This Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish. Loaded with savory breakfast sausage, creamy eggs, and fluffy hash browns, it’s topped with melty cheddar cheese and spiced with garlic and onion powder. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a quick meal prep option, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 (30-32 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns
Frozen hash browns provide a crispy, hearty base for the casserole and make preparation a breeze. - 2 pounds hot breakfast sausage
Hot breakfast sausage adds a delicious, spicy flavor to the casserole. You can substitute with mild sausage if you prefer less heat. - 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, balancing the spice of the sausage and the saltiness of the cheddar. - 8 eggs
Eggs are the binding ingredient, creating a custard-like consistency that holds the casserole together. - 2 cups milk
Milk helps create a smooth, creamy egg mixture, adding moisture and richness to the casserole. - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese adds sharp, melty goodness to the casserole. You can use other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist. - 1 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the flavors of the sausage, eggs, and cheese. - ½ teaspoon pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle kick, balancing the richness of the casserole. - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder gives a savory flavor boost that complements the sausage and cheese. - ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Onion powder adds a mild oniony flavor, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Break it up into crumbles with a spatula as it cooks.
- Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese with Sausage
- While the sausage is still warm, stir in the room temperature cream cheese. Mix until the cream cheese is fully combined with the sausage, creating a creamy mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Hash Browns: Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Add the Sausage Mixture: Spoon the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the hash browns, spreading it out with a spatula.
- Pour the Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and hash brown layers.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a crispy top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Serve this casserole hot, with a side of fresh fruit, toast, or a green salad for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch. You can also drizzle with hot sauce or salsa for extra flavor.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
