Are you looking for that special breakfast casserole to remind you of your life? The best fantastic family brunch, memorable holiday morning, or meal prep dish? You’re looking at the right place now! Introducing Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole: It is the ultimate breakfast joy, a mix of all the familiar breakfast ingredients in this single dish that you can impressively throw together. Creamy and cheesy layers of eggs, sausage, and hash browns will be a warm, hearty option, especially if you’re looking to feed a voracious crowd, or are preparing unsupervised breakfasts for the next few days.
In the following sections, let us look at the preparation of this warm and mouth-watering breakfast dish:
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Ingredients
Before we begin, gather all your ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (mild, hot, or your choice)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole, skim, or a milk alternative)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1 (30 oz / 850g) bag of frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60g) diced green onions (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Hash Browns
While the sausage is cooking, take the thawed hash browns and press them between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture. This step helps the hash browns become crispy when baked.
Step 4: Mix the Cream Cheese and Sour Cream
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and well combined. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and green onions (if using). Set this mixture aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the hash browns.
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the sausage, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
Step 6: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fully blended. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the hash brown, sausage, and cream cheese layers.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestion: A pile of fresh fruits, a green salad, or toast would form a complete breakfast with this casserole.
Storage: Put leftover casserole in an airtight container. It will last for up to 4 days inside the refrigerator.
Freezing: The casserole can be frozen and will come out just as gooey once reheated! When you wish to freeze, let it cool down to a proper temperature, then tightly wrap it in a double layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
For storage: 3 months is the upper limit. To reheat the casserole, remove it from the freezer and thaw in the fridge overnight. Cook at 275°F (135°C) for around 20-25 minutes until entirely heated through.
Helpful Notes
Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be put together the night before. Just cover it and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to cater to vegetarians.
Gluten-Free Option: Make sure that all ingredients are strictly gluten-free, including the sausage.
Extra Spices – For some extra heat, you could add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
Chef Ina Garten: “Always use fresh ingredients if you can, like freshly grate cheese, which will enrich your flavor and texture in your dishes.
Chef Jamie Oliver: “Throw a few different herbs or spices into your pot of casserole. Try a hint of smoked paprika for added depth of flavor.
Chef Nigella Lawson: “Do not even think of experimenting with different cheeses. A little crumbled sharp cheddar or feta can be a very interesting twist on this dish.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes. Freshly grated potatoes can be used, but before putting them in the casserole, make sure that as much water as possible has been removed from the grated potatoes.
Can I use some cheese other than cheddar?
Of course! You can substitute mozzarella, Swiss, pepper jack or any other type of your cheese favorite instead of the cheddar.
What else can be used instead of sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt as a sour cream substitute to make for a healthier substitute.
Can I make this casserole spicy?
Sure, why not spice it up with diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or use hot sausage?
How do you know when the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is baked when the eggs are firmed up and the top is golden and bubbly.
Can I add vegetables to this mixture?
Sure! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, it can be assembled and then refrigerated. It can be baked the next morning.
How can I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure the sausage ingredients’ extra fat is all drained off and press the water out of the hash brown layers.
Can I use plant-based sausage and make it vegetarian?
Yes, definitely, use plant-based sausage to make it vegetarian.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or slide the entire thing into a 350°F (175°C) oven and warm it all together.
This Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to feed yourself with a satisfying meal to commence your day. It is delicious but can still be adjusted for anyone’s taste. Enjoy!
