sausage Evenly: Break the sausage into small, uniform crumbles for even distribution and easier layering.

Spread Cream Cheese Evenly: Use a small spoon to dollop cream cheese evenly across the casserole for a consistent creamy texture in every bite.

Check for Doneness: The casserole is ready when the eggs are fully set, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Individual Servings: Assemble the casserole in muffin tins for individual, portable servings. Bake for 20–25 minutes.

Layered Casserole: Alternate layers of hash browns, sausage, and egg mixture for a visually appealing presentation.

Breakfast Skillet: Cook the casserole in a large, oven-safe skillet for a rustic, family-style dish.

Additional Tips for Success

Pre-Cook Veggies: If adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, sauté them briefly before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily for larger gatherings—just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a veggie-packed version.

Southwestern Style: Add diced green chilies, black beans, and a sprinkle of cumin for a Tex-Mex twist.

Meat Lovers’ Casserole: Use a combination of sausage, crumbled bacon, and diced ham for an extra hearty dish.

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a hint of heat.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezing: Freeze the fully baked and cooled casserole in portions wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating from Frozen: Bake frozen portions at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Lean Sausage: Use turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat and calories while maintaining flavor.

Low-Fat Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cheddar and mozzarella to cut back on saturated fat.

Extra Veggies: Add diced zucchini, broccoli, or tomatoes for added nutrients and fiber.

Egg Whites: Replace some of the whole eggs with egg whites to reduce cholesterol and calories.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Holiday Brunch: Pair this casserole with fresh fruit salad, pastries, and mimosas for a festive spread.

Family Breakfast: Serve with buttered toast and orange juice for a comforting, classic morning meal.

Potluck Favorite: Bring this dish to a brunch potluck—it’s easy to transport and guaranteed to impress.

Weekday Meal Prep: Slice and store individual portions for quick, microwaveable breakfasts throughout the week.

Special Equipment

9×13-Inch Baking Dish: Provides enough space for even layering and baking.

Large Skillet: Ideal for cooking the sausage and hash browns without overcrowding.

Whisk: Ensures the egg mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Aluminum Foil: Useful for covering the casserole during the initial baking phase to prevent over-browning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
   Yes, peel and grate fresh potatoes, then rinse and dry them thoroughly before using.
2. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
   Substitute the milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives to make it dairy-free.
3. How do I prevent the casserole from being soggy?
   Ensure the hash browns are thawed and patted dry, and pre-cook any additional vegetables to remove excess moisture.
4. Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
   Absolutely! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Use an oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispy texture of the hash browns.
6. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
   Yes, pre-cooked sausage crumbles save time and work just as well in this recipe.
7. How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
   Ensure your sausage and hash browns are labeled gluten-free, and the rest of the ingredients should naturally comply.
8. Can I substitute the cream cheese?
   Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can be used as a lighter alternative to cream cheese.

Conclusion

Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Packed with layers of crispy hash browns, creamy eggs, savory sausage, and melty cheese, it’s a complete breakfast in one dish.

Whether you’re serving it at a holiday brunch, making it for a potluck, or enjoying it with family on a lazy Sunday morning, this casserole delivers on flavor and ease. Its versatility allows you to adapt it to your preferences, ensuring it’s a dish you’ll make time and time again.

Try this recipe today, and experience the joy of a warm, cheesy breakfast casserole that brings everyone to the table. One bite, and it’s sure to become a household favorite!

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