Breakfast Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole
Imagine waking up to the tantalizing aroma of savory breakfast sausage mingling with the comforting scent of crispy hash browns. This Breakfast Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole offers a delightful embrace of flavors that are sure to transport you back to those blissful family breakfasts from your childhood. It’s a dish that’s not only quick to prepare but also lures your taste buds into a deliciously warm hug. Whether you’re serving a crowd or enjoying a cozy morning at home, this recipe is guaranteed to make your heart and stomach sing.
Are you ready for a breakfast that feels indulgent yet effortless?
Picture this: you’re still in your pajamas, sipping your first cup of coffee, while the aroma of a warm casserole wafts through the house, beckoning you to the kitchen. Doesn’t it sound like a dream? All the familiar comforts of breakfast come together in one pan, making it easy to savor each bite. Wouldn’t you love to dig into a gooey, cheesy slice of this hash brown casserole tomorrow morning?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Breakfast Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole is a true breakfast superstar for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your morning.
The preparation is hassle-free with minimal ingredients that still pack a flavorful punch. Additionally, it’s a crowd-pleaser—perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or simply a Saturday brunch.
Make it for an indulgent weekend treat or as a make-ahead option for busy weekdays; this recipe has got you covered.
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering Breakfast Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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Frozen hash browns, thawed: Think golden, crispy textures that form the base of this heavenly dish.
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Maple-flavored pork sausage: A rich, savory element that brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite.
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Fresh diced onion: Adding a delightful crunch and an aromatic kick that balances well with the sausage.
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Large eggs: Providing a fluffy texture that binds everything together, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
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Milk: The creamy undertone that enhances this casserole’s richness and depth.
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Onion powder: For an extra layer of flavor that complements the fresh onion.
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Garlic powder: A touch of this will elevate the savory notes to new heights.
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Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, gooey goodness—the star of the show that pulls everything together.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in your dish.
Imagine the aroma and flavors dancing together as you gather these simple yet impactful ingredients.
Timing
This Breakfast Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole strikes the perfect balance between fast and indulgent. While you can prep it within mere minutes, the bake time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a warm and gooey masterpiece.
With such a minimal fuss in the kitchen, you’ll hardly notice the time commitment. In a little over an hour, your breakfast dreams will become a reality.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the easy-to-follow steps that transform those delectable ingredients into a mouthwatering experience:
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Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F, ensuring it’s ready to lovingly bake your casserole.
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Grease your baking dish: Using an 8-inch square dish, apply a bit of grease for that easy release later.
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Spread the hash browns: Create an even layer of thawed hash browns in the prepared dish. They should be golden and inviting.
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Cook the sausage and onion: In a skillet, cook the maple-flavored pork sausage and diced onion until they’re beautifully browned. Drain any excess grease, allowing the rich flavors to shine.
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Whisk the egg mixture: In a bowl, combine large eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until frothy and well combined.
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Assemble the casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle the sausage mixture over it, and finish by topping it off with the remaining cheese.
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Bake and finish: Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to get that perfect, golden crust.
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Rest and slice: Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. If you’re opting for the make-ahead option, simply assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight, baking for an extra 10 minutes when ready.
With each step, imagine the cheesy, gooey goodness that will soon enchant your breakfast table.
Nutritional Information
For those keeping an eye on calories, a serving of this Breakfast Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole comes in at around 350-400 calories. While this dish is undeniably indulgent, it’s an occasional treat that perfectly balances flavor and satisfaction. Remember, indulging isn’t a sin, especially when it tastes this good!
Healthier Alternatives
For those looking to lighten things up, consider these simple swaps:
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Turkey sausage instead of pork for a leaner protein option.
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Almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk gives you that creamy texture while being dairy-free.
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Use sweet potatoes in place of hash browns for a nutrition boost, adding fiber and vitamins to your morning.
These substitutions allow you to enjoy the same comforting flavors without compromising on health.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering how best to serve this glorious casserole? The possibilities are endless!
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Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives for added texture and flavor.
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Pair it with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast to the richness.
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Celebrate special occasions with this casserole by featuring it on your holiday breakfast table.
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For a decadent dessert-like twist, consider serving with a drizzle of maple syrup on the side; the combination of sweet and savory is simply irresistible!
Common Mistakes
To ensure your Breakfast Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole comes out perfect, avoid these common pitfalls:
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Overbaking: This could lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on the time, especially during the last few minutes.
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Texture issues: Be sure to drain excess grease from the sausage to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
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Messes in the kitchen: Use a large skillet for the sausage and onion to avoid spills and keep your cooking space tidy.
Storing Tips
Keeping your casserole fresh and tasty is easy with these storage tips:
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Freezing portions: Cut leftovers into squares and place them in airtight containers to freeze for later—perfect for busy weekday breakfasts.
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Reheating: Simply pop individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
This ensures that every bite is just as delightful as the first!
Tempting your taste buds
Don’t wait another moment—head into your kitchen and whip up this irresistible Breakfast Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole! It’s more than just a meal; it’s a chance to indulge in comforting, nostalgic flavors that can easily become a family favorite.
Why not add your own personal touch? We encourage you to make this dish your own, and share it with loved ones. They won’t be able to resist going back for seconds (or thirds)!
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it with an extra 10 minutes when ready.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist.
3. Is this casserole suitable for a crowd?
Yes! It’s a perfect dish for brunch, feeding gatherings, or meal prep for the week.
4. How do I prevent the hash browns from becoming soggy?
Make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture from the hash browns before using them.
5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free milk and substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a delicious option.
Now, for a cozy breakfast or brunch that feels indulgent, yet remains simple and fast, make this Breakfast Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole your go-to recipe. Everyone will adore its gooey, cheesy charm, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Grab your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Breakfast Sausage and Hash Brown Casserole
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and indulgent breakfast casserole combining savory sausage and crispy hash browns, perfect for family gatherings or cozy mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 pound maple-flavored pork sausage
- 1/2 cup fresh diced onion
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the prepared dish.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage and diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until frothy.
- Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns. Add half of the shredded cheese, the sausage mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. For make-ahead, refrigerate overnight and add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time.
Notes
Add a dollop of sour cream or fresh chives for serving. Perfect for brunch or special occasions!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
