why make this recipe
Breakfast Sausage Casserole is the perfect dish for busy mornings or weekend brunches. It’s hearty, filling, and easy to prepare ahead of time. With layers of crispy hash browns, savory breakfast sausage, and melted cheese, this casserole delivers big flavors. Plus, it can serve a crowd, making it great for family gatherings or friends’ get-togethers.
how to make Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 (30-oz) package shredded hash brown potatoes (diced is ok, not my fav)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (bulk)
- 1/2 green pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 red pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 small onion (diced)
- 1 & 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (packed)
- 1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (packed)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 & 1/3 cups half and half (cream, evaporated milk, or whole milk)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon if using table salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Make the potato layer: Add the 30-ounce package of frozen hash browns to a 9×13 inch dish. You don’t have to thaw them first. Spread them out evenly.
- Melt the 1/2 cup butter in a small bowl in the microwave and pour it over the hash browns. Mix it together so the potatoes get coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes, until the potatoes are mostly cooked and some are starting to lightly brown. Remove from the oven. Lower the oven temperature to 350.
- Prepare the sausage layer: Meanwhile, chop 1/2 a green pepper, 1/2 a red pepper, and 1/2 of a small onion. Make sure all the veggies are chopped small. (You can skip the veggies if you want, with no adjustments needed.)
- Add 1 pound of breakfast sausage and all the veggies to a skillet set over medium-high heat. Break up the sausage and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft. Drain the grease if there is any.
- Add the cooked sausage mixture on top of the baked hash browns. You can spread it out or stir it in to mix everything.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle 1 and 1/2 cups of Monterey Jack and 1 and 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Make the egg mixture: In a large bowl or stand mixer (or a blender), whisk together 8 eggs, 1 and 1/3 cups of half and half, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard.
- Pour the egg mixture over the casserole, distributing it evenly.
- Bake at 350 degrees for about 35-45 minutes, until the edges are browned and bubbly and the center doesn’t jiggle much.
- Take it out of the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for about 5 days. This recipe is also great for freezing!
how to serve Breakfast Sausage Casserole
You can serve breakfast sausage casserole warm, straight from the oven. It pairs well with fresh fruit, a side of toast, or even a dollop of sour cream or salsa for an extra kick. It’s also delicious as leftovers for brunch or even lunch.
how to store Breakfast Sausage Casserole
To store the casserole, let it cool completely before refrigerating. Place it in an airtight container, and it will last about 5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in microwave-safe containers, making it easy to heat up whenever you need a quick meal.
tips to make Breakfast Sausage Casserole
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. If you can, choose high-quality sausage and cheese.
- You can make this casserole the night before. Just prepare everything and store it in the fridge before baking.
- Customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices to suit your taste.
- For a spicier version, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce.
variation
Try swapping the breakfast sausage for cooked bacon or ham for a different taste. You can also experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or gouda for added flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen hash browns?
Yes, frozen hash browns are perfect for this recipe, and you don’t need to thaw them before baking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the sausage and add more vegetables or use a meat substitute.
How long can I freeze the casserole?
You can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are in airtight containers.
Feel free to enjoy this delicious Breakfast Sausage Casserole any time of day!
Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Add the frozen hash browns to a 9x13 inch dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave and pour it over the hash browns. Mix to coat the potatoes.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes, until the potatoes are mostly cooked and lightly browned. Remove from oven and lower the temperature to 350.
- Chop green pepper, red pepper, and onion into small pieces.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add breakfast sausage and chopped vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and onion is soft. Drain any grease.
- Spread the cooked sausage mixture on top of the baked hash browns.
- Sprinkle Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the sausage layer.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together eggs, half and half, seasoned salt, kosher salt, black pepper, and dry mustard.
- Pour the egg mixture over the casserole evenly.
- Bake at 350 degrees for about 35-45 minutes, until the edges are browned and bubbly and the center is set.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.