If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that brings warmth and hearty flavors to your table, this Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Packed with savory sausage, tender hash browns, creamy eggs, and melty cheddar cheese, every bite feels like a comforting morning hug. It’s the perfect dish to serve for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any day when you want to start your day with pure deliciousness and simplicity. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your breakfast rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple with ingredients is what makes this Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe so approachable, yet unbelievably tasty. Each component plays an essential role—from the savory sausage adding richness and texture to the fluffy eggs binding everything together, and the sharp cheddar offering a golden, melty finish.
- Breakfast sausage, 1 pound: Use a flavorful pork sausage for that iconic savory punch, and brown it well to bring out maximum taste.
- Frozen shredded hash browns, 3 cups: These provide a crispy, tender base layer that soaks up all the good flavors as it cooks.
- Large eggs, 8: Eggs are the heart of this casserole, giving it structure and that classic breakfast custard texture.
- Whole milk, 2 cups: Adds creaminess and helps the custard set perfectly without drying out.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the savory flavors in just the right way.
- Black pepper, ½ teaspoon: Provides a gentle hint of spice to balance the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 2 cups: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible golden crust and sharp flavor.
How to Make Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cook the breakfast sausage until it’s nicely browned and crumbled into flavorful bits. Draining the excess fat here is important to keep the casserole from being greasy while maintaining that deep savory flavor you crave.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and uniformly blended. This egg custard is what sets your casserole apart, creating a rich and tender texture that holds all the ingredients together beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Then spread the frozen shredded hash browns evenly on the bottom, creating the first layer that will absorb all those delicious juices during baking.
Step 4: Layer the Sausage and Cheese
Scatter the cooked sausage evenly over the hash browns, ensuring each bite gets some meaty goodness. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top for that classic gooey layer that’s simply irresistible once baked.
Step 5: Pour the Egg Mixture
Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over all the layers in the dish. Make sure the eggs cover everything evenly, letting the custard seep down to fill all the delicious nooks and crannies.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center sets firm and the top turns a beautiful golden color, signaling that perfect blend of creamy and crispy.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows everything to settle, making sure each slice holds together nicely and is ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your plates by adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, mild crunch that contrasts the rich casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with light side options like fresh fruit salad, mixed greens tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or even warm toasted English muffins to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra flair, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or muffin tins for a grab-and-go breakfast at brunch parties. You can even drizzle hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on top to give each serving a personalized kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days — perfect for quick breakfasts that still feel like a treat.
Freezing
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole baked dish tightly or freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For even quicker reheating, microwave individual slices covered loosely with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional, you can substitute with turkey sausage, spicy chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Do I have to use frozen hash browns?
Frozen shredded hash browns are convenient and give the casserole that classic texture, but you can also use fresh shredded potatoes if you prefer, just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before layering.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute whole milk with your favorite dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese to keep the flavor without compromising your dietary restrictions.
How long does the casserole keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping ahead of busy mornings.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Adding sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms boosts both flavor and nutrition. Just cook the vegetables beforehand to prevent excess moisture from affecting the casserole’s texture.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe has all the charm and comfort of a classic morning dish but with the ease and simplicity that busy households love. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone smile at the breakfast table and keeps you coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and share moments filled with good food and great company!
Print
Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and delicious Sausage Breakfast Casserole featuring savory browned sausage, tender hash browns, fluffy eggs, and melted cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for serving a crowd at breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
Vegetables & Staples
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and crumbled, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Spread the frozen shredded hash browns evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Layer Sausage and Cheese: Distribute the cooked sausage evenly over the layer of hash browns. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the sausage layer.
- Add Egg Mixture: Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over all the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring it soaks through.
- Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set, and the top is golden brown and slightly puffed.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Using frozen shredded hash browns saves prep time but make sure they are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture if needed to avoid sogginess.
- For a lower-fat version, consider using turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese or milk.
- You can add diced onions or bell peppers to the sausage when cooking for extra flavor.
- The casserole can be prepared the night before; assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
