SAUSAGE, EGGS, AND CREAM CHEESE HASH BROWNS

SAUSAGE, EGGS, AND CREAM CHEESE HASH BROWNS

Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. It sets the tone for your energy levels and mood throughout the day. But amidst busy mornings or lazy weekends, it’s easy to fall into a rut of cereal or toast. That’s where this Sausage, Eggs, and Cream Cheese Hash Browns recipe comes in—a delightful twist on the classic breakfast hash that promises to awaken your taste buds and fuel your day. Combining the richness of sausage, the creaminess of cream cheese, and the heartiness of hash browns, this dish is a savory sensation that will have you looking forward to breakfast every day.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
• 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup softened cream cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Fresh thyme, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, minced thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Combine Everything: Pour the egg mixture over the hash brown mixture in the mixing bowl. Gently fold everything together until evenly combined.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color. Slice into squares and serve hot.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• For an added flavor dimension, sauté diced onions and bell peppers with the sausage before adding them to the hash brown mixture.
• Feel free to swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese variety, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, basil, or paprika, to elevate the flavor profile of the dish.
• Vegetarian? Simply omit the sausage and add diced vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes to the hash brown mixture for a meat-free alternative.
• Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a kick of heat.

FAQs: Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and bake it in the morning as directed.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, indeed! Once cooled, slice the dish into individual servings, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.

Q: Is it possible to use fresh hash browns instead of frozen? A: Of course! You can substitute fresh grated potatoes for the frozen hash browns. Simply grate the potatoes using a box grater or a food processor, and be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before incorporating them into the recipe.

Keto and Low Carb Versions: For those adhering to a keto or low-carb lifestyle, fear not! Here are some modifications to make this dish fit your dietary needs:

• Omit the hash browns entirely and use cauliflower rice instead for a lower-carb alternative.
• Reduce the amount of milk or use unsweetened almond milk to further lower the carb content.
• Opt for full-fat cream cheese and cheese to increase the fat content and adhere to keto guidelines.

Rise and shine with a breakfast that’s both comforting and nourishing—this Sausage, Eggs, and Cream Cheese Hash Browns recipe ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day ahead or treating yourself to a leisurely brunch, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every flavorful bite. Because with this recipe in your repertoire, breakfast just got a whole lot more exciting!