Big Bold Headline: Wake Up to Deliciousness with Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Start your day on a high note with a hearty and satisfying breakfast that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. This Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a delicious combination of savory flavors and comforting textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal prepping for busy mornings, or simply craving a cozy breakfast at home, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 package (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Remove from heat and drain any excess grease.
- Prepare Layers: Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with cooked sausage.
- Whisk Eggs and Milk: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Pour Over Layers: Pour the egg and cream cheese mixture evenly over the hash brown and sausage layers in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the breakfast sausage or substitute it with vegetarian sausage crumbles or diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
- Customize with Add-Ins: Get creative and customize your breakfast casserole with additional add-ins such as diced ham, cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, spinach, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to bake in the morning. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh shredded potatoes instead of frozen hash browns. Simply peel and shred the potatoes, then squeeze out any excess moisture before layering them in the baking dish.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking. Some tasty options include Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or feta cheese.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover portions of this breakfast casserole. Once cooled, wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a resealable freezer bag or container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
For a keto or low-carb version of this breakfast casserole, omit the hash browns or substitute them with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You can also use heavy cream instead of whole milk and choose low-carb vegetables and cheeses.
Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any morning occasion. With its hearty combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Whether served at a brunch gathering or enjoyed as a satisfying weekday breakfast, this easy-to-make casserole is a delicious way to start the day. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a breakfast delight that will keep you fueled and satisfied all morning long!
