Looking for that cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast dish that feels like home? Whether it’s for a holiday morning, weekend brunch, or just something hearty to have on hand for the week—this Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole checks all the boxes.
It’s everything you love about breakfast—savory sausage, creamy eggs, melty cheese, and crispy hash browns—all baked into one warm, satisfying casserole. It comes together easily, feeds a hungry group, and reheats like a dream. Perfect for meal prep or when you’ve got a full house to feed (without a full morning of cooking).
Let’s walk through how to make this comforting, make-ahead breakfast favorite.
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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 Your Oven (and Your Mood)
Go ahead and set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish, give it a good butter rub or a spritz of cooking spray, and set it aside—your casserole’s future home is ready.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage Until It Smells Amazing
Toss your breakfast sausage into a large skillet over medium heat. Let it sizzle and brown, breaking it up into little crumbles as it cooks. After about 7–10 minutes, once it’s fully cooked and smelling ridiculously good, drain off any extra fat and set it aside.
Step 3: Dry Out Those Hash Browns
While the sausage does its thing, grab your thawed hash browns and press them between paper towels (or a clean kitchen towel) to soak up excess moisture. This helps them crisp up in the oven instead of turning mushy.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Magic
In a bowl, mix together your softened cream cheese and sour cream until they’re nice and smooth. Stir in a little garlic powder, onion powder, and some chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy. Set that bowl aside—you’re about to layer some love.
Step 5: Time to Build Your Casserole
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First, spread the hash browns in an even layer at the bottom of your baking dish.
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Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the top like you’re seasoning it with happiness.
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Spoon little clouds of the cream cheese mixture on top, then spread it out gently—don’t worry if it’s not perfect, it all melts beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Whisk Up the Eggs
In a big bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until it’s all blended and smooth. Now pour that over your casserole layers, letting it soak down into all the good stuff.
Step 7: Say Cheese
Sprinkle a generous handful (or two) of shredded cheddar cheese right over the top. This is your golden crown.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly and Beautiful
Cover the dish with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then take off the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes—until the eggs are set and the top is golden, melty, and basically begging to be eaten.
Step 9: Let It Chill Just a Bit (If You Can Wait)
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 5–10 minutes. This helps it set up for easier slicing… and gives you time to make coffee or pour some orange juice.
Step 10: Serve It Up Warm & Watch It Disappear
Cut into squares, plate it up, and enjoy! Add a little hot sauce, fresh herbs, or avocado on the side if you’re feeling extra.
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!
