Hearty Breakfast Sausage Casserole

This easy and delicious breakfast casserole is packed with flavor, making it a perfect dish for a family breakfast, brunch gathering, or meal prep for the week. The combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, melty cheese, and crispy hashbrowns creates a comforting dish that’s simple to make and satisfying to eat.

Whether you’re preparing a weekend treat or a quick weekday breakfast, this recipe is versatile, customizable, and easy to make ahead.

Ingredients

To make this savory breakfast casserole, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

1 lb breakfast sausage – Choose your favorite variety, such as classic, mild, or spicy sausage.
6 large eggs – The base of the casserole, binding everything together.
8 oz cream cheese, softened – Adds a rich, creamy texture.
3 cups frozen hashbrowns – A crispy, hearty layer that complements the eggs and sausage.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Provides a deliciously cheesy topping.
½ cup milk – Helps create a smooth and fluffy egg mixture.

Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:

½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Enhances the overall taste.
½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder – Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon hot sauce – For a little spice in the egg mixture.
¼ cup chopped green onions – Sprinkled on top for color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 7-10 minutes).
Drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.

3. Mix in the Cream Cheese

Add the softened cream cheese to the cooked sausage while it’s still warm.
Stir until the cheese is melted and evenly combined with the sausage.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
If using, add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or hot sauce for extra seasoning.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Now, it’s time to layer everything in the baking dish:

Spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Layer the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the hashbrowns.
Pour the egg mixture slowly over everything, ensuring it soaks into the layers.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.

6. Bake the Casserole

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.
The casserole is done when the eggs are fully set, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
If unsure, insert a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

7. Cool & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up, making it easier to cut into neat portions.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Variations & Customization

This breakfast casserole is highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences!

1. Add Some Spice:

Use spicy sausage instead of regular.
Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg mixture.

2. Boost with Vegetables:

Stir in sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
If using raw vegetables, sauté them lightly before adding to the casserole.

3. Make It Low-Carb:

Replace hashbrowns with riced cauliflower for a low-carb, keto-friendly option.

4. Cheese Lovers’ Delight:

Swap or mix cheddar with pepper jack, Swiss, mozzarella, or feta for different flavors.

5. Try Different Proteins:

Use bacon, ham, turkey sausage, or chorizo instead of breakfast sausage.

Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

1. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can affect melting. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and enhances the texture.

2. Prep Ahead for Easy Mornings

Assemble the night before – Prepare everything, cover, and store in the fridge overnight.
In the morning, simply bake as directed!

3. Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

4. Freezing Instructions

This casserole freezes well! Let it cool completely, then cut into portions and store in airtight freezer bags for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approx. 6 Servings)

(Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.)

Calories: ~450-500
Protein: ~22g
Carbohydrates: ~15-20g
Fat: ~35g
Fiber: ~1-2g

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides for a complete breakfast or brunch:

1. Light & Fresh Pairings:

Fresh fruit (berries, melon, or orange slices) for a refreshing balance.
Avocado slices for added creaminess and healthy fats.

2. Hearty Additions:

Toast, biscuits, or English muffins to soak up the cheesy goodness.
A side of breakfast potatoes for an extra satisfying meal.

3. Extra Flavor Boosts:

Drizzle with salsa, hot sauce, or hollandaise for more depth.
Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions, chives, or fresh herbs for a fresh finish.

Final Thoughts

This hearty breakfast sausage casserole is the perfect dish to feed a crowd or make ahead for easy mornings. It’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and completely customizable to suit your taste.

Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or enjoy leftovers throughout the week, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite in your breakfast rotation.

Enjoy and happy cooking!

Hearty Breakfast Sausage Casserole