Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole: the ultimate crowd-pleasing morning meal that will have everyone begging for seconds! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, and melted cheese – a symphony of flavors that promises a delightful start to your day. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience.

Casseroles, in general, have a long and comforting history, evolving from simple peasant dishes to sophisticated culinary creations. They represent resourcefulness and the joy of sharing a hearty meal. Our Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole builds upon this tradition, offering a convenient and satisfying way to feed a family or a brunch gathering. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish, freeing you up to enjoy time with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

What makes this casserole so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The crispy, golden-brown hashbrowns provide a delightful crunch, while the creamy cheese and savory sausage create a rich and satisfying flavor profile. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the customizable nature of the recipe means you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast for a busy weekday or a show-stopping dish for a weekend brunch, this Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 12 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Cooking spray
• Optional: Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our sausage and veggies. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for our casserole.

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s fully cooked and nicely browned. Make sure to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Nobody wants big chunks of sausage in their casserole! Once it’s cooked, drain off any excess grease. This is important to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy. Set the cooked sausage aside for now.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet (after draining the grease, of course!), add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté them over medium heat until they’re softened and slightly translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir them frequently to prevent them from burning. Sautéing the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the casserole.
3. Combine Sausage and Vegetables: Once the vegetables are softened, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together to combine. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.

Preparing the Egg Mixture:

Now, let’s move on to the egg mixture. This is what will bind all the ingredients together and give the casserole its creamy texture.

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, crack all 12 eggs. Whisk them vigorously until they’re light and frothy. This ensures that the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
2. Add Milk and Seasonings: Pour the milk into the bowl with the eggs. Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Assembling the Casserole:

Alright, we’re getting closer! Now it’s time to assemble our masterpiece. This is where all the individual components come together to create the ultimate breakfast casserole.

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve.
2. Layer the Hash Browns: Spread the thawed shredded hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to distribute them evenly so that every bite of the casserole has a good amount of hash browns.
3. Add the Sausage and Vegetable Mixture: Pour the sausage and vegetable mixture over the hash browns, spreading it evenly. Again, even distribution is key!
4. Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the sausage and vegetable mixture. This layer of cheese will melt beautifully and create a gooey, cheesy layer in the middle of the casserole.
5. Pour the Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Make sure the egg mixture covers all the ingredients in the baking dish. Gently press down on the ingredients with a spatula to ensure that they are fully submerged in the egg mixture.
6. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the egg mixture. This final layer of cheese will create a golden brown, bubbly crust on top of the casserole.

Baking the Casserole:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake our casserole to golden brown perfection. This is where the magic happens!

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly. To check if the casserole is set, insert a knife into the center. If the knife comes out clean, the casserole is done. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes.
2. Let it Rest: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up properly and makes it easier to slice.
3. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the casserole with chopped fresh chives or green onions before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Serving and Storing:

Finally, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of our labor! This cheesy hashbrown breakfast casserole is perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or any time you’re craving a hearty and delicious breakfast.

1. Serving: Slice the casserole into squares and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit, toast, or a dollop of sour cream.
2. Storing: Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Tips for Success:

• Thaw the Hash Browns: Make sure to thaw the hash browns completely before using them. This will prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
• Don’t Overcook the Sausage: Be careful not to overcook the sausage, as it will become dry and tough.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
• Use Your Favorite Cheese: You can use any type of cheese you like in this casserole. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, but you could also use mozzarella, Gruyere, or pepper jack.
• Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations:

• Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
• Spicy: Add a can of diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
• Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon or ham to the sausage and vegetable mixture.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole isn’t just another breakfast recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone begging for seconds. From the crispy, golden-brown hashbrowns to the gooey, melted cheese and savory sausage, every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture. It’s the perfect dish for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a simple weeknight dinner when you’re craving something comforting and satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why I call it a must-try!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it to your liking. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the sausage and add in some extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You could also swap out the cheddar cheese for a different variety, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda for a richer, more complex flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of caramelized onions or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.

Serving suggestions are endless! I personally love to serve this casserole with a side of fresh fruit salad and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. A sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness. For a heartier meal, pair it with some crispy bacon or a side of toast. And don’t forget the hot sauce! A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce will add a welcome kick to each bite.

This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is also fantastic for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator, then simply pop it in the oven in the morning. This makes it a lifesaver for busy mornings when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. You can also bake the entire casserole and then portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

I’ve made this casserole countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s the kind of recipe that everyone asks for, and it’s sure to become a staple in your own kitchen. The combination of simple ingredients and easy preparation makes it a winner in my book. Plus, the fact that it’s so customizable means you can tailor it to your own taste preferences.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. This Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what variations you tried and how much you enjoyed it. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve it with anything unique? Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this delicious casserole. Happy cooking!