Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and comforting about breakfast casseroles. For me, they evoke memories of leisurely weekend mornings when the family would gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter over a hearty meal. This particular breakfast casserole recipe is a family favorite, cherished for its robust flavors and satisfying textures. It’s the perfect dish for those who love a savory start to their day, and it’s versatile enough to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Imagine the aroma of hot breakfast sausage sizzling on the stove, mingling with the rich, creamy scent of melting cheese and the earthy fragrance of hash browns browning to perfection. This recipe brings all those wonderful smells and flavors together in one delightful dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a special brunch or just looking to indulge in a comforting breakfast, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

2 pounds hot breakfast sausage

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature

1 (30-32 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

8 eggs

2 cups milk

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 175 degrees C (350 degrees F). Ensuring your oven is preheated will help the casserole cook evenly.

Cook the Sausage: Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Use a spoon or spatula to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Drain Excess Grease: Once the sausage is fully cooked, carefully discard any excess grease from the skillet. This step is important to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.

Mix Sausage and Cream Cheese: Transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl. Add the room-temperature cream cheese to the bowl and stir until the sausage and cream cheese are well combined. The heat from the sausage will help soften the cream cheese, making it easier to mix.

Cook the Hash Browns: In the same skillet used for the sausage, add the frozen shredded hash browns. Cook them over medium heat until they begin to brown, about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.

Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan.

Layer the Hash Browns: Spread the browned hash browns evenly in the bottom of the greased baking pan. This forms the base layer of your casserole.

Add Sausage Mixture: Spoon the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the hash browns, spreading it out into an even layer.

Add Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the sausage mixture. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously gooey layer.

Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.

Add Egg Mixture to Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash brown, sausage, and cheese layers. The liquid will seep down, binding all the ingredients together as it cooks.

Chill the Casserole: Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the casserole allows the flavors to meld and helps the egg mixture to set slightly.

Bake the Casserole: Remove the casserole from the fridge and discard the cover. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Variations and Substitutions:

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or use sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a veggie-packed version.

Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Pepper Jack can add a unique twist to the casserole.

Hash Brown Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use diced potatoes or sweet potatoes instead of shredded hash browns. Just ensure they are cooked through before adding them to the casserole.

Spice Level: If you like your food with a bit of a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.

Conclusion:

This breakfast casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. Its versatility allows you to tailor it to your preferences, making it a dish you can come back to time and time again. The combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, crispy hash browns, and fluffy eggs creates a hearty and satisfying breakfast that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with family on a lazy Sunday morning or serving it at a festive brunch, this casserole is sure to please.

Preparing this casserole is a joy in itself, as it fills your kitchen with enticing aromas and gives you a chance to create something delicious with simple ingredients. The ease of preparation and the comfort it brings to the table make it an appealing choice for cooks of all skill levels. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the process of creating a dish that’s sure to become a beloved favorite. Enjoy!