Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Pizza: A Crispy, Cheesy Morning Delight

Are you searching for a breakfast recipe that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Pizza is the answer. Imagine a crispy, golden hash brown crust topped with your favorite breakfast staples: savory sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s a delicious and customizable meal that’s perfect for weekend brunch, a quick weekday breakfast, or even a fun dinner. This recipe takes the concept of breakfast pizza and simplifies it, making it accessible to even the most novice cooks. Get ready to ditch the boring toast and elevate your breakfast game with this family-friendly favorite!

## Why You’ll Love This Hash Brown Breakfast Pizza

* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe uses store-bought hash browns to save time and effort. The entire pizza can be ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Customizable:** Swap out the toppings with your favorite breakfast ingredients. Veggie lovers can add peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Meat eaters can add bacon, ham, or chorizo.
* **Crispy and Delicious:** The hash brown crust provides a satisfying crunch that complements the soft and savory toppings.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love this fun and interactive meal. It’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
* **Perfect for Brunch or Weekday Breakfast:** Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or need a quick and easy weekday breakfast, this recipe has you covered.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious hash brown breakfast pizza:

* **Hash Browns:** 20-30 ounces of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed. Thawing is crucial for pressing and binding them together.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, for cooking the hash browns and preventing sticking.
* **Sausage:** 1/2 pound of breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled. Feel free to use your favorite type of sausage, such as Italian, maple, or spicy.
* **Eggs:** 6 large eggs, whisked. These will form the base of our topping.
* **Milk or Cream:** 2 tablespoons. Adding milk or cream will make the scrambled eggs extra fluffy.
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites will work well. Consider a sharp cheddar for more flavor or a mild mozzarella for a classic pizza taste.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning the eggs and hash browns.
* **Optional Toppings:** Diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, bacon, ham, green onions, fresh herbs (chives, parsley), hot sauce.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet (Oven-Safe):** A 12-inch oven-safe skillet is ideal. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the hash brown crust to a baking sheet before adding the toppings and baking.
* **Large Bowl:** For whisking the eggs.
* **Spatula:** For stirring the eggs and flipping the hash brown crust.
* **Cheese Grater (if using block cheese):** To shred your cheese.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own mouthwatering hash brown breakfast pizza:

**1. Prepare the Hash Brown Crust:**

* **Thaw the Hash Browns:** Place the frozen hash browns in a colander and let them thaw completely. This is essential for removing excess moisture, which will help the crust crisp up properly. You can speed up the thawing process by running cold water over them.
* **Remove Excess Moisture:** Once thawed, squeeze the hash browns with your hands or place them in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for creating a crispy crust that doesn’t become soggy.
* **Season the Hash Browns:** In a bowl, season the squeezed hash browns with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
* **Form the Crust:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned hash browns to the skillet and press them evenly into the bottom and up the sides to form a crust. Use a spatula to create a uniform thickness.
* **Cook the Crust:** Cook the hash brown crust for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the crust using a large spatula and cook for another 8-10 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and crispy. If you’re not using an oven-safe skillet, carefully transfer the cooked crust to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

**2. Prepare the Toppings:**

* **Cook the Sausage:** While the hash brown crust is cooking, cook the breakfast sausage in a separate skillet over medium heat. Crumble the sausage with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease and set aside.
* **Scramble the Eggs:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet you used for the sausage (or a clean skillet) over medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are set but still slightly moist. Be careful not to overcook the eggs, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

**3. Assemble the Pizza:**

* **Add the Cheese:** Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the cooked hash brown crust.
* **Add the Sausage:** Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the cheese.
* **Add the Eggs:** Top the sausage with the scrambled eggs, spreading them evenly over the crust.
* **Add the Remaining Cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the eggs.
* **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, add any additional toppings, such as diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, bacon, ham, or green onions.

**4. Bake the Pizza:**

* **Bake:** Place the skillet (or baking sheet) in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the toppings are heated through. If you want the cheese to be more browned, broil for the last minute or two, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

**5. Serve and Enjoy:**

* **Garnish:** Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
* **Serve:** Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious and easy hash brown breakfast pizza!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination. Gruyere, pepper jack, or provolone would all be delicious options.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add sautéed vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the egg mixture for a healthier and more flavorful pizza.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or a drizzle of hot sauce to the finished pizza for a spicy kick.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the sausage and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
* **Use Sweet Potato Hash Browns:** For a slightly sweeter and more nutritious crust, use sweet potato hash browns instead of regular hash browns.
* **Make Mini Pizzas:** Use smaller skillets or muffin tins to make individual hash brown breakfast pizzas. This is a great option for parties or a fun breakfast for kids.
* **Prepare Ahead:** You can cook the hash brown crust and the sausage ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the pizza, simply reheat the crust and sausage and proceed with the recipe.
* **Add a Sauce:** Consider adding a thin layer of tomato sauce or pesto to the hash brown crust before adding the toppings. This will add extra flavor and moisture to the pizza.
* **Ensure Hash Browns are Crispy:** The secret to a great hash brown crust is removing as much moisture as possible. Make sure to thaw the hash browns completely and squeeze out any excess water before forming the crust. Cooking at medium heat also aids in browning.

## Serving Suggestions

This hash brown breakfast pizza is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

* **Fresh Fruit Salad:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad for a refreshing and healthy accompaniment.
* **Yogurt Parfait:** Pair with a yogurt parfait topped with granola and berries for a balanced breakfast.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy with your favorite hot beverage, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
* **Juice:** Serve with a glass of orange juice or apple juice for a refreshing drink.
* **Side Salad:** For a brunch option, accompany the pizza with a small side salad with a light vinaigrette.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and toppings used.*

* **Calories:** Approximately 400-500 per serving
* **Protein:** 20-25 grams
* **Fat:** 25-35 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-30 grams

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover hash brown breakfast pizza can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.

## Conclusion

This Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a fun, customizable, and delicious way to start your day. With its crispy hash brown crust and savory toppings, this pizza is sure to become a breakfast staple in your home. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a breakfast that’s both easy and unforgettable! The recipe’s simplicity makes it an excellent option for busy mornings, and its adaptability means you can cater to everyone’s preferences. Whether you’re cooking for one or for a crowd, this hash brown breakfast pizza is the perfect solution for a satisfying and delicious breakfast or brunch.