My Family’s Favorite: Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a breakfast staple in my house, and always a crowd-pleaser! This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is the perfect combination of savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and cheesy goodness, all baked together in a creamy egg base. It’s easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and always a hit!

Nostalgic Appeal

This casserole reminds me of lazy weekend mornings spent with family. The aroma of sausage and cheese baking in the oven is pure comfort. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table, ready to dig in. This recipe is a guaranteed way to create happy breakfast memories of your own.

Homemade Focus

While you could grab something quick and easy, there’s something truly special about a homemade breakfast casserole. It’s made with love and care, and you control the quality of the ingredients. Plus, the aroma while it bakes? Pure magic!

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a balance of savory and cheesy, with a hint of spice. The pork sausage provides a rich, savory base, while the cheddar cheese adds a sharp, creamy element. The hash browns contribute a delightful crispness and texture, and the eggs bring everything together in a harmonious blend.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s talk about the stars of this delicious casserole! We start with [describe the sausage: flavorful pork sausage, like Jimmy Dean, browned to perfection and adding a savory richness]. Then we incorporate [describe the hash browns: frozen shredded hash browns, thawed for easy layering and providing a delightful crispy texture]. Of course, we can’t forget the [describe the cheese: generous amount of cheddar cheese, melted and gooey, adding a sharp and creamy counterpoint to the savory sausage]. And finally, the base of it all is a [describe the egg mixture: rich and creamy egg mixture, blended with whole milk or heavy cream and seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder for extra flavor]. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the overall deliciousness of this casserole.

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment: a large skillet for cooking the sausage, a 9×13 inch baking dish, a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and measuring cups and spoons.

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs
• 1 pound pork sausage (such as Jimmy Dean), regular or spicy
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 package (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Non-stick cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the pork sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Whisk the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
4. Layer the Ingredients: Evenly spread the thawed hash browns in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the hash browns. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Pour the Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
6. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
7. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Troubleshooting

• Casserole is too watery: Make sure you drain the sausage well after cooking. You can also try adding an extra egg to the mixture next time.
• Hash browns are soggy: Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed before layering. You can also lightly pat them dry with paper towels.
• Casserole is browning too quickly: Reduce the oven temperature slightly or cover the dish loosely with foil during the last part of baking.

Tips and Variations

• For a spicier casserole, use hot sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
• Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Sauté them before adding them to the casserole.
• You can substitute different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add more vegetables.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with other breakfast favorites like fresh fruit, toast, or a side salad. It’s also great with hot sauce, salsa, or sour cream.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on the following assumptions: Jimmy Dean regular pork sausage, standard shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, and a 1/8th portion of the casserole. Values may vary based on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 350-450
• Fat: Approximately 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 12-18g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 150-200mg
• Protein: Approximately 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
• Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
• Sugar: Approximately 3-5g
• Sodium: Approximately 600-800mg

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., turkey sausage for pork sausage), adjust the calculations accordingly.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

A: Yes, you can freeze it. Bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze it. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Q: Can I use different types of sausage?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite sausage, such as Italian sausage, breakfast sausage links (chopped), or even turkey sausage for a healthier option.

I hope your family loves this Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole as much as mine does! It’s a perfect way to start the day. Happy cooking!