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This make ahead sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole is my family’s most requested dish for long brunches honestly I love how it always disappears at holidays when we have a full house It is deeply satisfying thanks to loads of cheese creamy eggs and crisp hashbrowns all in one easy bake
Last year I brought this to our neighborhood holiday brunch and it was the first thing gone on the buffet My niece now asks for it at every family get together and she is barely seven
Ingredients
- Breakfast sausage: adds juicy savoriness try to get one with a mix of herbs
- Frozen shredded hash browns: give that classic base look for ones with minimal additives
- Large eggs: create structure and richness go for fresh local eggs if available
- Cream cheese: makes it ultra creamy and decadent choose a high quality full fat version
- Shredded cheddar cheese: brings sharpness and melt stick to freshly shredded for best flavor
- Milk: lightens and smooths the egg mixture whole milk gives the best result
- Salt: balances the dish taste your sausage before adding in case it is salty
- Black pepper: brings a mild touch of heat
- Garlic powder: for extra aromatic depth check for freshness for the most punch
- Onion powder: boosts that savory flavor
- Chopped green onions: at the end add color and a fresh bite
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- Cook the sausage in a big skillet over medium heat breaking it into small crumbles Let it cook until fully browned with no pink left This deepens the meaty taste
- Make the Egg Base:
- In your biggest bowl crack all eight eggs and add milk Whisk briskly until completely mixed Toss in cream cheese salt pepper garlic powder and onion powder Use a whisk or even an electric beater for the smoothest result with no lumps
- Combine and Mix:
- Pour frozen hash browns straight in along with the browned sausage and shredded cheddar Stir well You want the frozen potatoes evenly coated and the sausage spread throughout so every bite is loaded
- Pour and Spread:
- Scoop everything into a greased nine by thirteen inch casserole dish Use a spatula to spread the top evenly so it bakes uniform
- Bake to Perfection:
- Put the casserole into a preheated three hundred seventy five degree oven Bake for forty to forty five minutes The center should be set and the top golden brown Check with a knife in the middle it should come out mostly clean
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole sit five minutes so it is easier to cut This makes perfect slices Top with green onions before serving for a pop of freshness
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My favorite part is how the cream cheese completely changes the texture making it fluffy yet rich My kids love helping to sprinkle the cheddar on top and they call it their magic cheese blanket
Storage Tips
Let the casserole cool fully before covering and putting in the fridge Leftovers keep for three days and reheat great in the microwave or oven For freezing slice and wrap portions individually then reheat straight from frozen
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in turkey sausage or even chopped cooked bacon for a lighter or smokier twist Want it vegetarian Try sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers and a pinch of smoked paprika Craving more cheese Mix in some Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for kick
Serving Suggestions
This pairs so well with a simple fruit salad or a big pitcher of orange juice For bigger brunch spreads I put out some hot sauce and salsa on the side You can cut smaller squares for a breakfast buffet or slice bigger helpings for weekend sleep ins
Cultural and Family Moments
Hashbrown casseroles like this are a beloved staple at Southern breakfasts and potlucks For us it has become the official dish of Christmas morning and sometimes Easter too because it comes out piping hot with no fuss letting the family relax together in the kitchen
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can this casserole be made ahead?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes if needed.
- → Is it possible to substitute the sausage?
Absolutely. Swap breakfast sausage with turkey, chicken sausage, bacon, or even plant-based alternatives for variety.
- → Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh shredded potatoes work well. Squeeze out excess moisture before adding to achieve the right texture.
- → What cheese variations work best?
Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of your favorites. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a bubbly crust.
- → How can I add extra flavor or spice?
Mix in diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a flavorful kick.
- → Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes, replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and smoked paprika for a satisfying meatless version.