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- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy) - 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, diced - 6 large eggs - 1 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, for garnish This dish starts with breakfast sausage. You can choose mild or spicy. I love the spicy version for added flavor. The next key ingredient is hash browns. Four cups of thawed hash browns make it hearty and filling. Shredded cheddar cheese adds creaminess. One cup works perfectly. Then, we add vegetables for color and crunch. A diced red bell pepper and a diced small onion work well. They give a fresh taste. Next comes the egg mixture. Six large eggs combine with one cup of milk. This forms the base. Adding garlic powder and onion powder brings out the flavors. Salt and pepper enhance everything. Finally, we use fresh parsley for garnish. It adds a nice pop of color and freshness. Each ingredient plays a role in making this casserole a true delight. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the first step for a perfect bake. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat. This gives you a tasty base for your casserole. Next, add diced onion and red bell pepper to the same skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. This step adds great flavor to your dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onion, red bell pepper, thawed hash browns, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it well to blend all the flavors together. In another bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture binds everything and adds richness. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the sausage and hash brown mixture evenly. Pour the egg mixture over the top to coat everything. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and a set middle to know it's ready. To get the ideal crispy top, bake your casserole at 375°F (190°C). A hot oven helps the top brown nicely. You can use a mix of half cheddar and half a sharper cheese for added flavor. To ensure the inside sets well, let the casserole cool slightly before cutting. This helps keep the layers together. You can also use a fork to fluff the top lightly before serving, creating a beautiful texture. You can prepare this casserole the night before. Just follow these steps: Cook the sausage and sauté the veggies as usual. Mix everything in the baking dish but do not bake it yet. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge overnight. When you're ready to bake, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, bake it as directed. This method saves time in the morning! To make your meal even better, serve the casserole with fresh fruit or a green salad. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a nice creaminess. You can also sprinkle extra parsley for color. If you want a bit of heat, serve it with hot sauce on the side. These simple sides and garnishes will elevate your breakfast experience! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality sausage make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for organic or locally sourced produce when possible. Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is delicious, try mixing in other cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist on flavor. Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast. Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so check the casserole a few minutes before the recommended baking time. It should be set in the middle and golden on top. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this casserole easily. Try turkey sausage for a leaner option. If you like spice, chorizo adds a kick. Feel free to swap cheeses too. Gouda or Monterey Jack work well. For veggies, use spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Each choice adds a new twist to the flavor. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free hash browns. Ensure the sausage and other ingredients are gluten-free too. For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free cheese to keep it creamy. These changes help everyone enjoy this tasty meal. Herbs and spices can elevate this casserole. Add fresh basil or thyme for a garden taste. You might also like a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Mixing these in gives each bite a burst of taste. After you enjoy your sausage hash brown breakfast casserole, store leftovers in the fridge. First, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Try to eat it within three to four days for the best taste. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Cut the casserole into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. When stored correctly, the casserole lasts about three to four days in the fridge. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can use fresh hash browns. They will give a nice texture. You may need to cook them a bit first to reduce moisture. This helps prevent a soggy casserole. Fresh hash browns can be sautéed for about five minutes before mixing. This will enhance their flavor and crispiness in the dish. To add heat, use spicy sausage instead of mild. You can also add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Both options will bring a bold kick to your casserole. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. If you want a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Yes, you can use egg substitutes like flax eggs or silken tofu. For flax eggs, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. For tofu, blend half a cup until smooth. This will keep the casserole rich and creamy without eggs. This blog post offers a simple and tasty breakfast casserole recipe. We covered key ingredients like sausage, hash browns, and cheese, plus vegetables and spices that add flavor. I walked you through easy steps to prepare and bake your dish. Remember the tips for perfecting texture and ways to customize it to your liking. Finally, I shared the best ways to store leftovers for future meals. Enjoy making this dish, and share it with friends and family! It's a fun way to start any day.

Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

A hearty breakfast casserole featuring sausage, hash browns, and cheese, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage
  • 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Remove from heat and drain any excess fat.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onion and bell pepper, thawed hash browns, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the sausage and hash brown mixture evenly. Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring it coats the hash browns. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and the top is golden brown.
  • Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing for easier serving.
Keyword breakfast, casserole, cheese, hash browns, sausage