Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Comforting Morning Feast! 🍳🥔🧀🥓
Wake up to a warm and satisfying breakfast with this incredibly delicious Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Casserole! This hearty dish layers crispy hash browns with a flavorful sausage and cream cheese mixture, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and a creamy egg custard. It’s the perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or feeding a crowd. The combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and fluffy eggs baked to golden perfection is simply irresistible!
Ingredients:
1 lb breakfast sausage (the savory star of our casserole!)
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened (for that rich and creamy goodness)
1 (30 oz) package frozen hash browns, thawed (the crispy and comforting base)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (for that melty, cheesy pull!)
6 large eggs (binding everything together and adding richness)
1 cup milk (creating a smooth and creamy egg custard)
Salt and pepper to taste (to enhance all the delicious flavors)
Optional: ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives for garnish (for a fresh and vibrant finish)
Let’s Build This Breakfast Masterpiece!
Step 1: Cook the Savory Sausage Base
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and crumbled. Use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir them together until the cream cheese is completely melted and well combined with the sausage, creating a rich and creamy mixture. Set this aside.
Step 2: Layer the Comforting Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a nice, even layer.
Spoon the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the layer of hash browns, spreading it out with a spatula.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage and cream cheese mixture.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Egg Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, salt, and pepper to taste until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no large lumps of egg.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Brown Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center of the casserole is set (it shouldn’t jiggle much when gently shaken) and the top is beautifully golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm for Ultimate Enjoyment!
Once the casserole is baked and golden, remove it from the oven.
If desired, sprinkle the top with chopped green onions or chives for a fresh and colorful garnish.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm. This allows it to set up a bit and makes it easier to serve.
Tips for a Delicious Breakfast Casserole:
Thaw Hash Browns: Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed before layering them in the dish for even cooking.
Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to use other shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend.
Add Veggies: You can sauté diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms and add them to the sausage mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble this casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage while cooking for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions:
This Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:
Fresh fruit salad
Toast or muffins
A side of salsa or hot sauce
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful breakfast casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite! It’s the perfect way to start the day or to feed a hungry brunch crowd. 🍳🥔🧀🥓😋