Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole for Lazy Morning Feasts

Whipping up a mouthwatering hashbrown breakfast casserole can turn a lazy morning into a delightful culinary adventure.

Crispy potato layers mingle with savory cheese and hearty proteins for an irresistible wake-up call.

Weekend brunch just got a serious upgrade with this comforting dish.

Mornings feel more special when a warm, golden casserole emerges from the oven.

Each forkful promises a perfect blend of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Rich eggs and melted cheese create a luxurious backdrop for the crispy hashbrowns.

Let this crowd-pleasing recipe become your new weekend breakfast champion and watch everyone gather around the table with excitement.

Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole That Feeds A Crowd

  • Unleash Breakfast Magic: Quick Crowd-Pleaser
  • Minimal Prep Power: Assemble this hearty casserole in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or weekend gatherings.
  • Customize Like a Chef: Swap sausage for bacon, add different veggies, or experiment with cheese varieties to match your taste preferences.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Simplify cooking and cleanup with this single-dish meal that feeds a hungry crowd without multiple pots and pans.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare ahead and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning for stress-free entertaining or family breakfasts.

Ingredients Layered in Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Ground Sausage: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the breakfast casserole, choose a lean variety for healthier option.
  • Eggs: Essential binding agent that gives structure and provides additional protein, fresh eggs work best.
Potato and Vegetable Base:
  • Frozen Hashbrowns: Convenient potato base that adds texture and bulk, pre-shredded and easy to use.
  • Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base, white or yellow varieties recommended.
  • Bell Peppers: Provides color, sweetness, and nutrition, mix red and green for visual appeal.
Dairy and Seasoning Components:
  • Shredded Cheese: Creamy element that melts beautifully and adds richness, sharp cheddar recommended.
  • Evaporated Milk: Creates creamy consistency and helps bind ingredients, provides smooth texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal notes and additional depth to the dish.
Preparation Components:
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures casserole doesn't stick to baking dish, helps with easy removal.

Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Baking Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Sizzle the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s perfectly cooked through.

Drain away any excess grease to keep things light and delicious.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your star ingredients:
  • Cooked sausage
  • Hash browns
  • Diced onion
  • Diced bell peppers
  • Shredded cheese

Spread this mouthwatering mixture evenly across your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Evaporated milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning

Blend until smooth and perfectly combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the silky egg mixture over the hash brown layer, making sure it covers everything evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for an extra golden, cheesy finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes.

This helps it set and makes cutting easier.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Hashbrown Casserole Tips To Save Time

  • Pat hashbrowns dry with paper towels before mixing to remove excess moisture and ensure a crispy, golden-brown top.
  • Swap sausage with bacon, ham, or turkey for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
  • Prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
  • Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add extra flavor complexity.
  • Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future breakfasts.

Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole That Comes Back Golden

  • Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring optimal freshness and flavor.
  • Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for make-ahead meal planning.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat covered with foil at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until warmed through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Cut individual portions and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain the casserole's texture.

Cozy Picks For Hashbrown Casserole

  • Boost Flavor Pairing: Serve with crisp, chilled orange juice to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a bright, tangy contrast.
  • Complement Coffee Choice: Pair with a medium-roast Colombian coffee that has subtle nutty undertones to enhance the breakfast's savory depth.
  • Morning Wine Alternative: Choose a light Prosecco with gentle bubbles to cleanse the palate and add a festive morning touch to the hearty dish.
  • Fresh Side Suggestion: Add a small mixed berry salad with mint to provide a refreshing, light counterpoint to the dense, cheesy casserole.

Breakfast Casserole Potato Types

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free option packed with protein and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free hashbrowns and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
  • Low-Carb Makeover: Swap hashbrowns with cauliflower rice or diced zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a hearty breakfast feel.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, replace Italian seasoning with cumin and chili powder, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty breakfast experience.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen hashbrowns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen hashbrowns. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

  • Can I substitute the sausage with another meat?

Definitely! Bacon, ham, or ground turkey work great as alternative protein options in this breakfast casserole.

  • How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the center is set (no longer jiggly) and the top is golden brown. Insert a knife near the center – if it comes out clean, it’s ready to serve.

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Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty hashbrown breakfast casserole brings morning comfort with cheesy layers of crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs. Packed with rich flavors, this dish delivers a satisfying breakfast that will energize you for the day ahead.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground sausage
  • 8 large eggs

Vegetables and Cheese:

  • 20 ounces (567 grams) shredded hashbrowns, thawed
  • 1/4 cup white onion, diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) can evaporated milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with culinary lubricant.
  2. Transform the sausage in a sizzling skillet over robust heat, rendering it completely caramelized and crisp. Eliminate excess fat through careful draining.
  3. Amalgamate the cooked protein with frozen potato shreds, chopped aromatics, vivid bell peppers, and a generous helping of melting cheese in a spacious mixing vessel.
  4. Distribute the robust mixture uniformly across the prepared baking surface, creating an even landscape of textured ingredients.
  5. Craft a silky custard by whisking eggs with creamy evaporated milk, seasoning with fragrant herbs, salt, and freshly cracked pepper until thoroughly integrated.
  6. Cascade the egg elixir across the potato foundation, ensuring complete coverage of the ingredient terrain.
  7. Crown the composition with remaining cheese, creating a golden, tempting mosaic of potential deliciousness.
  8. Transfer the assembled casserole into the heated oven, allowing it to transform for 55-65 minutes until the center solidifies and the surface achieves a bronzed, appetizing complexion.
  9. Extract from oven and permit a brief resting period, allowing ingredients to settle and flavors to harmonize before portioning and serving.

Notes

  • Make ahead the night before by assembling completely and refrigerating, which helps flavors meld and saves morning prep time.
  • Swap pork sausage with turkey or plant-based sausage for lighter protein options that maintain similar flavor profiles.
  • Customize vegetable mix by adding spinach, mushrooms, or replacing bell peppers with zucchini for varied nutrition and texture.
  • Use gluten-free hashbrowns and ensure sausage is gluten-free to transform this into a celiac-friendly breakfast casserole.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 473
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 830 mg
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 244 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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