Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! Shred about 4 cups of potatoes, rinse them under cold water, then pat very dry with paper towels. You'll need to cook them a bit longer in the skillet to get them properly crisp before adding to the casserole.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the edges are golden brown, the top is lightly browned, and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. Remember it will continue to set up a bit as it cools.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the sausage and add extra vegetables like sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. You could also use a plant-based sausage substitute if you prefer.

My family doesn't like spicy food. Can I use all regular sausage?

Of course! Using all sage sausage or regular breakfast sausage works perfectly. The hot sausage adds flavor but isn't essential - the casserole will still be delicious with just regular sausage.

Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Name: Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound (16 oz) ground pork sausage with sage (such as Jimmy Dean); 1 pound (16 oz) hot ground pork sausage; 1 (30-oz.) package frozen shredded hash browns; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided; 6 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1⁄2 cups), divided; 6 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

This comforting Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a morning game-changer! Combining crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and melty cheese all baked to golden perfection, it’s hearty enough to fuel your day but simple enough to make even when you’re half-awake. Whether for a family breakfast, holiday brunch, or meal prep for busy weekdays, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Perfect for feeding a crowd: This generous casserole serves 8 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or when you have overnight guests.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep everything the night before and simply bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast solution.
Customizable: The basic formula works with countless variations, so you can adapt it to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Protein-packed: With eggs and sausage, this casserole provides lasting energy to power through your morning.
Family favorite: The combination of familiar flavors makes this a hit with both kids and adults – no complaints at the breakfast table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground pork sausage with sage: Provides a wonderful savory base with aromatic herbs already mixed in – no need to add extra seasonings.
Hot ground pork sausage: Brings a gentle kick that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming the dish. Using both regular and hot sausage creates the perfect balance of flavor.
Frozen shredded hash browns: The convenience hero of this recipe! They create a delicious potato layer without the work of shredding potatoes.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every other ingredient – don’t skimp here.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds that irresistible golden crust and creamy pockets throughout. The sharp variety provides more flavor than mild cheddar.
Eggs: Works as the binding agent that holds everything together while adding protein and richness.
Whole milk: Creates a custardy texture when combined with the eggs. The fat content helps everything stay moist.
Fresh parsley: A bright finishing touch that adds color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize this breakfast masterpiece? Here are some delicious options:

Veggie loaded: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for more heat, Swiss for a nutty flavor, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different twist.
Meat alternatives: Substitute bacon, ham, or even chorizo for the sausage.
Southwest style: Add a can of diced green chiles, a teaspoon of cumin, and top with avocado and salsa.
Extra decadent: Drizzle with maple syrup just before serving for a sweet-savory combination.

How to Make Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook both types of sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s nicely browned and crumbled, about 10 minutes. Drain the cooked sausage well on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Step 2: Prepare the Hash Browns

Working in batches (to ensure proper browning), cook the frozen hash browns according to package directions in a large nonstick skillet. Once cooked, season them with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, tossing to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked sausage, seasoned hash browns, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese until well combined. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Add Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining salt and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and hash brown layer in the baking dish. The egg mixture will seep down into the casserole, binding everything together as it bakes.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and beautifully golden on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the sausage well: Those crispy bits add incredible flavor to the finished casserole.
Don’t skip draining the sausage: Excess grease can make your casserole soggy and greasy.
Season each layer: Seasoning the hash browns separately ensures flavor throughout.
Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking so it sets up properly for clean slices.
Watch the edges: If they’re browning too quickly but the center isn’t set, cover loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Room temperature eggs: Take eggs out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before using for more even cooking.

How to Serve

This hearty breakfast casserole is practically a complete meal on its own, but here are some perfect pairings to round out your breakfast or brunch:

Simple Sides:

Serve with fresh fruit for a bright contrast to the savory casserole. A simple mixed berry bowl or sliced melon works beautifully.

Bread Options:

Add some buttered toast, biscuits, or croissants for a more substantial meal. The bread is perfect for sopping up any bits of egg and cheese.

Condiments:

Set out hot sauce, salsa, sour cream, or sliced avocado so everyone can customize their portion.

Beverage Pairings:

Coffee, orange juice, or even a spicy Bloody Mary for weekend brunches make perfect companions to this hearty dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Options

This casserole is perfect for preparing in advance! Assemble everything the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often taste even better the next day!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! You can freeze it either before or after baking:

Unbaked: Assemble, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Baked: Cool completely, wrap individual portions or the entire casserole, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For a crispier top, reheat in a 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! Shred about 4 cups of potatoes, rinse them under cold water, then pat very dry with paper towels. You’ll need to cook them a bit longer in the skillet to get them properly crisp before adding to the casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the edges are golden brown, the top is lightly browned, and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. Remember it will continue to set up a bit as it cools.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the sausage and add extra vegetables like sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. You could also use a plant-based sausage substitute if you prefer.
My family doesn’t like spicy food. Can I use all regular sausage?

Of course! Using all sage sausage or regular breakfast sausage works perfectly. The hot sausage adds flavor but isn’t essential – the casserole will still be delicious with just regular sausage.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole truly shines as a practical yet impressive morning solution. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug – comforting, satisfying, and wonderfully familiar. I find myself returning to it not just for special occasions but whenever I need a reliable breakfast that will please everyone at the table. Give it a try this weekend – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole that combines crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese to create the perfect breakfast or brunch dish for a crowd.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sage ground sausage and hot ground sausage until crumbled and browned. This should take about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and drain well using paper towels.
Cook the hash browns: Using a large nonstick skillet, cook the hash browns according to the package directions. If the package suggests adding salt, omit it. Sprinkle the hash browns with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt and 1⁄2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked sausage, cooked hash browns, and 1 cup of the shredded Cheddar cheese.
Assemble the casserole: Spoon the sausage and hash brown mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Prepare the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and the remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and hash brown layer in the baking dish.
Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1⁄2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is set.
Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
You can customize the heat level by adjusting the proportions of sage sausage and hot sausage.
If you prefer a spicier casserole, consider adding chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
This dish pairs perfectly with fresh fruit or a side of toast.