Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole: A Hearty and Delicious Breakfast Recipe
Looking for a comforting, filling breakfast or brunch dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd? Look no further than this Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole. This hearty casserole combines the best of breakfast favorites: savory sausage, scrambled eggs, creamy cream cheese, and crispy hashbrowns. It’s the ultimate one-pan breakfast dish that’s simple to make and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is easy to make in advance, making it perfect for busy mornings or brunches. It can be prepared the night before and baked the next day.
- Hearty and Filling: With the combination of eggs, sausage, and hashbrowns, this casserole is a complete breakfast in one dish, providing both protein and carbohydrates to keep you full all morning.
- Creamy and Delicious: The addition of cream cheese makes this casserole extra creamy and rich, elevating the flavors and texture to the next level.
- Customizable: This recipe is versatile, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables, switch up the type of sausage, or add extra cheese to suit your preferences.
Ingredients for Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (bulk sausage, or casings removed)
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 8 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the sausage)
- Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)
Kitchen Tools Needed
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Skillet (for cooking sausage)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Casserole Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the cooked sausage aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg and Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, softened cream cheese, and milk until well combined. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In your prepared casserole dish, layer the thawed hashbrowns evenly at the bottom. Spread the cooked sausage over the hashbrowns. Pour the egg and cream cheese mixture over the sausage, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the eggs are set, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The casserole should be lightly golden on top and firm to the touch when it’s done.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for added color and flavor, if desired.
Tips for the Best Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
- Use Fresh Sausage: For the best flavor, use fresh breakfast sausage. You can use spicy or mild sausage depending on your preference.
- Add Veggies: If you want to add more flavor and nutrition, feel free to toss in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture.
- Make it Extra Cheesy: If you’re a fan of extra cheese, Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookiesyou can increase the amount of cheddar or add other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun twist.
- Prep Ahead of Time: This casserole can easily be prepared the night before. Simply assemble it in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
- Use Frozen Hashbrowns: Frozen hashbrowns are convenient and easy to work with, but make sure to thaw them before adding them to the casserole to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture.
- Leftovers: Leftover casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Why Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is Perfect for Any Occasion
- Ideal for Brunch: This casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish for brunches, holiday mornings, or special family gatherings. It’s easy to make in advance and always a hit with guests.
- Busy Mornings: Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for a busy family, this casserole is a great way to get a filling breakfast on the table with minimal effort.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your tastes, such as adding different cheeses, using turkey sausage for a lighter version, or incorporating your favorite vegetables.
- One-Pan Meal: The beauty of this casserole is that it combines protein, vegetables (if you add them), and carbs all in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Conclusion
This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch option. With savory sausage, creamy eggs, and crispy hashbrowns, it’s a complete meal in one dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying with your family, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire. Plus, with its customizable nature, you can make it your own by adding different ingredients and Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy seasonings to match your taste!