Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Breakfast sausage: Adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the casserole.

Hash browns: Provides a crispy and hearty base for the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a rich, cheesy flavor.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add protein.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy texture.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor.

When cooking the sausage, make sure to break it up into small pieces as it browns. This ensures even distribution throughout the casserole and allows the flavors to meld more effectively with the hash browns. Additionally, for a richer flavor, consider using a mix of cheddar cheese and another type of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack. This adds a layer of complexity to the dish.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of breakfast sausage.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage which provides a similar texture and flavor.

• frozen hash browns - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can be used and will provide a fresher taste and texture.

• frozen hash browns - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile and additional nutrients.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and a creamier texture.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded pepper jack: Pepper jack adds a bit of spice and a different flavor dimension.

• eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes can be used for a lower cholesterol option or for those with egg allergies.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg for a vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in casseroles.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a slight sweetness and creaminess, suitable for those avoiding dairy.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use less to avoid overpowering the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute and may provide a slightly different mineral taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds more heat and a different flavor, so use sparingly.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the hash browns soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you prefer to store individual portions, cut the casserole into squares and place them in airtight containers. This makes for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can cut the casserole into individual servings and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Label the casserole with the date before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy the casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. For a quicker option, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating individual portions, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

• For an extra crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating in the oven.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sausage hash brown breakfast casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top layer of cheese.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through. If not heated thoroughly, continue in 30-second intervals until hot.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the leftover casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the edges are slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover casserole in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for doneness and continue heating in 2-minute intervals if necessary.

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the casserole.

• Skillet: Cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.

• Mixing bowl: Combine the hash browns, cooked sausage, and shredded cheese.

• Whisk: Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

• 9x13 inch baking dish: Transfer the mixture to this greased dish for baking.

• Spatula: Stir the hash brown mixture and the egg mixture together.

• Measuring cups: Measure out the milk and shredded cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Measure the salt and black pepper.

• Knife: Optional, for cutting and serving the casserole once baked.

• Cutting board: Optional, for placing the casserole dish when serving.

Pre-cook the sausage: Cook the sausage the night before and store it in the fridge. This saves time in the morning.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheese to skip the shredding step and save a few minutes.

Thaw hash browns: Thaw the hash browns overnight in the fridge to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.

Mix ingredients ahead: Combine the hash browns, sausage, and cheese the night before. In the morning, just add the egg mixture and bake.

Use a food processor: If you prefer fresh ingredients, use a food processor to quickly shred potatoes and cheese.