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

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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Sausage

1 pound (16 oz) ground pork sausage with sage (such as Jimmy Dean)
1 pound (16 oz) hot ground pork sausage

Hash Browns

1 (30-oz.) package frozen shredded hash browns

Seasonings

2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided

Cheese

6 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups), divided

Egg Mixture

6 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup whole milk

Garnish

1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

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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.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Calories: 400
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 200mg