Description
Hearty sausage hash brown breakfast casserole brings comfort to morning tables with layers of savory goodness. Crisp potato edges, melted cheese, and seasoned sausage create a satisfying start you’ll crave every weekend.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (16 ounces) breakfast sausage (bulk or casings removed)
- 12 large eggs
Cheese and Potato:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (30 ounces) bag frozen hash browns (thawed)
Herbs, Spices, and Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of lubricant to prevent sticking.
- Transform ground sausage into crispy, browned crumbles by sautéing in a skillet over moderate heat, eliminating any excess rendered fat.
- Create a foundational layer of thawed potato shreds across the entire surface of the greased baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
- Distribute the caramelized sausage fragments evenly over the potato base, followed by a scattering of finely chopped onions and vibrant bell pepper pieces.
- Generously blanket the vegetable and meat layer with a harmonious blend of shredded cheese varieties, creating a rich and inviting surface.
- Craft a savory liquid mixture by vigorously whisking eggs with milk, then infusing with aromatic spices like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and a hint of red pepper flakes.
- Carefully cascade the seasoned egg blend across the entire casserole, guaranteeing uniform distribution and complete ingredient saturation.
- Slide the assembled dish into a preheated 350°F oven, allowing it to transform for 45-50 minutes until the surface achieves a golden-brown complexion and the eggs set completely.
- Extract from the oven and permit a brief resting period to facilitate easier portioning and serving while maintaining optimal temperature.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prep this casserole the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious breakfast.
- Swap Meat Options: Replace pork sausage with turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage crumbles for a lighter or meat-free version.
- Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gruyère to add unique flavor profiles.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 384
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 754 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 245 mg