🥔 Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
6
This hearty Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with savory breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, and melted cheddar. It’s perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
Casserole
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Sausage
- Brown the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Break it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Parsley
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Top with:
- Cooked sausage
- Cubes of cream cheese
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Any optional vegetables or turkey bacon
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top.
Finish with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese.
5. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.
6. Rest and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with green onions or fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Toast or English muffins
- Yogurt parfaits
- Orange juice
- Hot coffee or tea
Tips for Success
- Thaw and pat the hash browns dry to prevent excess moisture.
- Soften the cream cheese so it melts evenly into the casserole.
- Freshly shred your cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave for 1–2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Delicious Variations
- 🌶️ Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
- 🥦 Veggie Lovers: Mix in broccoli florets, spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
- 🧀 Three-Cheese: Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella.
- 🍳 Loaded Breakfast: Top each serving with sliced avocado, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.
This creamy, cheesy breakfast casserole is a comforting make-ahead dish that’s ideal for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or meal prep. Every bite is packed with savory sausage, tender hash browns, rich cream cheese, and melted cheddar.