Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hash Browns is a perfect way to start your morning with something hearty and comforting. This dish combines crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese all baked together into one delicious casserole. It’s the kind of meal that makes breakfast feel like a cozy celebration.
I love making this casserole when I have a little extra time on the weekend or for special occasions like holiday mornings. What I really enjoy is how easy it is to prep ahead—just toss everything in the dish the night before and bake it fresh in the morning. It saves me a lot of stress and lets me spend more time with family or friends around the table.
Serving it warm straight from the oven with some fresh fruit or a simple green salad on the side makes it a complete, crowd-pleasing breakfast. I’ve found that this casserole always disappears quickly because it hits the spot with its mix of crispy, cheesy, and meaty flavors. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it feels like a warm hug in food form.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: Pork sausage adds great flavor, but turkey sausage is a leaner option I often use for a lighter dish. You can also try plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns save time and give a nice texture. If you prefer, you can use fresh shredded potatoes—just squeeze out extra moisture to avoid sogginess.
Eggs & Milk: Eggs bind everything well. I like using whole milk, but skim or plant-based milk like almond works fine if you want less fat.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar offers a rich, tangy taste. Feel free to swap in mozzarella for a milder, gooier texture or pepper jack for a little spice.
Vegetables: Onion and bell pepper add sweetness and crunch. If you don’t have bell pepper, diced tomatoes or mushrooms can also work.
How Do You Make Sure the Casserole Sets Properly Without Being Dry?
The key to a creamy but firm casserole is balancing the liquid and baking time. Here’s how I make sure it turns out just right:
- Whisk eggs and milk thoroughly to create a smooth base that binds all ingredients.
- Use thawed hash browns to avoid excess water that can make the dish runny.
- Don’t overcook sausage; too much fat can also add unwanted moisture.
- Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until the center is just set – it should slightly jiggle like a custard.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting to allow residual heat to finish cooking and the texture to firm up.
These steps help keep the casserole moist inside with a nice golden top!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for spreading the casserole and baking it evenly.
- Large skillet – great for cooking sausage and sautéing veggies all in one pan.
- Mixing bowl – roomy enough to whisk eggs and combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk – helps blend eggs and milk for a light, even custard base.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – useful for stirring sausage and folding in ingredients without scratching pans.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sausage with cooked bacon or diced ham for a smoky, salty twist.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to add some spice and extra flavor.
- Mix in chopped spinach or kale for added color and nutrition without overpowering tastes.
- Add diced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to bring earthy or tangy notes to the dish.
Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hash Browns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 4 cups frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and about 45-50 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Total time: roughly 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to keep the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage to a bowl but leave some of the fat in the pan.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper if using. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until fragrant and tender. Remove from heat.
4. Mix the Eggs and Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
Add the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are combined.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish and spread out gently.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is firm in the center and the top is golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh touch and serve it warm.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes! If using fresh potatoes, peel and shred them, then squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel to prevent sogginess. You might also want to sauté them briefly before adding to the casserole.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Sausage?
Sure! You can swap sausage for cooked bacon, diced ham, or a plant-based meat substitute depending on your preference.