The best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser that takes little effort. The combination of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, gooey cheddar cheese, and perfectly baked eggs hits all the right notes. It’s one of those recipes that fills the house with that cozy, irresistible smell and gets people out of bed faster than the smell of coffee.
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess grease if needed. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
Assemble the Base:
Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage and onion mixture on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the casserole layers.
Bake:
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped chives or parsley and serve warm. Leftovers reheat beautifully.
Pros:
- Perfect for weekend brunch or holiday mornings
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
- Hearty, filling, and packed with protein
- Customizable with vegetables or different cheeses
- Feeds a crowd with minimal prep
This breakfast casserole is the kind of recipe I turn to when I want something cozy and reliable. Whether I’m hosting family for brunch or meal prepping for the week, it never disappoints. There’s something magical about the way the cheese melts into the sausage and hash browns—it’s hearty, flavorful, and fills you up in the best way.
I’ve experimented with different versions over the years, but this cheesy sausage breakfast casserole is the one I always come back to. It freezes well, reheats perfectly, and makes me feel like I’ve got breakfast sorted for days. That’s a win in my book.
