If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake. It’s a glorious mashup of hearty sausage, crispy hashbrowns, fluffy eggs, and plenty of gooey cheese—all in one casserole dish. Whether you’re hosting a big brunch or want a make-ahead breakfast for the week, this is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table with a smile (and brings them back for seconds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake relies on a handful of familiar, no-fuss ingredients, and that’s the real magic. Every item plays a key role, from a melty cheese layer to that golden hashbrown base. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:
- Breakfast sausage (pork or turkey): Delivers savory, meaty flavor and hearty texture in every bite.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (thawed): The crispy, comforting foundation that soaks up egg and cheese.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection and adds bold, sharp flavor.
- Diced onion: Offers a subtle sweetness and fragrant depth, balancing rich flavors.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give that classic breakfast casserole fluffiness.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds creaminess without weighing it down; use your favorite kind.
- Garlic powder: Lends mellow, savory undertones that enhance everything else.
- Onion powder: Doubles up the onion flavor and makes it extra aromatic.
- Salt: Brings out the best in each ingredient—just enough to make the flavors shine.
- Black pepper: Delivers a gentle warmth and balance to all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Olive oil or butter (for greasing): Prevents sticking and adds that finishing richness around the edges.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that warms up, grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of olive oil or melted butter. Don’t skip this step—this not only prevents sticking but also helps those edges turn deliciously golden and crisp.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Next, heat a large skillet over medium. Add your sausage and break it apart into small crumbles as it cooks. You want every piece to be browned and fully cooked, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once it’s done, drain any excess grease so your Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake isn’t heavy or greasy—just full of flavor.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Eggs
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is smooth and well blended. This egg mixture is the glue that gently binds all the delicious ingredients together in our breakfast bake.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
Now comes the fun part! Add your thawed hash browns, browned sausage, diced onion, and one cup of shredded cheddar to the bowl with the egg mixture. Stir everything together until the hashbrowns and sausage are evenly coated and the cheese is tucked in throughout. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rustic—this is comfort food at its best.
Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese
Pour your mixture into that prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly—be sure those savory crumbles and hashbrowns go all the way to the corners. Then, sprinkle the remaining half-cup of cheddar cheese right on top. This is what gives our Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake its signature gooey, golden crown.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish onto the center rack of the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set (not jiggly) and the top is bubbling and beautifully golden brown. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting—a tough wait, but it lets everything firm up so you get neat, satisfying slices!
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake
Garnishes
For a fresh, colorful twist, scatter chopped fresh chives, green onions, or parsley over each serving of Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake just before bringing it to the table. A little hot sauce or salsa drizzled on top also adds brightness and zing without overpowering those cozy flavors.
Side Dishes
This breakfast bake is a star on its own, but pairing it with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or a bowl of bright berries keeps things light and satisfying. For a heartier brunch, serve it alongside warm biscuits or a platter of sliced avocado for a creamy complement.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your guests, try slicing the Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake into neat squares or wedges and serve them on rustic wooden boards. Or, for a fun individual touch, bake the mixture in muffin tins—perfect for make-ahead breakfasts and brunch buffets.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more satisfying the next morning!
Freezing
Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep at peak quality for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave for a quick breakfast, or warm larger amounts in a 350°F oven until heated through. If the top looks dry, cover with foil and uncover for the last few minutes so the cheese can bubble up again.
FAQs
Can I prepare Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire bake, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just pop it in the oven in the morning (add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge) and you’ll have a hot, no-fuss breakfast ready for everyone.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen hash browns?
The easiest method is to leave the bag of hash browns in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, spread them out on a baking sheet at room temperature or microwave in short bursts, patting dry any excess moisture.
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Brunch
Definitely! Feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little extra kick. Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake is super flexible when it comes to cheeses—experiment with your favorites!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this breakfast casserole is naturally gluten-free, as long as your sausage and hash browns are labeled GF and haven’t been cross-contaminated. Always double-check product labels if you’re concerned about allergies.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Of course! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even chopped tomatoes all make delicious additions. Just be sure not to add too many watery vegetables so the bake holds together well.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake enough—it’s quick to throw together, endlessly adaptable, and makes any morning feel like a special occasion. Next time you need an easy brunch hero or a make-ahead breakfast win, give this a try and watch it disappear!
Print
Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a hearty and delicious breakfast with this Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake. Loaded with sausage, hash browns, eggs, and cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 (20 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add hash browns, cooked sausage, diced onion, and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbling.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can make this ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- For a spicier version, use hot sausage or add diced jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
