This yummy breakfast casserole is packed with sausage, eggs, and creamy cheese all mixed with crispy hashbrowns. It’s a hearty way to start the day!
You’ll love how easy it is to make. Just layer everything in a dish, pop it in the oven, and soon you’ll have a warm, cheesy breakfast ready to enjoy with friends or family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: I love using pork sausage for its classic flavor, but turkey sausage is a lighter swap. If you have veggie sausage, feel free to use that for a vegetarian option!
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns make this dish super easy. If you have fresh potatoes, you can grate and par-cook them instead. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the casserole. Can’t find it? Try using ricotta for a lighter taste or Greek yogurt for added protein, but you may need to adjust the amount for texture.
Cheddar Cheese: A must-have for rich flavor! While cheddar adds sharpness, you can use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a twist. Feel free to mix cheeses for extra flavor!
How Do I Ensure the Casserole Sets Perfectly?
The baking time is crucial for a perfectly set casserole. Here’s how to make sure you get it just right:
- Stick to the recommended baking time of 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
- Oven temperatures can vary, so if the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the inside continues to cook.
- Let it cool a few minutes before cutting; this helps it firm up a bit more and makes serving easier.
How to Make Sausage Egg Cream Cheese Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 4 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns (thawed)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: hot sauce or salsa for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty casserole takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need another 45-55 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 10 minutes to have this delicious breakfast ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, get a 9×13-inch baking dish ready by greasing it with cooking spray or a little butter.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, add the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, stirring and breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off. This will help keep the casserole from being greasy.
3. Layer the Hashbrowns:
Take the thawed hashbrowns and spread them out evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms a crispy base for your casserole!
4. Add the Sausage:
Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the layer of hashbrowns. This will give great flavor in every bite!
5. Cream Cheese Layer:
Next, distribute the cream cheese cubes evenly over the sausage layer. This adds a delicious creaminess to the dish.
6. Whisk the Eggs:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure it’s nice and frothy!
7. Mix in the Cheese:
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. This cheesy goodness will bring everything together perfectly.
8. Pour It All Together:
Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Make sure it covers everything nicely!
9. Top It Off:
Sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for a delicious cheesy crust when it bakes.
10. Bake the Casserole:
Pop the casserole in the oven uncovered. Bake it for 45-55 minutes or until it’s set in the center and the top is a lovely golden brown.
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting. This helps it hold together better. Then, garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions. If you like a little kick, drizzle with hot sauce or salsa!
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice it up, serve warm, and enjoy this hearty Sausage Egg Cream Cheese Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with family or friends! It’s perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast at home.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is traditional, you can swap it for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a mix of your favorites for added flavor and variety.
Can I Pre-Make This Casserole?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. Bake it in the morning, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a quick warm-up or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them briefly before adding to the layers to ensure they’re fully cooked and not watery!
