Sausage Egg Hashbrown Casserole for Brunch or Breakfast

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a hot, cheesy breakfast casserole fresh out of the oven. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, no matter how early it is. This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s warm, hearty, and oh-so satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding a house full of sleepyheads on a weekend morning or hosting a brunch gathering with friends.

What makes this casserole truly special is the texture and flavor combination. Crispy golden hashbrowns form the base, followed by a generous layer of savory sausage. Then comes the rich, creamy egg mixture with just a hint of garlic, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. And let’s not forget the cream cheese—it’s the secret ingredient that makes the casserole ultra-smooth and indulgent. Every bite is loaded with flavor and has that perfect balance of creamy and crispy.

I first made this Sausage Egg Hashbrown Casserole dish for a weekend brunch with my family, and now it’s requested almost every time we get together. It’s one of those recipes that once you try it, it becomes a staple in your kitchen. Not only is it delicious and filling, but it’s also easy to prepare ahead of time. That means less stress in the morning and more time sipping your coffee and enjoying the day.

Whether you’re looking for a new breakfast idea, planning a potluck, or just want something warm and cheesy to start the day, this casserole is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this sausage, egg, and cream cheese hashbrown casserole. Here are a few of our favorites:

Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein from sausage and eggs, this casserole will keep you full and energized all morning long. The combination of meat, eggs, and potatoes makes it a one-dish meal that doesn’t leave you searching for anything else.

Ideal for Groups: Whether you’re feeding your immediate family or a brunch party, this casserole easily serves a crowd. Just one dish in the oven and breakfast is taken care of.

Creamy, Savory Perfection: The addition of cream cheese creates a wonderfully smooth and rich texture that sets this casserole apart from the rest. It blends beautifully with the eggs and makes each bite luxuriously creamy.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble everything the night before and simply pop it in the oven the next morning. It’s the ultimate breakfast hack for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or lazy weekends.

Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes. Add some veggies for color and nutrition, choose your favorite type of cheese, or use turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Health Benefits

While this Sausage Egg Hashbrown Casserole is definitely indulgent, it also packs a nutritional punch in several key ways:

Protein-Rich: Between the eggs, sausage, and cheese, this casserole provides a high amount of protein per serving, which is great for keeping you full and supporting muscle repair and growth.

Low in Refined Carbs: With hashbrowns as the only major carbohydrate source, this dish keeps things simpler and more wholesome than sugar-heavy breakfast options like pastries or pancakes.

Good Fats: The inclusion of eggs and cheese offers a good source of healthy fats, which are essential for brain function and hormone regulation.

Customizable for Dietary Needs: This casserole is gluten-free as long as you double-check the sausage and hashbrowns for additives. You can also add veggies like spinach, peppers, or mushrooms for extra vitamins and fiber.

Of course, portion size and balance are key, so pair this casserole with a fresh fruit salad or side greens for a complete, nutritious breakfast.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Servings: 8 generous portions

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 380 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 230mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting breakfast casserole:

• 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns – These make a perfectly crispy base and save you tons of prep time.
• 1 lb breakfast sausage (turkey, chicken, or beef) – Use your favorite kind, just make sure it’s well-seasoned and fully cooked.
• 8 large eggs – They form the backbone of the casserole and add protein.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Adds a luscious, creamy texture to the egg mixture.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Gives the top that beautiful, melty golden layer.
• 1 cup milk – Helps the eggs stay fluffy and smooth while baking.
• 1 small onion, diced – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – For a little savory kick.
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Feel free to add extras like diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or even green onions for more color and flavor.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake throughout the dish.

2. Cook the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain off any excess grease and set the sausage aside.

3. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Add the softened cream cheese and whisk again—it’s okay if a few small lumps remain; they’ll melt beautifully while baking.

4. Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly across the bottom. Then layer the cooked sausage over the hashbrowns. Next, pour the egg and cream cheese mixture evenly across the sausage layer. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.

5. Bake

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The casserole is ready when the center is set (not jiggly) and the top is golden and bubbly. If you’re unsure, insert a knife into the center—it should come out clean.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the casserole sit for about 5–10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This rest time allows everything to settle, making it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve

This casserole is versatile and can be served in several delicious ways:

• Slice it into squares and serve as-is for a hearty breakfast.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa on top for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad to lighten things up.
• Pair it with toasted bread, biscuits, or English muffins for a more filling meal.

Pairing Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a range of breakfast sides and beverages:

• Fresh fruit salad: Strawberries, melon, and blueberries offer a fresh contrast to the savory casserole.
• Crispy turkey bacon or breakfast patties: Great if you’re feeding a bigger group or want more variety.
• Fresh juice: Orange, apple, or carrot juice balances the richness of the casserole.
• Coffee or black tea: A hot, strong drink rounds out the meal perfectly.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. You can also store the casserole directly in the baking dish—just cover it tightly with foil or a lid.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked casserole cool completely. Cut it into individual portions and wrap each in foil or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using watery hashbrowns: Thaw and pat them dry before using if they’re frozen solid. Too much moisture can make the casserole soggy.
• Not draining sausage: Excess grease can create an oily layer in your dish. Be sure to drain it well.
• Skipping the resting time: The casserole needs a few minutes after baking to firm up. Cutting too soon can cause it to fall apart.
• Underseasoning: Taste the sausage before adding salt to avoid blandness.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on it in the last 10 minutes to prevent the top from getting too brown or the eggs from drying out.

Pro Tips

• Soften the cream cheese: This helps it mix more smoothly into the egg mixture.
• Try fresh herbs: Chopped parsley, chives, or thyme add a fresh touch right before serving.
• Add veggies: Sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers bring extra nutrients and color.
• Use a wire rack in the oven: This allows for more even heat distribution and avoids burning the bottom layer.
• Make it spicy: Mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper or use spicy sausage for a little heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can assemble everything the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from fridge to oven.

What type of sausage should I use?
You can use turkey, chicken, or beef breakfast sausage. Just make sure it’s cooked and seasoned before adding it to the casserole.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, you can grate fresh potatoes and squeeze out the excess moisture using a kitchen towel. However, frozen hashbrowns are quicker and more consistent.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the sausage for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. You could also use plant-based sausage crumbles.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute with sour cream or ricotta for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your sausage and hashbrowns don’t contain hidden gluten additives, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish (like a full-size foil pan) and increase the baking time by about 10–15 minutes. Make sure to check the center for doneness.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The top should be golden, and the center should no longer jiggle. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.

Can I add cheese inside the casserole too?
Yes! Feel free to mix some of the shredded cheese into the egg mixture for even cheesier bites.

What cheese works best for this casserole?
Cheddar is classic, but you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is the kind of recipe that makes breakfast feel like a special occasion, even if it’s just another weekday. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to throw together—all the things you want in a go-to breakfast recipe. Plus, the make-ahead option means you can sleep in a little longer and still enjoy a home-cooked meal.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Snap a photo, share it with friends, or tag me on social media so I can see your delicious creations. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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