This hearty casserole combines tasty sausage, fluffy eggs, creamy cheese, and crunchy hashbrowns for a yummy breakfast that everyone will love. It’s like a hug on a plate!
Making this dish is a breeze! Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and wait for the delicious smells to fill your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast or brunch with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns are convenient, but you could use fresh potatoes instead. Just shred them and par-cook for a few minutes. It gives a fresh, homemade taste!
Sausage: Breakfast sausage is my go-to, but feel free to switch it up! Italian sausage or turkey sausage also work well for different flavors. If you need it to be meat-free, try using a plant-based sausage.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, consider using Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream cheese alternative.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar brings sharpness, but you can substitute it with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for milder flavors. Mixing cheese types can add depth!
How Do You Ensure the Eggs are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the eggs just right is key! Here’s how:
- Whisk eggs thoroughly with milk. This adds fluffiness. You want air incorporated!
- Don’t rush the mixing. Stir gently to maintain the texture of the cream cheese pockets – those are the best bites!
- Keep an eye on the baking time. If the edges start browning too quickly, cover with foil to finish cooking without burning the top.
Letting it cool for a few minutes before slicing also helps in serving clean pieces. Enjoy making this delicious casserole!
Sausage Egg Cream Cheese Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, browned and drained
Cheesy Goodness:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
Egg & Seasoning Mix:
- 10 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and needs around 40-45 minutes in the oven. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour of your time for an incredibly satisfying breakfast dish that can serve a crowd!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it up so nothing sticks. This is where the magic will happen!
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage until it’s fully cooked. Once it’s nice and golden, drain any excess grease and set it aside. This will bring a savory flavor to our casserole!
3. Whisk the Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s fully mixed and fluffy. This creates the lovely eggy base for our dish!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now, stir in the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, optional diced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Add Cream Cheese:
Carefully fold in the cream cheese cubes; you want to add them in without breaking them too much. The goal is to have little cream cheese pockets that will melt and make it dreamy!
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the whole mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle more shredded cheddar cheese over the top for that yummy cheesy crust!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the dish in the oven and let it bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle. It’s hard to resist those delicious smells coming from the oven!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing—this helps it hold its shape. Before serving, garnish with some fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole that’s perfect for breakfast gatherings or a cozy weekend treat!
Can I Use Fresh Hashbrowns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh hashbrowns, just shred some potatoes and par-cook them for a few minutes to soften them slightly before adding them to the mixture. This way, they’ll cook perfectly in the casserole!
What Can I Substitute for Breakfast Sausage?
You can use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Additionally, vegetarian sausage works well for a meatless version while still delivering great flavor!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
After baking, let the casserole cool completely before slicing and storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to a month; just reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before! Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will start out cold.
