Looking for a hearty morning meal that’s easy to prep and packed with flavor? This Hash Browns & Eggs Breakfast Casserole is exactly what your morning routine has been missing. With layers of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheddar cheese, this dish delivers comfort and deliciousness in every bite. It’s a fantastic choice for serving groups, prepping ahead for busy mornings, and impressing everyone at the table!
Introduction
Best Breakfast Casserole (Hash Browns & Eggs) combines cottage-style hash browns, rich sausage, and tender baked eggs into a savory casserole that’s pure comfort. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, prepping meal‑prep breakfasts, or just craving something filling, this dish checks all the boxes. With minimal prep and wholesome ingredients, it’s the perfect foundation for tasty morning moments. Let’s take a closer look at why this casserole is destined to be your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: Just layer the ingredients, whisk a simple egg mixture, and let the oven work its magic.
- Meal prep friendly: Assemble it the night before and bake in the morning—easy and stress-free.
- Flavor combo: Crispy white potatoes, savory sausage, aromatic onions, and gooey cheddar cheese—every bite is delightful.
- Versatile crowd-pleaser: Great for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or casual gatherings.
- Hearty and satisfying: Packed with protein, cheese, and flavor in one slice!
Ingredients
(Prep time: ~10 minutes)
- 2 lb (approx. 900 g) frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 lb (450 g) ground pork sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 5 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz (340 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Best Breakfast Casserole (Hash Browns & Eggs)
- Prep the oven and pan.
Preheat to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease an 8‑inch (20 cm) square baking dish and spread thawed hash browns in an even layer. - Cook sausage and onions.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. (~10 minutes). Drain excess grease. - Mix the egg custard.
In a large bowl whisk together eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. - Assemble the casserole.
Evenly pour the egg mixture over the layer of hash browns in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese evenly over the top. - Top with sausage.
Distribute the cooked sausage and onions on top, then finish with a generous sprinkle of the remaining cheddar. - Bake covered.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes. - Bake uncovered.
Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. - Rest and serve.
Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving warm.
Helpful Tips
- Thawing hash browns: Place frozen hash browns in the refrigerator overnight or run under cool water for 5–10 minutes before draining well.
- Sausage options: Swap ground pork sausage for turkey sausage or a spicy chorizo to vary the flavor.
- Cheese tricks: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a mild kick.
- Even cooking: Drain any excess fat from the sausage mixture to avoid soggy potatoes.
- Doneness check: A toothpick or thin knife inserted in the center should come out clean when fully baked.
Substitutions And Variations
- Meat alternatives: Try diced ham, bacon bits, ground chicken, or Italian sausage instead of pork sausage.
- Vegetarian option: Omit meat and add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli florets.
- Hash brown switch: Use shredded fresh potatoes if preferred—blanch first to soften.
- Milk alternative: Substitute with half-and-half or heavy cream for creamier custard.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or chopped jalapeños for heat.
- Cheese combos: Try Swiss cheese, pepper jack, Colby, or feta crumbles.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the baking dish or an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm slices in a 325 °F (160 °C) oven until heated through.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices in freezer bags or wrap the whole casserole tightly. Keeps well up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 20–30 minutes until thoroughly warmed; cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 616
- Total Fat: 49 g (Saturated Fat: 23 g)
- Cholesterol: 260 mg
- Sodium: 1,142 mg
- Carbohydrates: 30 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 2 g)
- Protein: 34 g
- Vitamin C: 15 mg
- Calcium: 485 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
- Potassium: 1,031 mg
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a mixed green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance richness.
- Serve alongside sliced fresh fruit (berries, melon, grapes).
- Serve with toppings like chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, fresh salsa, or creamy avocado slices.
- Add a side of whole-grain biscuits or toast for a full breakfast spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Breakfast Casserole (Hash Browns & Eggs)
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake at 350 °F (175 °C), adding about 5–10 extra minutes of bake time if chilled. Meal‑prep friendly and stress‑free!
2. Can I add veggies?
Absolutely! Sauté veggies—like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli—until tender and layer them between egg mixture and sausage for added flavor and nutrition.
3. How do I keep leftovers from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy leftovers, reheat slowly in the oven or microwave using low heat to retain the casserole’s texture.
4. Is it okay to bake this in a 9×13-inch dish instead of an 8-inch square pan?
Yes, but it will bake faster (~45–50 minutes covered + 10 minutes uncovered) and result in thinner pieces. Adjust timing accordingly and check doneness early.
5. Can I reduce fat/calories?
Use lean ground turkey or chicken sausage, low-fat cheddar, and skim milk. You can also cut the cheese quantity and add more veggies to boost nutrition and reduce calories.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying this Best Breakfast Casserole (Hash Browns & Eggs)! I absolutely love how easy yet flavorful it is—no-fuss prep, comforting layers, and filling texture. I hope this hearty dish brings joy and simplicity to your mornings. Happy cooking, and big thanks for being a part of our food-loving community. Here’s to delicious breakfasts ahead—enjoy!
Print
Best Breakfast Casserole (Hash Browns & Eggs)
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Best Breakfast Casserole with hash browns, eggs, sausage, and melty cheddar—perfect for make-ahead mornings and feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
2 lb frozen hash browns, thawed
1 lb pork sausage
1 small onion, diced
5 large eggs
½ cup milk
½ tsp onion powder
⅛ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
Spread hash browns evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Cook sausage and onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain.
In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour egg mixture over hash browns.
Sprinkle half the cheese over the egg layer.
Add sausage and onions, then top with remaining cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes.
Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until set.
Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Thaw hash browns before use. Make ahead by assembling the night before and baking in the morning. Use a 9×13 pan for thinner portions—adjust bake time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 616
- Sugar: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 34g