This tasty breakfast casserole layers cheesy goodness with crispy hashbrowns and savory sausage. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep to enjoy all week!
I love how easy it is to throw together, and the leftovers (if there are any) are always a hit. Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug in the morning! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: Use your favorite sausage—mild or spicy works great! You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns save time, but you can use fresh potatoes. Simply grate and squeeze out excess moisture before using them in the recipe.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These add flavor! If you’re not a fan, skip them or use green onions or shallots for a milder taste.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor. Vegan cheese works if you’re avoiding dairy.
Eggs: This is essential for binding everything, but if you’re looking for a vegan version, try using a mix of tofu and chickpea flour for the egg substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Sets Perfectly?
Getting the right texture is key. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Cook the sausage fully and drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Mix all ingredients well before baking to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Bake until the eggs are fully set—aim for no jiggling in the center, which usually takes 45-55 minutes.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes after baking before slicing, so it firms up even more.
Following these tips will help you achieve a deliciously cheesy breakfast casserole that everyone will love! Happy cooking!
Cheesy Sausage And Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or mild/spicy as preferred)
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and then it needs 45-55 minutes to bake in the oven. After that, let it cool for a bit (5-10 minutes) before slicing. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy this hearty breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish so nothing sticks after baking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your breakfast sausage. Cook it while breaking it into small crumbles until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked through. Then, drain any excess grease to keep it from being too oily.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the finely chopped onion (and the red bell pepper if you’re using it) to the pan with the sausage. Cook everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, crack the 10 eggs and pour in the milk. Add in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk or fork to combine it all until it’s nice and frothy!
5. Combine All the Ingredients:
Next, gently fold in the thawed hashbrowns, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese (if you’re using it), and the cooked sausage and veggie mixture into the egg mixture. Make sure everything is evenly mixed.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for that delicious, gooey finish!
7. Bake:
Place your casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 45-55 minutes. You want the eggs to be set and the top to be golden and bubbly. It’s going to smell incredible while baking!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool down for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color before serving!
Enjoy this hearty, cheesy, and savory breakfast casserole that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Perfect for any breakfast gathering or just for a cozy weekend treat.
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in This Casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the breakfast sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled bacon. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before mixing it in!
Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just ensure the breakfast sausage you choose is gluten-free, and you’ll be good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or cover and bake it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to sauté any watery vegetables to remove excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.
