ADVERTISEMENT
## Why You Should Make Sausage Hashbrown Casserole
### **1. Hearty and Filling**
One of the key selling points of this casserole is how filling and satisfying it is. The combination of hashbrowns, sausage, cheese, and eggs creates a meal that provides plenty of energy and keeps you full for hours. It’s a complete breakfast all in one dish, giving you protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats in each bite.
### **2. Great for Feeding a Crowd**
Whether you’re hosting a breakfast gathering, a holiday brunch, or just need to feed a big family, this casserole is an excellent choice. It can be easily doubled or tripled to accommodate larger groups, and it’s simple to serve and enjoy. You don’t have to worry about making multiple dishes – just bake the casserole, slice it up, and serve!
### **3. Easy to Make**
While it may look like a complicated dish, a Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is surprisingly easy to prepare. It requires minimal prep time, and the cooking process is as simple as assembling the ingredients and baking them in the oven. In fact, you can even assemble the casserole the night before and pop it into the oven the next morning for a no-fuss breakfast.
### **4. Versatile**
This casserole is highly customizable, meaning you can add your favorite ingredients to personalize it to your taste. You can experiment with different types of sausage, try different cheese combinations, or add vegetables to make it even more flavorful. Plus, if you have dietary restrictions, it’s easy to make substitutions to fit your needs.
### **5. Comforting and Delicious**
Let’s face it – there’s something about a hot, cheesy, sausage-filled casserole that just screams comfort food. The aroma of the ingredients baking together in the oven fills your kitchen with a savory scent that makes your mouth water. And the best part? It tastes even better than it smells. The creamy cheese and crispy hashbrowns combined with savory sausage make every bite a little piece of breakfast heaven.
—
## The Ingredients You Need
Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering casserole. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you may already have them on hand. If not, they are easy to find at your local grocery store.
### **Ingredients for Sausage Hashbrown Casserole**
#### **For the Base:**
– **Frozen Hashbrowns** (1 package, 30 oz): Frozen hashbrowns provide the perfect base for the casserole, creating that crispy, golden texture. You can use shredded hashbrowns or diced hashbrowns depending on your preference.
– **Breakfast Sausage** (1 lb): You can use either ground sausage or sausage links (that you remove from their casing). Breakfast sausage adds flavor and richness to the dish, and it’s the main protein element in the casserole.
– **Cheddar Cheese** (2 cups, shredded): Cheddar is a classic choice because it melts beautifully and has a tangy, sharp flavor that balances well with the savory sausage and hashbrowns. Feel free to mix it with other cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey, melty texture.
– **Eggs** (6 large): Eggs help bind everything together and provide richness to the casserole. They also help create a custard-like texture in the casserole.
– **Milk** (1 cup): Adding milk to the eggs creates a creamy texture and helps the casserole set while baking.
– **Salt and Pepper** (to taste): Basic seasoning is crucial to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Don’t skimp on seasoning – it enhances the overall flavor.
– **Garlic Powder** (1 tsp): Adds savory depth to the casserole without overpowering the other flavors.
– **Onion Powder** (1 tsp): A classic seasoning that complements the sausage and hashbrowns beautifully.
#### **Optional Ingredients (for added flavor):**
– **Bell Peppers** (1 cup, chopped): You can add a pop of color and flavor by including some diced bell peppers. Green, red, or yellow bell peppers all work well.
– **Onion** (1 small, chopped): Sautéed onions add a touch of sweetness and savory flavor to the casserole.
– **Mushrooms** (1 cup, sliced): Mushrooms provide an earthy, umami flavor that pairs well with the sausage and hashbrowns.
– **Fresh Herbs** (optional, such as parsley or thyme): Fresh herbs are an excellent way to add brightness to the casserole and elevate the overall flavor.
—
## How to Make Sausage Hashbrown Casserole
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making your Sausage Hashbrown Casserole.
### **Step 1: Preheat Your Oven**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give the oven plenty of time to heat up while you’re prepping the casserole.
### **Step 2: Cook the Sausage**
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the **breakfast sausage**. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking up the sausage as it cooks to ensure it’s in small crumbles. Once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
### **Step 3: Assemble the Casserole**
In a large bowl, combine the **frozen hashbrowns**, **cooked sausage**, **cheddar cheese**, **salt**, **pepper**, **garlic powder**, and **onion powder**. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the **eggs** and **milk**. Pour the egg mixture over the hashbrown mixture and stir to combine everything thoroughly.
### **Step 4: Transfer to a Baking Dish**
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a bit of butter. Pour the sausage and hashbrown mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
### **Step 5: Bake the Casserole**
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are fully set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center of the casserole; it should come out clean.
### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting, savory flavors of your Sausage Hashbrown Casserole!
—
## Tips and Variations
– **Make-Ahead Option**: You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply pop it into the oven and bake as directed. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings.
– **Add Veggies**: You can sneak in some extra vegetables for added flavor and nutrition. Diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach are great additions.
– **Use Different Sausage**: While breakfast sausage is traditional, you can use other types of sausage such as Italian sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
– **Top with Extra Cheese**: For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle some additional cheese on top of the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking.
—
## Conclusion
Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort breakfast that combines all of your favorite savory breakfast ingredients into one hearty, delicious dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a comforting breakfast, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. With crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, melted cheese, and eggs, it’s the perfect way to start your day off right. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, versatile, and can be customized to fit your preferences. Give it a try – once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s the ultimate breakfast casserole!
