If you have ever wished for a cozy, satisfying breakfast that can feed a crowd without complicated steps, the Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This hearty casserole combines savory hot breakfast sausage, luscious cream cheese, and perfectly seasoned hash browns to create a dish bursting with flavor and comfort in every bite. It’s a warm, cheesy, and fulfilling meal that’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or any morning when you want a crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet flavorful ingredients make this casserole shine. Each component plays a key role, whether adding creaminess, spice, or that irresistible crispy texture.
- Hot breakfast sausage: The spicy, savory backbone that brings 깊음과 풍미 to the casserole.
- Cream cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the sausage’s piquancy.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: Provides a crispy, golden foundation that contrasts delightfully with the creamy layers.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors to make each bite pop.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warmth to the dish.
- Garlic powder: Brings a hint of aromatic savoriness.
- Onion powder: Contributes a gentle, sweet onion flavor without overpowering.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, tangy blanket topping the casserole, adding color and indulgence.
- Eggs: Binds all the ingredients together, ensuring a perfect, fluffy texture.
- Milk: Lightens the egg mixture for a tender, custard-like consistency.
How to Make Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sausage
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled. Meanwhile, cook 2 pounds of hot breakfast sausage in a large skillet until it’s browned and no longer pink. This step brings out the deep savory flavors and creates a satisfying texture that is crucial to the dish. Once cooked, drain the fat carefully to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese
While the sausage is still warm, mix in two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese at room temperature until fully blended. This creamy mixture is what sets this casserole apart by balancing spiciness with luscious smoothness. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the hash browns.
Step 3: Cook the Hash Browns
In the same skillet, add a 30 to 32-ounce bag of frozen shredded hash browns and cook until lightly browned. This browning step adds a beautiful golden crunch that contrasts with the creamy and cheesy layers to come. Once browned, spread the hash browns evenly on the bottom of a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the hash browns. Next, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top to bring a brilliant cheesy crust after baking. This layering of flavors and textures creates the fullness and richness that make every bite delightful.
Step 5: Mix and Pour the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon onion powder. This seasoned egg mixture will soak into the layers, binding them all together and infusing extra flavor throughout. Pour it evenly over your layered hash brown, sausage, and cheese mixture.
Step 6: Refrigerate or Bake
You can cover the casserole and refrigerate it at this point if you want to bake later, making this recipe wonderfully flexible for early prep. When ready, bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, allowing the casserole to firm up and develop a slightly golden top.
How to Serve Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of color and flavor, perfect for brightening the rich, cheesy casserole. You can also top with diced tomatoes or a dollop of sour cream to add a cool and tangy contrast that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, which provides a sweet and juicy counterpoint to the savory goodness. A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables can also add a refreshing balance if serving for brunch or lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this casserole into a party centerpiece by serving it in individual muffin tins for personal portions. Alternatively, layer different cheeses or add cooked veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the base for color and variety. A crispy crust of panko breadcrumbs on top before baking creates an extra crunch that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it an easy grab-and-go breakfast or a quick reheat for a cozy supper.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully before baking. Prepare it as directed, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual for a convenient meal that feels homemade.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through, or heat a whole casserole in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes. Covering it loosely with foil prevents the top from drying out while keeping the texture nice and tender.
FAQs
Can I use mild sausage instead of hot?
Absolutely! Mild sausage will mellow the flavor and is a great choice if you prefer a less spicy breakfast. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce on the side if you want a little heat.
Is it okay to use frozen hash browns without thawing?
Yes, you can use frozen hash browns straight from the bag. Cooking them in the skillet until lightly browned will help remove excess moisture and ensure the texture is just right for layering.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. The cream cheese and eggs still provide the creamy binding and richness that the dish needs.
What is the best cheese for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is traditional and melts beautifully, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Colby blend for different flavor nuances and creaminess.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning?
Yes, preparing in advance is one of the biggest advantages of this casserole. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight, then bake it fresh in the morning for a stress-free, delicious breakfast.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and crowd-pleasing about the Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s simple to assemble, packed with flavors everyone loves, and perfect for feeding a family or guests without fuss. Give it a try and watch it quickly become your go-to breakfast or brunch centerpiece that brings people together and starts mornings off on a deliciously hearty note.
Print
Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a family breakfast or brunch. Combining savory hot breakfast sausage, creamy cream cheese, crispy hash browns, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked together with a seasoned egg and milk mixture, this casserole is both comforting and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare ahead and bakes to a golden perfection that will delight any morning crowd.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
Hash Browns Layer
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the hot breakfast sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Mix Sausage and Cream Cheese: Transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl and stir in the room temperature cream cheese until well combined. Set this mixture aside for layering.
- Cook Hash Browns: Using the same skillet, add the frozen shredded hash browns and cook until they are slightly browned and partially cooked, which adds flavor and texture. Then spread the hash browns evenly in the bottom of a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Layer Sausage Mixture and Cheese: Spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the hash browns, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until fully blended. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layered hash browns, sausage mixture, and cheddar cheese in the pan.
- Refrigerate if Needed: If you are not baking immediately, cover the assembled casserole and refrigerate it at this point to bake later.
- Bake Casserole: Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Bake until the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden and bubbly.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate it to save time in the morning.
- Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your flavor preference.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower fat version, substitute part-skim cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Make sure to drain excess sausage fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
