This Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort breakfast. With layers of creamy sausage and cream cheese, fluffy hash browns, and a rich egg mixture topped with melted cheddar, it’s a deliciously savory way to start the day. Each bite combines the warmth of breakfast sausage with the softness of cream cheese, perfect for satisfying the whole family or fueling a busy morning.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, preparing a holiday breakfast, or looking for a meal prep solution, this casserole has you covered. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and versatile enough to customize with extra veggies or different cheeses. Simply bake, serve, and enjoy a wholesome, hearty breakfast that’s both filling and full of flavor.
Full Recipe:
- 1 (30-32 ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 2 pounds hot breakfast sausage
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- While the sausage is still warm, mix in the room temperature cream cheese until fully combined, creating a creamy sausage mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Spread the frozen hash browns evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Layer the sausage and cream cheese mixture on top of the hash browns.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage layer, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 480 kcal | Servings: 12 slices
The Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a dish that exemplifies the heartiness of a classic American breakfast in a single baking dish. This casserole combines savory sausage, creamy eggs, and crisp hash browns with the melt-in-your-mouth richness of cream cheese. Topped with gooey cheddar, it’s the ideal breakfast for gatherings, holiday brunches, or as a make-ahead option for busy mornings. With every ingredient working together in perfect harmony, this dish delivers on both flavor and texture, creating a satisfying meal that anyone can enjoy.
Why This Casserole is Perfect for Breakfast
This breakfast casserole is designed to provide a balanced and fulfilling meal, giving you energy to start your day on the right foot. By combining protein, dairy, and a modest amount of carbs, it becomes an all-in-one dish that doesn’t require side dishes unless you want to add them for variety. The eggs, cheese, and sausage contribute a high-protein content, making this an especially appealing choice for those who need a protein boost to fuel their day. It’s also filling enough to keep you satisfied, curbing the need for a mid-morning snack.
Furthermore, casseroles like this one allow for creative customization without compromising the dish’s quality. Home cooks can easily adjust the ingredients to suit their dietary preferences or the available ingredients in their kitchen. Whether you’re adding in extra vegetables, swapping out cheeses, or using a different kind of sausage, this recipe is adaptable to any taste.
The Role of Cream Cheese: A Unique Twist
One of the standout ingredients in this breakfast casserole is the cream cheese. Traditional breakfast casseroles often skip cream cheese, but its inclusion here elevates the dish’s creaminess and flavor profile. As it bakes, the cream cheese melts and integrates with the eggs and sausage, creating a velvety texture that enriches each bite. This extra layer of creaminess makes the casserole even more indulgent and adds depth to the familiar breakfast flavors. Cream cheese also tempers the spiciness of the sausage, balancing out the dish and creating a subtle contrast that will appeal to a broad range of palates.
For those looking to make the dish a bit lighter, reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt can be used without sacrificing much of the richness. These alternatives provide a similar creamy texture with less fat content, making this breakfast casserole a more heart-healthy option while retaining its delicious quality.
Hash Browns: The Foundation of the Casserole
Hash browns are another central element of this casserole, providing a starchy base that adds texture and body to the dish. They are a classic breakfast staple, and their inclusion here brings familiarity and comfort. The frozen hash browns offer a slight crispiness and absorb the flavors of the sausage, eggs, and cream cheese as they bake, creating a flavorful layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy toppings.
One benefit of using frozen hash browns is the convenience. They’re easy to spread across the casserole dish without needing any prep work, and they cook evenly. However, if you prefer fresh ingredients, you can always substitute with freshly shredded potatoes. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to keep the casserole from becoming watery.
The Sausage: A Versatile Ingredient
Sausage is the primary flavor driver in this casserole. It adds spice, depth, and an extra protein punch that makes the casserole filling and flavorful. Hot breakfast sausage is recommended here for a bit of a kick, but you can always use a milder sausage if you’re cooking for children or guests who prefer less heat.
For a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage can easily replace pork sausage. Both options retain the casserole’s robust flavor while reducing the fat content. Additionally, vegetarian sausage can be a viable substitute, allowing those who don’t eat meat to enjoy the dish while maintaining its savory profile.
Cheddar Cheese: The Gooey Top Layer
Cheddar cheese brings a touch of sharpness to the casserole, complementing the creamy layers beneath. It melts beautifully, creating a golden, bubbly top layer that adds both visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor. Cheddar is a crowd-pleasing cheese that’s easy to find, but it can be replaced or supplemented with other cheeses, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
The cheese is added as the final layer, allowing it to brown slightly during baking, which adds texture and a mild crispiness to the casserole. Cheese also adds calcium and protein to the meal, making the dish even more nutrient-dense.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Breakfasts
One of the biggest advantages of this breakfast casserole is its make-ahead potential. Preparing the casserole the night before means you can wake up and simply pop it in the oven, allowing you to enjoy a hearty breakfast with minimal morning prep. This feature is ideal for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or even meal-prepping for the week ahead.
This casserole also reheats well, making it an excellent option for busy families or individuals who need a grab-and-go breakfast. Simply slice individual portions and store them in the fridge; they can be reheated in the microwave for a quick and satisfying breakfast throughout the week.
Customizing the Casserole: Tips for Adding Flavor and Texture
The Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole can easily be customized to suit various tastes and dietary restrictions. Here are some popular modifications that add extra flavor and nutrients:
- Vegetables: Adding diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms can enhance both the flavor and nutritional value of the casserole. Vegetables add color, crunch, and additional vitamins, making the casserole more balanced.
- Spices and Herbs: For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat. Herbs can add a pop of freshness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cream cheese and sausage.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, other cheeses can add unique flavors. Smoked Gouda, Swiss, or a Mexican blend can provide a different twist and deepen the casserole’s flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect as a standalone dish, but it also pairs well with lighter side dishes that balance its richness. Here are a few suggestions:
- Fresh Fruit: A bowl of fresh fruit adds a touch of natural sweetness and freshness that balances the casserole’s savory profile. Grapes, orange slices, or a mixed fruit salad make an excellent accompaniment.
- Toast or Biscuits: Serve the casserole with toast or biscuits for an added texture contrast and a little extra substance. They also help soak up the creamy casserole goodness.
- Green Salad: A light green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole, particularly if you’re serving it as a brunch dish.
- Hot Sauce or Salsa: For those who enjoy an extra kick, a dash of hot sauce or a side of salsa adds a bold flavor that complements the eggs and sausage.
A Perfect Choice for Any Occasion
This breakfast casserole is an incredibly versatile dish that works for both small family breakfasts and larger gatherings. Whether it’s a holiday breakfast, a potluck, or just a cozy weekend morning, this casserole offers both convenience and flavor that make it a crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest guests while offering an elegant presentation with its golden, cheesy topping and savory layers.
Conclusion
The Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a breakfast classic that combines convenience with rich, satisfying flavors. Its versatility allows you to adapt it to suit a variety of tastes, while its make-ahead potential saves time and reduces morning stress. With each bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness that makes this casserole a standout option for any breakfast or brunch table.
By adding optional ingredients like vegetables, experimenting with different cheeses, or adjusting the spices, this dish can easily become a staple in any home. Its ability to bring people together around the table makes it more than just a recipe – it’s a comforting, flavorful way to start any day.