Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole is convenient to prepare, especially for busy mornings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning, making it perfect for hosting guests or holiday breakfasts.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite cheeses or add vegetables like bell peppers and onions to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 (30-32 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 2 pounds hot breakfast sausage
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese: While the sausage is still warm, stir in the room temperature cream cheese until fully combined, creating a creamy mixture.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the hash browns.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and hash brown layers.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach for a meatless version.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try using different cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss to change the flavor profile.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or spicy sausage, and consider adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, cover the casserole with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it the next morning, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled ingredients.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Peel and shred fresh potatoes, then pat them dry to remove excess moisture before using them in the recipe.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Both pork and turkey breakfast sausages work well. Choose hot or mild varieties based on your spice preference.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with a lighter option?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
How can I tell if the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the eggs are set, and the center is no longer jiggly. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Certainly! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutritional value. Sauté them before adding to the casserole to remove excess moisture.
What other cheeses can I use besides cheddar?
Mozzarella, Swiss, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses can be used to change the flavor profile.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery
Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate hearty and flavorful dish for breakfast or brunch. With layers of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and gooey cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for holiday mornings, weekend gatherings, or meal prep. Customize with your favorite ingredients for endless variations!
Ingredients
- 1 (30-32 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 2 pounds hot breakfast sausage
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
- Mix sausage and cream cheese while sausage is warm until creamy.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Layer casserole:
- Spread hash browns evenly in the dish.
- Add sausage-cream cheese mixture on top.
- Pour egg mixture over the layers.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until eggs are set and cheese is bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.
- Cool and serve after resting for 5-10 minutes.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with sautéed vegetables.
- Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for flavor variations.
- Ensure vegetables are sautéed to reduce moisture for a non-watery casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
