This sausage, egg, and cream cheese hashbrown casserole is the ultimate cozy meal all in one dish. It combines the rich flavors of sausage and cream cheese with crispy hashbrowns and gooey cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a comforting dinner, this recipe is simple enough to make any day of the week.
Why You Will Love This Casserole
This casserole is a dream for busy families. It’s easy to throw together and tastes delicious. With everyday ingredients you probably have on hand, it’s affordable too. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep, making your mornings smoother. Everyone will enjoy its creamy texture and cheesy goodness!
How to Make Casserole
Making this casserole is straightforward. You start by cooking the sausage and mixing in cream cheese. Then, you’ll whisk together the eggs with a few spices and layer everything in a baking dish. It’s perfect for beginners, as there’s no complicated technique involved. Just mix, layer, and bake!
What You Need
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add cream cheese to hot sausage and stir until melted and well combined. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread thawed hashbrowns in an even layer on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Top with sausage and cream cheese mixture.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until eggs are set and top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven, let sit for 5–10 minutes, garnish with chives or green onions, and serve.
How to Serve Casserole
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a side of toast. Consider adding a simple green salad to balance the meal. It’s also perfect for gatherings or as a hearty breakfast to kick off the day. Top it with salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick if desired.
How to Store Casserole
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it before baking. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it up in the oven until heated through.
Recipe Tips
- Try different kinds of sausage for extra flavor, like spicy or Italian sausage.
- If you like extra veggies, consider adding bell peppers or spinach to the mix.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage or reduce the cheese.
- Avoid overcooking the casserole to keep the eggs fluffy.
- This dish is great for breakfast meal prep; make it on the weekend and enjoy it all week.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap the cream cheese for ricotta or cottage cheese for a different flavor.
- Add in cooked bacon or ham for another layer of taste and protein.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Use different types of cheese like pepper jack for some heat.
- For a breakfast burrito twist, serve it in tortillas topped with avocado.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then just bake it in the morning. This makes breakfast so much easier!
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish before baking. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Cover with foil to keep it from drying out.
What can I substitute for breakfast sausage?
You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage as a tasty alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Be careful not to overbake the casserole. Check it periodically, and remember that the carryover cooking will finish setting the eggs when you take it out of the oven.
Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage Use any preferred type of breakfast sausage.
- 8 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed Make sure they are thawed before using.
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add cream cheese to hot sausage and stir until melted and well combined. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread thawed hashbrowns in an even layer on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Top with sausage and cream cheese mixture.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
Baking
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until eggs are set and top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven, let sit for 5–10 minutes, garnish with chives or green onions, and serve.
