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- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy) - 4 cups frozen hash browns (thawed) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 medium red bell pepper (diced) - 1 small onion (finely diced) - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Salt - Black pepper - 6 large eggs - 1 cup whole milk - Fresh parsley (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key for a great casserole. Start with the sausage. You can pick mild or spicy based on your taste. The hash browns give it a nice texture. Make sure they are thawed for even cooking. Next, choose a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor. Add some color with a diced red bell pepper and a finely diced onion. These veggies bring sweetness and crunch. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance the taste. For the creamy base, you’ll need six large eggs and a cup of whole milk. Lastly, don’t forget the fresh parsley! It adds a pop of color and freshness on top. This mix of ingredients creates a delicious and filling breakfast casserole. {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets your oven ready for the casserole. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the breakfast sausage in the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Brown until it's fully cooked, then drain the extra fat. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Stir often until they soften and smell great. In a large bowl, mix the cooked sausage, sautéed onion, and bell pepper with the thawed hash browns. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. This will make your casserole fluffy. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the sausage and hash brown mix evenly on the bottom. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Let it seep through the hash browns. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check that the egg is set in the center and the top is golden brown. To boost the flavor, try adding spices. You can mix in a pinch of paprika for a smoky taste. A dash of cayenne pepper adds heat if you like spice. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can bring brightness. Just chop them finely and stir them into the egg mix. Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper to taste. This ensures your casserole shines with flavor. For the best results, watch your oven temperature. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) to get even cooking. Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes. Check that the center is set and firm. This means the eggs are fully cooked. A golden top is your sign that it’s ready to serve. If you notice it browning too fast, cover it lightly with foil. Serve your casserole hot, sliced into squares. For a colorful plate, add fresh fruit salad on the side. You can also include sliced avocado for creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch. This not only looks great but also makes for a balanced meal. Your guests will love the look and taste of your dish! Pro Tips Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for mild or spicy breakfast sausage based on your preference to customize the flavor of your casserole. Thaw Your Hash Browns: Ensure your frozen hash browns are thoroughly thawed to help them crisp up nicely during baking. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on flavor. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just pop it in the oven the next morning for an easy breakfast! {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this casserole. Just swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu. For added flavor, try using smoked paprika or cumin. You can also add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutrition and taste. These options will keep the dish hearty and satisfying. While sharp cheddar cheese is a classic choice, there are many other options. You might like using pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mozzarella will give a gooey texture, while feta adds a tangy flavor. Mixing cheeses can also create a unique taste. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your liking. Want to get creative? You can add extras to your casserole. Chopped mushrooms, spinach, or even diced tomatoes work well. You could also include cooked bacon or ham for extra protein. Think about what you enjoy and mix it in. This dish is flexible, so have fun making it your own! Store your sausage hash brown breakfast casserole in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days. When you want to eat it, simply take out the portion you need. This way, you ensure each slice stays fresh and tasty. You can freeze this casserole if you want to save some for later. Cut it into individual portions for easy thawing. Wrap each piece well in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy your casserole for up to two months. Just remember to label the bags with the date. To reheat your casserole, the best method is the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid hot spots. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Here are some tips for preparing it in advance: - Prep the Night Before: You can assemble the casserole the night before. Cover it and store it in the fridge. Bake it in the morning for a hot breakfast. - Chill the Egg Mixture: Mix the eggs, milk, and spices and store them separately. Pour it over the hash browns just before baking. - Reheat for Best Flavor: If you prepare it early, let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking. This helps it cook evenly. To check if the casserole is done, look for these signs: - Golden Top: The top should be a lovely golden brown. This shows it's cooked well. - Set Center: Insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. - Firm Texture: The egg should be firm, not jiggly. This means it’s fully cooked. You can serve this casserole with these tasty sides for a balanced breakfast: - Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of berries, melons, and citrus adds sweetness. - Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado pairs well and adds healthy fats. - Toast or English Muffins: Serve with a side of whole-grain bread for extra crunch. - Yogurt: A small bowl of yogurt adds creaminess and protein. This breakfast casserole combines bold flavors with simple steps. You learned about the key ingredients like sausage, cheese, and veggies. We explored cooking methods and some great tips to enhance your dish. I shared variations to fit your taste and ways to store leftovers. Now you can enjoy a tasty meal anytime. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors. Happy cooking!

Savory Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

A hearty breakfast casserole featuring savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and a blend of vegetables, topped with cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage
  • 4 cups frozen hash browns, thoroughly thawed
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced into small cubes
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is well browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat, allowing it to cool slightly, then drain off any excess fat.
  • Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes or until they become softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onion, and bell pepper with the thawed hash browns. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and fully combined, ensuring a fluffy texture.
  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter. Spread the sausage and hash brown mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure it seeps through the hash browns. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese evenly across the surface.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the egg is set in the center and the top has turned a lovely golden brown.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking. Slice it into squares and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an appealing touch of color.

Notes

Serve with fresh fruit salad or sliced avocado for a balanced meal.
Keyword breakfast, casserole, hash browns, sausage