Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

$- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference) - 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors for variety) - 1/2 cup diced red onion For this dish, you can choose between mild or spicy breakfast sausage. If you like a kick, go spicy! The hash browns form the base. Make sure they are thawed for even cooking. Next, cheese adds creaminess. I suggest cheddar, but feel free to try others. Diced bell peppers bring color and flavor. You can mix the colors for fun. Diced red onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Seasoning is key! Garlic powder and black pepper add warmth. Adjust salt to your taste. Fresh parsley not only adds color, but it also gives a fresh taste when served. - Cooking spray or butter for greasing - Skillet for cooking options - 9x13-inch baking dish You need a 9x13-inch baking dish for this casserole. Grease it with cooking spray or butter. A skillet helps cook the sausage and vegetables easily. These tools make the process smooth and simple. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. Next, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it well with cooking spray or butter. This step is important to prevent sticking. Now, take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and break it apart as it cooks. You want it browned and fully cooked. Once done, drain any extra grease and set the sausage aside. In the same skillet, toss in the diced red onion and bell peppers. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, remove them from the heat. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until mixed well. Now, spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage over the hash browns, followed by the sautéed veggies. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything. Finally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You’ll know it's done when the egg is set and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares for serving. You can boost the flavor of your casserole easily. Add spices like paprika or cumin for warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also work well. They add a nice touch. When serving, try a drizzle of hot sauce. It adds a spicy kick that many love. If you're looking for swaps, you can use turkey sausage. This makes a leaner option. For a dairy-free version, try almond or oat milk. It works just as well. To ensure even cooking, stir the mixture before baking. This helps all the layers cook together nicely. To make your casserole look great, garnish each piece with parsley. It adds color and freshness. Serve with crispy bacon or fresh fruit on the side. These pair well and round out the meal. You can also use hot sauce for those who enjoy extra spice. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and quality sausage to enhance the flavors of your casserole. Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist on flavor. Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast! Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or knife to ensure the egg is set in the center before taking it out of the oven. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sausage in this recipe. Turkey sausage works well if you want a leaner option. If you prefer plant-based options, try veggie sausage. It adds great flavor and is a fun twist. For cheese, you have choices too. If you want dairy-free, use vegan cheese. Nutritional yeast is another option that gives a cheesy taste without dairy. This can make the dish lighter and still delicious. Adding more veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Spinach is a fantastic choice. It wilts down nicely and adds color. Mushrooms also work well, adding a savory depth to your dish. You could mix in zucchini, diced tomatoes, or even broccoli. Think about what veggies you love. This recipe is flexible and can change with the seasons or your mood. You can make this casserole in different styles. A crustless version is lighter and quicker. Just layer the ingredients as usual but skip any crust. If you want a fun twist, try individual servings. Use muffin tins to make mini casseroles. They cook faster and are easy to grab and go. Perfect for busy mornings! To keep your sausage hash brown breakfast casserole fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to protect it from air and moisture. Make sure the dish is cool before you seal it. This way, it stays tasty for up to four days. If you want to reheat it, just slice a portion and warm it in the microwave or oven. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the casserole. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into squares for easy serving. Wrap each square tightly with plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. You can also microwave individual squares for a quick meal. Enjoy your delicious breakfast any time! Can you prepare it ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day before. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, remove it and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, pop it in the oven as directed. How long will leftovers last? Leftovers can stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure you store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh hash browns. Just make sure to cook them until soft. This will help them blend well with the other flavors in the casserole. How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked? The casserole is done when the egg is set. You can check this by inserting a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, your casserole is ready! Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free sausage. Always check the labels on your ingredients to be sure. Can I modify it for vegetarians? Yes! You can swap the sausage for a plant-based option. Add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! This blog guides you through making a tasty breakfast casserole. We covered key ingredients like sausage, hash browns, and cheese. I detailed simple steps for cooking and assembling. Don't forget the tips for flavor and presentations! In the end, you can easily make this dish your own with substitutions. Enjoy experimenting to find your favorite twist. Your breakfast gatherings will be delicious and memorable!$

Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

A hearty breakfast casserole featuring sausage, hash browns, and cheese, perfect for feeding a crowd.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound breakfast sausage
4 cups frozen hash browns
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced bell peppers
0.5 cup diced red onion
6 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
to taste salt
fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced red onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
In the prepared baking dish, spread the thawed hash browns evenly over the bottom.
Layer the cooked sausage over the hash browns, followed by the sautéed veggies. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the ingredients.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly across the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the egg is set and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares for serving.

Notes

Garnish each serving with fresh parsley and serve with hot sauce for added flavor.

Keyword breakfast, casserole, hash browns, sausage