Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole – Dive into the heavenly layers of the Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Packed with a flavorful medley of breakfast sausage, luscious cream cheese, and crispy hash browns, this dish is the epitome of comfort breakfast. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a festive brunch, this casserole promises to be the star of the table.
The first time I whipped up this Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, I was looking to break the monotony of our weekend breakfasts. The tantalizing aroma quickly caught the attention of my usually sleepy husband, who wandered into the kitchen, intrigued. My little one, notorious for sticking to their cereal routine, devoured a plateful and, with a mouth full, requested this for every breakfast. That moment was the gold star this recipe earned.
What makes this Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown breakfastasserole truly stands out?
This isn’t just any casserole; it’s an all-in-one balanced meal, perfect for hectic mornings. With the spicy kick of the sausage, the creaminess of the cheese, and the crispy hash browns, every bite is a delightful experience. And the best part? You can prep it the night before, and its versatile nature means you can easily customize it to your liking, whether it’s adding veggies or experimenting with different cheeses.
What You Need To Make This Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Sausage: For the sausage, you have the option of choosing a hot breakfast sausage, for this recipe. It not only adds a protein element but also gives the dish a subtle spiciness. If you’re not a fan of spicy foods you can always go for a mild breakfast sausage instead.
Cream Cheese: Before mixing make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature. This will allow it to blend perfectly with the sausage resulting in an indulgent texture. In case you forget to leave it out you can gently soften it in the microwave.
Hash Browns: To save time and ensure results using frozen hash browns is quite convenient. However, if you’re feeling adventurous or happen to have some potatoes lying around grating your own is an option. Just remember to remove any moisture by patting them dry.
Salt, Pepper, Garlic & Onion Powder: For added flavor depth in your casserole, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the quantities according to your personal taste preferences. Alternatively using minced garlic and chopped onions can provide an intense flavor profile; however, powders ensure an even distribution of taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a choice as it brings forth a tangy flavor that complements the creamy nature of this dish. However, this recipe is quite flexible allowing you to get creative with types of cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a zesty pepper jack to add some flavor variations.
Eggs: They play a role in binding the casserole and giving it a light and fluffy consistency. It’s always best to use fresh eggs for the best results.
Milk: Adding milk to the casserole gives it a creamy texture. You have the freedom to choose any kind of milk you prefer be it full-fat, skim or even nondairy options, like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind that your choice may slightly influence the taste and texture of the dish.
Steps To Make Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to a temperature of 350 degrees. Get ready, for some cooking!
Step 2: In a skillet cook the sausage until it turns golden brown. Remember to remove any fat.
Step 3: Combine the sausage with cream cheese until they blend together beautifully.
Step 4: Now let’s move on to the hash browns! Cook them until they achieve a hue. Then arrange them at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 5: Spread the sausage mixture, over the hash browns. Generously sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
Step 6: Next whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk to create a mixture. Pour this velvety mixture over your base of hash browns.
Step 7: If you’re not baking it away cover and refrigerate. Otherwise, bake it uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes until it acquires a color.
Tip:
To add a burst of flavor and achieve a crispy texture you might want to think about sprinkling some shredded cheese on the surface approximately 10 minutes before your casserole is done baking. This little trick will result in a cheesy crust on top taking your dish to new heights and making it all the more tempting, for cheese cheese enthusiasts. Just remember to watch it to prevent over-browning!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use turkey sausage?
Sure you can definitely make use of turkey sausage. It will bring a taste to the dish while still being delicious.
How long can I refrigerate before baking?
If you’re planning to refrigerate it before baking you can keep it in the fridge overnight. Just make sure all the ingredients stay fresh if you plan on storing it for more than 24 hours.
Can I add veggies to this casserole?
Adding veggies to this casserole is an idea! Bell peppers, mushrooms or spinach would work well as additions. Just remember to sauté them before including them in the dish.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pound hot breakfast sausage
- 2 8-oz packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 30-32oz bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 tbsp. salt
- ½ tbsp. pepper
- ¼ tbsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tbsp. onion powder
- 2 c shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 eggs
- 2 c milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the sausage in a skillet until it turns brown then remove any fat.
- Combine the sausage with cream cheese.
- Lightly brown the hash browns, in the skillet.
- Layer the hash browns in a 9x13 inch pan followed by the sausage mixture. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- In a bowl whisk eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and milk.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in the pan.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until it becomes firm and golden, on top.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
