Introduction: Cheese and Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together savory sausage, gooey cheese, and eggs in a single, satisfying bake. Perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this casserole is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. The combination of crispy sausage, melty cheese, and seasoned eggs creates the ultimate comforting morning meal.
Ingredients:
1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
6 large eggs
1 cup whole milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 cups frozen hash browns (or fresh, diced potatoes)
1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the dish)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
Prepare the Eggs Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom. Layer the cooked sausage over the hash browns, then sprinkle both cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the sausage.
Add the Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the sausage, cheese, and hash browns. Make sure the egg mixture is evenly distributed.
Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are fully set.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Description:
This Cheese and Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish for any breakfast or brunch gathering. The hearty combination of seasoned sausage, crispy hash browns, melty cheese, and eggs creates a satisfying meal that can easily be made in advance. The casserole has a perfect balance of textures, from the crispy hash browns to the creamy, cheesy eggs and sausage. It’s filling, comforting, and full of flavor.
Tips:
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before. After assembling, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Frozen Hash Browns: If you’re using frozen hash browns, you don’t need to thaw them first. Just spread them directly into the baking dish.
Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for extra flavor or Swiss for a milder taste.
Spice It Up: For a little extra heat, add diced jalapeños to the sausage mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the egg mixture.
Variations:
Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian option.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free hash browns. Just ensure the sausage and any other ingredients you use are gluten-free as well.
Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb alternative, swap out the hash browns for cauliflower rice or skip the potatoes entirely and load up on veggies like spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Corrections:
Consistency: If the casserole seems too runny after baking, it may need more time in the oven. Bake it a little longer, checking periodically to ensure the eggs are set. If using extra ingredients (like veggies or excess cheese), ensure the casserole isn’t too thick, as that might affect the egg’s ability to fully cook.
Hash Browns Texture: If you use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns, make sure to sauté them first to soften them up before layering them in the casserole.
Enjoy:
This Cheese and Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to kick off your day. Serve it with fresh fruit, a side of crispy bacon, or a light salad for a well-rounded meal. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just looking for a filling breakfast, this casserole is sure to impress and keep everyone coming back for seconds!