Hearty Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Meal for Any Crowd

Imagine a breakfast dish that’s as delicious as it is effortless, capable of feeding a hungry crowd without breaking a sweat. Our Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is exactly that – a culinary masterpiece designed for convenience and flavor. This hearty, all-in-one baked wonder combines fluffy eggs, savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and melted cheese into a single pan of pure comfort. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a family gathering, or simply want a stress-free start to your weekend, this make-ahead breakfast casserole is your go-to solution. Prepare it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another breakfast dish; it’s a revelation for anyone who loves a substantial, flavorful morning meal without the usual morning rush. Our sausage and hashbrown breakfast casserole is truly the perfect fit for a variety of reasons:

• Effortless Preparation: In less than 15 minutes of active prep time, you can assemble this entire casserole. It’s designed for efficiency, letting you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.
• Ultimate Make-Ahead Convenience: One of its standout features is the ability to prepare it completely the night before. Simply cover and refrigerate, then bake it fresh the next morning. This is a game-changer for holiday mornings, special brunches, or any occasion when you want to sleep in a little longer.
• Feeds a Crowd with Ease: With a single 9×13 inch pan, this recipe generously serves up to 12 people. It’s perfect for large families, gatherings, or even meal prepping for busy weeks. No more juggling multiple skillets and pans!
• All Your Breakfast Favorites in One Dish: Why choose when you can have it all? This casserole masterfully combines savory ground sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, and gooey melted cheese into a symphony of breakfast flavors. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have most of the key components already in your pantry or freezer. Frozen hash browns, breakfast sausage, eggs, and a few staple vegetables are all you need to create this incredibly satisfying and economical meal.
• Incredibly Versatile: While delicious as is, this casserole is a blank canvas for customization. Easily adapt it to your preferences with different meats, cheeses, or extra vegetables. (More on variations below!)
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From a casual Sunday brunch to a festive Christmas morning, or even a hearty weeknight “breakfast for dinner,” this casserole fits seamlessly into any dining scenario.

If you’re looking for other fantastic crowd-pleasing breakfast options, consider exploring a classic ham and cheese strata, delightful sausage muffins without bisquick, or a unique savory sausage breakfast cake.

Essential Ingredients for Your Breakfast Casserole

Creating a truly memorable sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is key:

• Ground Pork Breakfast Sausage: This is the star of the show, bringing a rich, savory depth to the casserole. Brands like Jimmy Dean or Tennessee Pride offer excellent flavor profiles. Feel free to use mild or spicy varieties depending on your preference. Browning the sausage properly is crucial for developing its full flavor and texture.
• Eggs and Half and Half: These two form the creamy, custardy base that holds the entire casserole together. The eggs bake up light and fluffy, while the half and half adds a luxurious richness, preventing the casserole from becoming dry. For a slightly lighter option, you could substitute milk for half and half, though it might yield a less creamy texture.
• Hash Browns (Frozen, Shredded): The hash browns provide a fantastic texture contrast, offering a slightly crisp edge and soft interior. Using a bag of frozen, shredded hash browns is a huge time-saver. Remember to thaw them completely and, most importantly, drain them thoroughly on paper towels. Excess moisture is the enemy of a perfectly textured casserole, leading to a soggy result.
• Bell Peppers and Green Onions: These vegetables add vibrant color, a hint of sweetness, and a fresh, aromatic kick. Red and/or yellow bell peppers bring a milder flavor and attractive hue, while green onions offer a subtle oniony bite that brightens the dish. Sautéing the bell peppers with the sausage helps soften them and meld their flavors.
• Shredded Cheese (Pepper Jack): Cheese is non-negotiable in any great casserole! Pepper Jack adds a wonderful creamy texture with a mild, zesty kick that complements the sausage beautifully. We recommend shredding your own cheese for the best melt and flavor. More on this in our tips section!
• Seasonings (Dry Mustard, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper): A simple yet powerful trio. Dry mustard might seem unusual, but it enhances the savory flavors of the eggs and sausage without imparting a strong mustard taste. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning the entire dish to perfection.

How to Prepare Your Delicious Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Follow these easy steps to assemble your incredible breakfast casserole. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward process, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This crucial step ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving. Set it aside for now.
2. Cook the Sausage and Bell Peppers: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground pork breakfast sausage until it’s nicely browned and crumbled. As the sausage cooks, add the diced bell peppers to the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their flavors. Once the sausage is cooked through and the peppers are tender, stir in the diced green onions for a minute or two until just fragrant.
3. Drain Excess Fat: Carefully remove the sausage and vegetable mixture from the skillet and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Gently press down to absorb any excess grease. This prevents your casserole from becoming oily.
4. Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, half and half, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground mustard until well combined and slightly frothy. This forms the flavorful liquid base for your casserole.
5. Combine All Casserole Components: To the bowl with the whisked egg mixture, add the thawed and thoroughly drained shredded hash browns, the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture, and two cups of the shredded pepper jack cheese. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the eggs tough.
6. Assemble and Top: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded pepper jack cheese over the top of the casserole. This extra layer of cheese will melt into a beautiful, golden crust.
7. Bake or Refrigerate:
   • For Immediate Baking: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the edges are set, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • For Make-Ahead (Overnight): At this stage, instead of baking, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours). The next morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking. Then, bake as instructed above.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the eggs to set properly, making for cleaner cuts. Serve warm, perhaps alongside a fresh fruit salad or a steaming cup of coffee, and enjoy a truly stress-free and delicious breakfast. Every single piece of this sausage egg hash brown casserole is packed with flavor, ensuring everyone will be back for more!

Expert Tips for a Flawless Breakfast Casserole

Achieve casserole perfection every time with these valuable tips:

• Shred Your Own Cheese: This is a game-changer! Pre-shredded store-bought cheese often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly and becoming as gooey as freshly shredded cheese. Take the extra minute to shred a block of cheese, and you’ll notice a significant difference in texture and flavor.
• Thaw and Drain Hash Browns Thoroughly: Do not skip this step! Frozen hash browns hold a lot of moisture. Thaw them completely (you can do this in the fridge overnight or quickly in the microwave), then press them firmly between layers of paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. This prevents a soggy casserole and ensures the hash browns contribute their desired texture.
• Don’t Overbake: While you want the eggs to be set, overbaking can lead to a dry, rubbery casserole. Keep an eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. The casserole is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
• Let it Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the eggs to firm up slightly and makes for cleaner, neater portions when serving.
• Use the Right Pan: A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, ensuring even cooking and the right casserole depth. Make sure to grease it well!
• Season Well: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Eggs and potatoes need good seasoning to truly shine. Taste your sausage mixture before adding it to ensure it’s flavorful.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Casserole

One of the best things about this breakfast casserole is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your family’s tastes or what you have on hand:

• Explore Different Sausages: While ground pork breakfast sausage is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment!
  • Turkey Sausage: For a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
  • Italian Sausage: Mild or spicy Italian sausage can add a robust, herbaceous depth.
  • Chorizo: If you love a bit of heat and bold flavor, crumbled chorizo is an excellent choice.
• Add More Meats: Elevate the meatiness or add new dimensions.
  • Diced Ham: Leftover holiday ham is perfect for this!
  • Crumbled Bacon: Cook and crumble bacon, then add it to the mixture for extra smoky flavor.
  • Spam or Canadian Bacon: For a different kind of savory bite.
• Switch Up the Cheese: The cheese possibilities are endless!
  • Sharp or Mild Cheddar: A classic choice that always pleases.
  • Monterrey Jack: Melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor.
  • Colby Jack: A popular blend that offers both flavor and meltability.
  • Swiss or Gruyère: For a more sophisticated, nutty flavor.
  • Smoked Gouda: Adds a wonderful smoky undertone.
• Incorporate More Vegetables: This is a great way to use up leftover veggies or add extra nutrients. Ensure they are cooked and drained to prevent excess moisture.
  • Sautéed Mushrooms: Adds an earthy umami flavor.
  • Diced Zucchini or Spinach: Healthy additions that cook down well.
  • Steamed Broccoli Florets or Asparagus: For a touch of green and freshness.
  • Diced Potatoes: If you don’t have hash browns, cubed cooked potatoes can work in a pinch.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Casserole

Here are answers to some common questions about preparing and enjoying this versatile breakfast casserole:

More Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Recipes to Explore

If you loved this casserole, here are some other fantastic breakfast and brunch ideas to add to your repertoire:

Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This incredible Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole brings all your favorite breakfast items together in one convenient pan. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd, plus it can be effortlessly prepared the night before!

4.47 from 15 votes

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Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 500kcal

Author: Leigh Harris

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground pork breakfast sausage
• 1 cup bell pepper we use red and/or yellow, diced
• 1 cup green onions diced (about 5-6 stalks)
• 10 large eggs
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 5 cups frozen hash browns shredded (thawed and well-drained)
• 3 cups pepper jack cheese shredded (divided into 2 cups and 1 cup)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground pork breakfast sausage and diced bell peppers until the sausage is browned and cooked through, and the peppers are softened.
   2 pounds ground pork breakfast sausage, 1 cup bell pepper
3. Stir in the diced green onions for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the mixture to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
   1 cup green onions
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground mustard until well combined.
   10 large eggs, 1 cup half and half, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground mustard
5. Add the thawed and drained hash browns, 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese, and the cooked sausage mixture to the egg mixture. Gently fold to combine.
   5 cups frozen hash browns, 3 cups pepper jack cheese (2 cups for mixture)
6. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
7. To Bake Now: Bake at 350 degrees F (175°C) for 55-60 minutes, or until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. To Make Ahead: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, remove from the refrigerator at least 1 hour before baking. Bake as instructed above.
9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

To Make Ahead – You can bake the sausage and hashbrown casserole right away or cover tightly and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning remove the baking dish from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes up to 1 hour before baking and follow the baking instructions.
Storing – Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Freezing – Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze in an air-tight container or freezer bag. Or freeze the prepared unbaked casserole tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, remove from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking and then bake as instructed.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 242mg | Sodium: 915mg | Potassium: 593mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1042IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 278mg | Iron: 3mg

Recipe inspired by TasteOfHome

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