Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

There’s something downright irresistible about waking up to a warm, bubbly Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole. This dish brings together crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, caramelized onions, and plenty of gooey cheddar, all nestled in a rich, fluffy blanket of eggs. It’s not just hearty and satisfying; it’s also perfect for feeding a crowd—whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating the holidays, or just treating your family to a special breakfast. The best part? You can assemble everything in advance, so there’s no sweating over the stove in the morning!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted by how these simple, approachable ingredients mingle for big flavor and cozy comfort in every bite. Each component is essential, adding its own special touch—whether it’s creaminess, color, spice, or that unmistakable crunch.

• Shredded hashbrowns (20 oz, thawed): These make the perfect crunchy-savory base; if using frozen, let them thaw for optimal texture.
• Ground pork sausage (1 lb): Adds rich, meaty flavor with just the right hint of spice—try a mild or hot sausage depending on your crowd.
• Onion (¼ cup, finely diced): For sweet, aromatic depth that boosts every bite.
• Red bell pepper (½, diced): Brings a subtle sweetness and a pop of color you’ll love seeing in every slice.
• Green bell pepper (½, diced): Lends gentle peppery freshness and vibrant contrast to the casserole.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): The ultimate ooey-gooey factor—cheese lovers, you may want an extra handful for the top!
• Eggs (8): These bind everything into a tender, custardy interior that holds up stovetop to oven (or overnight in your fridge).
• Evaporated milk (1 can/12 oz or 1 ⅓ cups milk): Makes the egg mixture extra rich and delicious; plain milk or cream works too.
• Italian seasoning (½ tsp, optional): A blend that infuses the dish with subtle herby warmth—customize with your favorite herbs.
• Kosher salt (½ tsp, or to taste): Brings all the flavors together—taste and tweak as you like.
• Black pepper (¼ tsp): For just the right touch of zest to round out every forkful.

How to Make Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F if you’re baking right away. Grab your trusty 9×13-inch casserole dish (or a 3-quart baking dish)—grease it really well with butter or a generous blast of nonstick spray to keep your Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole from sticking and to make cleanup even easier.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-high, then crumble in your ground pork sausage. Let it sizzle and caramelize as you break it up with a spatula until there’s no pink left. Drain off any excess fat to keep things perfectly balanced and not greasy.

Step 3: Build Your Casserole Layers

In your prepared dish, add the thawed hashbrowns, the freshly cooked sausage, diced onions, and those beautiful red and green bell peppers. Toss in about 1 and ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Give everything a gentle stir right inside the dish so it’s nice and evenly mixed. This step ensures every bite of your Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is full of flavor and color.

Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a big bowl, crack the eggs and whisk in the evaporated milk (or your milk of choice), along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Beat the mixture until it’s completely smooth and well blended—this creamy base will set up beautifully in the oven.

Step 5: Combine & Top

Pour your egg mixture evenly over the hashbrown and sausage mixture. Don’t forget to scatter the remaining cheddar over the top; this creates a melty, golden crust that will tempt everyone at the table.

Step 6: Chill or Bake

At this point, your Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is ready for flexibility! Cover with foil and pop it in the fridge overnight to bake in the morning, or slide it directly into your preheated oven.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

If you’re baking right away, go uncovered and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’re looking for the eggs to be set and the edges to be deeply golden. If you chilled it overnight, pull the casserole out 30 minutes before baking and add 10–15 extra minutes to your bake time, just to account for the colder temperature.

How to Serve Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

Enhance your Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with a flourish of fresh toppings! Try a scattering of chopped parsley or chives for color and brightness, or some sliced green onions for a gentle crunch. For a zesty twist, a dollop of sour cream or salsa on the side is always a hit.

Side Dishes

Round out your brunch table with a gorgeous fruit salad, buttery toast, or a simple green salad to add freshness and variety. If you’re feeling extra decadent, crispy bacon or a sweet roll will make the spread truly unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve your Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole straight from the pan, family-style, or get a little fancy by cutting it into neat squares and layering them on a colorful platter. Or, for brunch parties, use biscuit cutters to cut out rounds for an elegant touch—they look fantastic on a tray with a few festive toothpicks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole (lucky you!), just let it cool completely before wrapping individual pieces or covering the whole dish tightly with foil. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, making it a wonderful grab-and-go breakfast.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream! For best results, either wrap individual portions or the entire (cooled) dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re craving a ready-made breakfast, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat, pop pieces uncovered in the microwave for a minute or two until piping hot, or warm the whole pan in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through. The cheesy top will refresh beautifully, and the flavors deepen overnight!

FAQs

Can I use bacon instead of sausage?

Absolutely! Bacon offers a smoky twist on the classic, and many fans of Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole use crispy, chopped bacon in place of the sausage. You can also mix and match both for an extra decadent treat.

Can I add vegetables or customize the filling?

Yes! This casserole is a fantastic blank canvas. Try mushrooms, spinach, cooked broccoli, or even spicy jalapeños for extra flavor. Be sure to sauté or drain any added veggies so the casserole doesn’t get soggy.

Can I make Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole dairy-free?

Go right ahead—swap the evaporated milk for an unsweetened non-dairy milk, and use your favorite plant-based cheese or simply skip the cheese altogether. The casserole still comes together beautifully.

How do I know when my casserole is fully cooked?

The eggs will puff up and the top will turn golden brown. To double-check, insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a little moisture (not raw egg), your Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is ready. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Can I prepare it ahead and bake later?

Yes, and that’s one of the big advantages! Assemble everything the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, take it out 30 minutes before baking, then bake as directed. It’s the secret to stress-free holiday or weekend mornings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to treat your family or guests to something truly special, don’t wait—give this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole a try! It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious, destined to make any morning feel like a celebration.

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