The Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together crispy hash browns, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheddar cheese in every bite. It’s a perfect centerpiece for your weekend brunch or holiday breakfast table.
This bake is incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making your mornings stress-free. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning a potluck, this casserole checks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and heartiness. Serve it with fresh fruit or a green salad for a complete meal everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage and diced onion until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cooked sausage mixture, and shredded cheddar. Spread evenly into the greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash brown mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Why Everyone Loves This Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
When it comes to comforting, hearty, and crowd-pleasing breakfasts, few dishes can compete with the Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. This classic brunch favorite is packed with flavor, simple to make, and perfect for both special occasions and everyday mornings. Whether you’re hosting family for the holidays or looking for a satisfying make-ahead breakfast, this casserole delivers every time.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so special—and why it deserves a place in your recipe box.
A Bit of Background
Breakfast casseroles have been a staple in American kitchens for decades. They gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s when busy home cooks needed delicious, easy meals to feed a crowd with minimal prep. The combination of protein-rich meats, eggs, and comforting starches like potatoes or bread became a go-to formula.
This particular version—featuring hash browns, breakfast sausage, eggs, and cheddar cheese—is beloved in many homes. It’s a familiar dish served during Christmas morning, Easter brunch, baby showers, and weekend family gatherings. It offers the kind of warmth and nostalgia that brings people together around the table.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines because it strikes the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity:
- Savory and Satisfying: The seasoned breakfast sausage infuses the dish with bold, savory flavor. Combined with the richness of cheddar cheese and the creaminess of eggs, it creates a satisfying bite every time.
- Crispy & Creamy Contrast: Using thawed hash browns adds a subtle crunch to the casserole’s base while the eggs keep it soft and fluffy inside.
- Easy Prep & Minimal Cleanup: With just one mixing bowl and a baking dish, you can assemble this in minutes. Most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples, which means fewer grocery trips and less stress.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: One of the top benefits is that this casserole can be assembled the night before. Just cover, refrigerate, and bake in the morning—perfect for holidays and busy weekdays.
Health & Nutrition Notes
While it’s undeniably a comfort food, this casserole also delivers protein and energy to keep you fueled through your morning:
- Protein-Packed: Each serving provides protein from the sausage and eggs, which is essential for muscle maintenance and keeping you full longer.
- Customizable Options: You can swap the sausage for turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives to suit dietary preferences.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: As long as your sausage and hash browns are certified gluten-free, this dish fits gluten-free lifestyles with ease.
If you’re looking to reduce calories or fat, you can use reduced-fat cheese, leaner meat, or even add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added fiber and nutrients.
Perfect For Any Occasion
This cheesy sausage breakfast casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways you can serve and enjoy it:
- Holiday Breakfast: Prep it on Christmas Eve, then pop it in the oven while the family opens gifts. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Weekend Brunch: Serve it with fresh fruit, croissants, or a green salad for a laid-back brunch with friends.
- Meal Prep Hero: Make it on Sunday and store slices in the fridge or freezer for quick, reheat-and-eat breakfasts all week.
- Potluck Favorite: It travels well, reheats beautifully, and is always a hit at brunch-themed potlucks or baby showers.
How to Store & Reheat
This dish holds up wonderfully in the fridge or freezer:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezer: Wrap cooled slices in foil or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.
Ways to Customize
One of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to modify:
- Meat Options: Swap pork sausage for turkey sausage, chorizo, bacon, or a vegetarian meat substitute.
- Cheese Varieties: Try using a Mexican blend, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: Spinach, kale, mushrooms, tomatoes, or bell peppers work wonderfully and add color and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Pro Tips for Success
- Thaw Hash Browns Completely: This ensures they cook evenly and don’t make the casserole watery.
- Drain the Sausage: Remove excess grease after browning the sausage to prevent a greasy texture.
- Let it Rest: Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking to make slicing easier and help the flavors set.
- Double the Recipe: Feeding a crowd? Easily double the ingredients and use two 9×13 pans.
Why This Casserole is the Best
There are thousands of breakfast casserole recipes out there—but this one stands out because it’s:
- Foolproof and beginner-friendly
- Comforting and familiar
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping
- Customizable to your taste and dietary needs
- Packed with satisfying flavors in every bite
Plus, it’s a dish that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or just trying to make weekday mornings a little easier, this cheesy sausage hash brown breakfast casserole delivers on flavor, ease, and comfort.
Final Thoughts
This is more than just a breakfast dish—it’s a memory maker. Warm, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy, the Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a must-have in every home cook’s rotation. It’s proof that with just a few simple ingredients, you can create something that feels special every time.
Whether you’re starting a new tradition or simply need a reliable recipe that never disappoints, give this one a try. You’ll be glad you did.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch recipe that’s hearty, delicious, and guaranteed to please a crowd, this Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the perfect choice. It’s easy to prepare, packed with comforting flavors, and incredibly versatile—making it a go-to recipe for both special occasions and busy mornings. With its crispy hash brown base, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese, every bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a brunch, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this casserole checks all the boxes. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again.