Imagine starting your day with a delectable dish that warms your heart and fills your belly—enter the Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole! This delightful casserole brings together savory sausage, crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese into a single dish that’s not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a big group or enjoying a cozy family brunch, this casserole is sure to impress. With its straightforward preparation and rich flavors, it’s the perfect meal to prep in advance and savor throughout the week.

Why It’s Great

This casserole is truly a one-dish wonder, packing all the essential breakfast flavors into a convenient bake. The crispy hash browns contrast beautifully with the rich and savory sausage, while the creamy eggs and melted cheese tie everything together perfectly. One of the best parts? It’s incredibly customizable! You can easily elevate it by adding your favorite veggies or even trying different types of cheese. This dish shines during brunches, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, making it a staple for any breakfast table.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 1 (30 oz) package frozen hash browns, thawed
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat up your breakfast sausage over medium heat. Cook until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles as it sizzles away. Once done, drain any excess fat from the pan.
3. Combine ingredients: In a big mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns with the cooked sausage, onion, and bell pepper (if using). Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, and give everything a good stir until well mixed.
4. Prepare the egg mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until they’re completely blended. Pour this egg mixture over the hash brown and sausage mix, and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Add cheese: Fold in 1 1/2 cups of your shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture, saving the last 1/2 cup to sprinkle on top later.
6. Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixed ingredients into your prepared baking dish, spreading everything out evenly. Now, take that reserved 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle it over the top for a golden, gooey finish.
7. Bake: Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs have set and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
8. Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it up, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm to your eager guests!

Storing and Preserving

If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy again, simply reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for around 15-20 minutes until heated through. This casserole also freezes beautifully; just wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before warming up.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

1. Soggy hash browns: To keep your hash browns crispy, ensure they are fully thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture from ruining the texture.
2. Overcooked eggs: Watch your casserole closely while it bakes. Overcooked eggs can turn rubbery, so pull it out of the oven as soon as the eggs are set.
3. Uneven baking: If it seems like your casserole isn’t cooking evenly, try rotating the dish halfway through the baking process for better heat distribution.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
   Absolutely! You can grate fresh potatoes, but make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to keep your casserole from becoming soggy.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven the next morning following the baking instructions.
3. Can I substitute the sausage with another protein?
   Definitely! Feel free to swap the sausage for bacon, ham, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your taste.
4. Is it possible to add vegetables to this casserole?
   Yes! You can enhance the dish with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes; just make sure to chop them small for even cooking.
5. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
   The key is to not overbake it! Make sure the egg mixture completely covers the hash browns and sausage to help retain moisture throughout baking.