There’s something wonderfully warm about starting your day with a hearty breakfast casserole—it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is rich, creamy, and delightfully filling, making it perfect for weekend brunches or any busy morning. With layers of golden, crispy hash browns, savory breakfast sausage, and gooey cheese, every bite is a mouthwatering delight. And here’s the best part: it requires minimal fuss and no cream to achieve that luscious creaminess. You can whip this up even on the busiest mornings!
Imagine the rich aroma of sizzling sausage mixed with the sweet scent of sautéed onions and peppers filling your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. This recipe is perfect for meal preparation, ensuring that breakfast is sorted without the mad rush. Plus, it’s easily customizable to fit your taste or dietary needs. Seriously, it’s a total game changer! Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish and how to whip it up effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love Sausage Breakfast Casserole (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
You might be wondering, why the hype over a breakfast casserole? Well, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s:
- Easy to Make: Simply mix the ingredients, throw it in the oven, and relax.
- Creamy Without Cream: You’ll achieve that rich creaminess with just a bit of milk.
- Super Cozy: The combination of sausage, cheese, and hash browns makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make it ahead and just reheat in the morning.
- Flexible and Customizable: Want to throw in some veggies or switch up the cheese? Go for it!
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist this dish; it’s breakfast they’ll actually ask for.
- Pantry-Friendly: Most ingredients are staples you probably already have.
This casserole truly brings comfort food to a new level, so you’re going to want to add it to your regular recipe rotation. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, irresistibly delicious dish!
Ingredients for Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ground Breakfast Sausage
- Purpose: Adds savory, rich flavors.
- Swap Tip: You can use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Large Eggs (6)
- Purpose: Binds the ingredients and adds protein.
- Texture Impact: Makes the casserole fluffy and adds a satisfying richness.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups)
- Purpose: Brings a melty, gooey texture and tangy flavor.
- Swap Tip: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack!
Milk or Heavy Cream (½ cup)
- Purpose: Makes the casserole creamy without using cream.
- Note: Heavy cream will make it richer, while milk keeps it lighter.
Thawed Frozen Hash Browns (3 cups)
- Purpose: Forms the crispy base of the casserole.
- Texture Tip: Make sure they’re thawed for even cooking.
Chopped Onions (½ cup)
- Purpose: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Note: Sauté them for a few minutes if you prefer a milder taste.
Chopped Bell Peppers (½ cup)
- Purpose: Provides vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
- Note: Use any color—red, yellow, or green work beautifully.
Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon)
- Purpose: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.
- Tip: Fresh minced garlic can be substituted if you prefer.
Onion Powder (½ teaspoon)
- Purpose: Boosts the onion flavor, harmonizing with the fresh onions.
- Note: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra kick!
Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon)
- Purpose: Offers a hint of spice.
- Tip: Adjust to your spice tolerance—add more for a kick!
Salt (¼ teaspoon)
- Purpose: Elevates all the flavors and brings everything together.
- Tip: Always taste as you go, especially if using salty sausage.
Cooking Spray or Butter
- Purpose: Prevents sticking and helps with browning.
- Tip: Butter adds a lovely richness if you can spare the calories!
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Phase 1 – Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- While the sausage cooks, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Layer the cooked sausage on top of the hash browns, then sprinkle the onions and bell peppers evenly.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers, ensuring it coats all ingredients.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice into squares and serve warm.
- For an extra touch, add toppings like fresh herbs, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Sauté the Vegetables: Sauté onions and peppers before adding them to the casserole to enhance their sweetness.
- Cheese Swap: Try different cheeses like feta for a tangy twist or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Storage Solution: Make extra and store leftovers in individual portions for easy breakfasts throughout the week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Sausage: If you cook the sausage too long, it can become dry. Aim for browned but not crispy; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Not Thawing Hash Browns: Cooking frozen hash browns directly will make the casserole watery. Always ensure they are completely thawed and well-drained if necessary.
- Skipping Cooling Before Serving: Cutting into a hot casserole makes it fall apart. Letting it rest for a few minutes helps it firm up for cleaner slices.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free hash browns.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute with dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Herbal: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.
- Instant Pot: Cook in an Instant Pot for a quicker version (adjust time accordingly).
How to Serve Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Best Pairings: Fresh fruit salad or crispy bacon complements this dish nicely.
- Toppings: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, avocado slices, or salsa for a zesty kick.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Absolutely! You can prepare this casserole the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. It may lose some texture but will still be delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of hash browns? Yes, frozen cauliflower works, but it may change the texture. Drain well!
How to make it extra creamy without cream? Using milk and the eggs creates a wonderful creaminess; adding a bit of cream cheese can also help.
Can I double it? Definitely! Just use a larger dish and adjust the baking time slightly.
How to fix a too-thick casserole? You can add a little more milk to the egg mixture before baking for a smoother consistency.
This Sausage Breakfast Casserole is not just a recipe; it’s your ticket to comforting, delicious mornings without fuss. Enjoy its warm, hearty flavors that will have everyone at your table coming back for seconds! If you love this recipe, consider trying out our Delicious Breakfast Burritos or Cheesy Veggie Omelette as well!
Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Breakfast Sausage Can use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- 6 large Large Eggs Binds the ingredients and adds protein.
- 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties.
- ½ cup Milk or Heavy Cream Heavy cream will make it richer, while milk keeps it lighter.
- 3 cups Thawed Frozen Hash Browns Ensure they are thawed for even cooking.
- ½ cup Chopped Onions Sauté for a milder taste if desired.
- ½ cup Chopped Bell Peppers Any color works beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be substituted.
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds extra kick.
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon Salt Taste and adjust, especially if using salty sausage.
- 1 tablespoon Cooking Spray or Butter Butter adds a lovely richness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Cooking
- Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Layer the cooked sausage on top, then sprinkle the onions and bell peppers evenly.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers, ensuring it coats all ingredients.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Serving
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice into squares and serve warm with optional toppings like fresh herbs, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream.