Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Morning Meal

Are you searching for a breakfast that’s both satisfying and easy to make? Look no further than the sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole! This hearty dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply enjoying a delicious and comforting breakfast on a weekend morning. It’s packed with savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, fluffy eggs, and plenty of cheese, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is customizable, meaning you can swap out ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

## Why You’ll Love This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

* **Effortless Preparation:** This casserole comes together quickly, especially if you use pre-shredded hashbrowns and pre-cooked sausage. The oven does most of the work.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or family gatherings, this casserole serves a large group with ease.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
* **Customizable:** Swap out the sausage, cheese, or vegetables to create your own signature version.
* **Comfort Food:** Hearty, warm, and cheesy, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Sausage:** 1 pound, breakfast sausage (bulk or removed from casings)
* **Hashbrowns:** 30 ounces, frozen shredded hashbrowns (thawed)
* **Eggs:** 12 large
* **Milk:** 1 cup
* **Shredded Cheese:** 2 cups, cheddar cheese (or your favorite)
* **Onion:** 1 medium, diced
* **Bell Pepper:** 1/2, diced (optional)
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced (optional)
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Dried Mustard:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
* **Hot Sauce:** Few dashes (optional, for a little kick)
* **Cooking Spray:** For greasing the baking dish
* **Fresh Herbs:** Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet:** For cooking the sausage and vegetables.
* **Large Bowl:** For whisking the eggs and combining ingredients.
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For baking the casserole.
* **Whisk:** For whisking the eggs.
* **Spatula or Spoon:** For mixing and spreading the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole:

**1. Prepare the Sausage:**

* In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
* If using onion and bell pepper, add them to the skillet with the sausage during the last few minutes of cooking. Cook until softened.
* If using garlic, add it in the last minute to avoid burning.
* Remove from heat and set aside.

**2. Prepare the Hashbrowns:**

* If using frozen hashbrowns, thaw them slightly. You can microwave them for a minute or two, or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
* Press the hashbrowns between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them crisp up better in the casserole.

**3. Whisk the Egg Mixture:**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, dried mustard (if using), and hot sauce (if using) until well combined.

**4. Assemble the Casserole:**

* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
* Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
* Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the hashbrowns.
* Spread the cooked sausage mixture evenly over the cheese.
* Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage.
* Top with the remaining shredded cheese.

**5. Bake the Casserole:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
* To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

**6. Let it Rest:**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the eggs to set further and makes it easier to slice.

**7. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Casserole

* **Don’t skip thawing the hashbrowns:** Thawing the hashbrowns ensures even cooking and prevents the casserole from being watery. Pressing them dry is crucial for crispness.
* **Cook the sausage thoroughly:** Ensure the sausage is fully cooked to prevent any foodborne illness. Drain off excess grease for a less greasy casserole.
* **Use your favorite cheese:** Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
* **Add vegetables:** Incorporate your favorite vegetables like onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
* **Season generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the egg mixture generously with salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry and rubbery casserole. Check for doneness after 45 minutes and adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Let it rest:** Letting the casserole rest before serving allows the eggs to set and makes it easier to slice. It also prevents the casserole from being too runny.

## Variations and Add-Ins

This sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and add-ins to customize it to your liking:

* **Meat:**
* **Bacon:** Substitute cooked and crumbled bacon for the sausage.
* **Ham:** Use diced ham instead of sausage.
* **Turkey Sausage:** For a leaner option, use turkey sausage.
* **Chorizo:** For a spicier kick, use chorizo.
* **Cheese:**
* **Monterey Jack:** For a mild and creamy flavor.
* **Mozzarella:** For a classic cheesy pull.
* **Pepper Jack:** For a spicy kick.
* **Swiss Cheese:** For a nutty and slightly tangy flavor.
* **Gruyere:** For a rich and complex flavor.
* **Vegetables:**
* **Spinach:** Add fresh or frozen spinach to the casserole.
* **Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the casserole.
* **Tomatoes:** Add diced tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
* **Jalapeños:** For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños.
* **Zucchini:** Add diced zucchini for a mild and healthy addition.
* **Other Add-Ins:**
* **Green Onions:** Sprinkle chopped green onions over the casserole before baking.
* **Sour Cream:** Swirl a dollop of sour cream into the egg mixture for added richness.
* **Cottage Cheese:** Add cottage cheese to the egg mixture for added protein and creaminess.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the top of the casserole before baking.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how:

1. **Assemble the casserole:** Follow steps 1-4 of the recipe.
2. **Cover and refrigerate:** Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. **Bake:** When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 50-60 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and golden brown. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since the casserole is cold.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Serving Suggestions

This sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your breakfast experience:

* **Fresh Fruit:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit like berries, melon, or grapes.
* **Toast or Biscuits:** Offer toast or biscuits for a complete breakfast.
* **Salsa or Hot Sauce:** Provide salsa or hot sauce for those who like a little extra heat.
* **Sour Cream or Yogurt:** Top with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for added richness and tang.
* **Avocado:** Add sliced avocado for a healthy and creamy addition.
* **Coffee or Juice:** Serve with your favorite coffee, tea, or juice.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* **Serving Size:** 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
* **Calories:** 350-450
* **Fat:** 25-35g
* **Saturated Fat:** 10-15g
* **Cholesterol:** 200-250mg
* **Sodium:** 500-700mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 15-25g
* **Fiber:** 1-2g
* **Sugar:** 2-5g
* **Protein:** 15-20g

## Conclusion

The sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation, customizable ingredients, and make-ahead convenience, it’s sure to become a breakfast staple in your household. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a comforting breakfast, this casserole is the answer. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate morning meal!