Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

Are you looking for a breakfast that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd? Look no further than this Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole! It’s packed with savory sausage, crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, and plenty of cheese. It’s easy to make ahead of time, making it ideal for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe is a guaranteed hit, and I’m excited to share all the details with you.

## Why You’ll Love This Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple, even for novice cooks. It involves minimal prep work and comes together quickly.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. This is a lifesaver when you’re hosting a brunch or have a busy morning.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to swap out the sausage for bacon, ham, or even a vegetarian alternative. You can also add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This casserole is always a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a guaranteed way to start the day off right.
* **Versatile:** While it’s perfect for breakfast, this casserole also works well as a brunch dish, a light lunch, or even a satisfying dinner.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole:

* **Sausage:** 1 pound of breakfast sausage, removed from its casing. I prefer using a mild or spicy breakfast sausage depending on your preference. Italian sausage (sweet or hot) also works well, providing a different flavor profile.
* **Hash Browns:** 30 ounces of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed. Thawing the hash browns is crucial for ensuring they cook evenly and don’t release excess moisture during baking. You can use store-bought or homemade hash browns.
* **Eggs:** 12 large eggs. Eggs are the foundation of the casserole, providing structure and richness.
* **Milk:** 1 cup of milk. Milk adds moisture and helps create a creamy texture to the egg mixture.
* **Cheese:** 2 cups of shredded cheese. I typically use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack, but you can use any cheese you like. Other good options include Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses.
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup of chopped onion. Onion adds a savory flavor and aromatic depth to the casserole. You can use yellow, white, or even red onion.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1/2 cup of chopped bell pepper. Bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to the casserole. I usually use green bell pepper, but you can use red, yellow, or orange bell pepper as well.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves of minced garlic. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the casserole. Freshly minced garlic is always best.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Salt and pepper enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients.
* **Optional Add-ins:** You can customize this casserole with your favorite add-ins. Some popular options include mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, jalapenos, and green onions.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole:

1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
2. **Cook the Sausage:** In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
3. **Sauté Vegetables (Optional):** If you’re adding vegetables like onions and bell peppers, sauté them in the same skillet with a little bit of oil or butter until they’re softened. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking. This will prevent the garlic from burning.
4. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Add the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables (if using), thawed hash browns, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Make sure the hash browns are broken up and not in large clumps.
5. **Pour into Baking Dish:** Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Make sure the mixture is evenly distributed in the dish for even cooking.
6. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. This creates a cheesy and golden-brown crust.
7. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown. The center of the casserole should no longer be jiggly and the edges should be slightly puffed.
8. **Let Rest:** Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the casserole to set up and makes it easier to cut.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use High-Quality Sausage:** The flavor of the sausage is crucial to the overall taste of the casserole. Choose a high-quality sausage that you enjoy.
* **Thaw Hash Browns Completely:** Thawing the hash browns completely is important for ensuring they cook evenly and don’t release excess moisture during baking. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave on the defrost setting.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the casserole can result in a dry and rubbery texture. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven when it’s set and golden brown.
* **Add Spices:** Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of the casserole. Some good options include paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables. You can also use a vegetarian sausage substitute.
* **Spice it Up:** Add some diced jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the casserole a kick.
* **Add Greens:** Incorporate some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Try Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Some good options include Gruyere, Swiss, and provolone.
* **Add a Topping:** Consider adding a crispy topping to the casserole for added texture. Some options include crushed crackers, bread crumbs, or fried onions.
* **Egg Wash Variation:** For an extra golden brown top, whisk one egg with a tablespoon of milk and brush it over the casserole before baking.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how:

1. Assemble the casserole according to the instructions above, but do not bake it.
2. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 50-60 minutes, or until it’s set and golden brown. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time since the casserole is cold.

## Serving Suggestions

This Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a few simple sides. Here are some suggestions:

* **Fresh Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad is the perfect complement to the rich and savory casserole.
* **Yogurt Parfaits:** Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy and satisfying side.
* **Toast or Biscuits:** Serve with a side of toast or biscuits for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
* **Orange Juice or Coffee:** No breakfast is complete without a refreshing beverage.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Avocado Slices:** Add some healthy fats and creamy texture with slices of avocado.

## Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

## Recipe

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-55 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound breakfast sausage, removed from casing
* 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
* 12 large eggs
* 1 cup milk
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend), divided
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Cooking spray

**Equipment**

* Large skillet
* Large bowl
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Whisk

**Instructions**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
3. If using, sauté onion and bell pepper in the skillet until softened. Add garlic in the last minute of cooking.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Add cooked sausage, vegetables (if using), thawed hash browns, 1 1/2 cups of cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.
7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
8. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole! It’s sure to become a family favorite.