Print

Cozy Cheesy Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hash Browns

breakfast casserole with sausage and hash browns - featured image

This cozy cheesy breakfast casserole with sausage and hash browns is a warm hug on a cold morning. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy mornings or lazy Sundays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 6 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed and patted dry)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup diced onion (yellow or white)
  • ½ cup diced bell pepper (any color)
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional topping)
  • ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon (optional topping)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Spread the thawed hash browns on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and press firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined. Add the milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy.
  5. Layer the dried hash browns evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage on top, followed by the diced onion and bell pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella on top. Do not press down.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and let it rest on the counter for 10-15 minutes.
  8. Bake covered for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean).
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Garnish with green onions, crumbled bacon, and fresh parsley if desired. Slice into squares and serve warm.

Notes

Patting the thawed hash browns dry is crucial to avoid a watery casserole. Letting the assembled casserole rest before baking allows the hash browns to absorb the egg mixture. For make-ahead, assemble the night before, refrigerate, and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking (add 5-10 minutes to baking time).

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage, hash browns, cheesy, easy breakfast, brunch, comfort food