# Easy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Start your day the delicious way with a hearty breakfast casserole with hashbrowns! This crowd-pleasing dish brings together fluffy eggs, savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and gooey cheese in one irresistible bake. It is perfect for feeding a hungry family or a brunch crowd. Best of all, you can assemble this fantastic casserole ahead of time, making your mornings stress-free and enjoyable. Pair it with fresh fruit and a warm cup of coffee for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole

You will quickly discover why this breakfast casserole with hashbrowns becomes a household favorite. It delivers on flavor, convenience, and versatility.

• Delicious & Satisfying: Layers of savory sausage, tender hashbrowns, and cheesy eggs create an incredibly comforting dish.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Easily feed a crowd for weekend brunch, holidays, or family breakfasts.
• Highly Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
• Stress-Free Mornings: Prepare this casserole the night before, then simply bake it in the morning.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even a casual weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this incredible breakfast casserole with hashbrowns requires simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have.

• 20 ounces shredded hash browns (thawed)
• 1 pound ground pork sausage (cooked, crumbled, and drained)
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• ½ red bell pepper (diced)
• ½ green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 8 eggs
• 12 ounces evaporated milk (1 can, or 1 ⅓ cups milk)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or your favorite herbs and spices, optional)
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this breakfast casserole to fit your taste and pantry. Experiment with different types of hashbrowns, like diced potatoes or even tater tots for extra crunch. Feel free to swap the pork sausage for cooked bacon, diced ham, or a plant-based sausage to make it vegetarian. Add extra veggies like sliced mushrooms, fresh spinach, or chopped jalapeños for more flavor. Try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a Colby Jack blend in place of cheddar cheese. If you do not have evaporated milk, regular milk or half-and-half works just as well.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth cooking experience. You will need a standard 9×13 inch baking dish or a 3-quart casserole dish. A large skillet is essential for browning your sausage. You will also use a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a rubber spatula for preparation. Measuring cups and spoons are helpful for accurate ingredient amounts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to create your perfect breakfast casserole with hashbrowns. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly and yield fantastic results every time.

1. Prepare the Dish and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F if you plan to bake immediately. Grease a 9×13 inch pan or a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
2. Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat thoroughly to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Assemble the Base Layers: In your prepared baking dish, evenly spread the thawed hashbrowns. Top them with the cooked sausage, diced onions, and diced red and green bell peppers. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over these layers. Gently mix these ingredients together in the pan to combine.
4. Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the 8 eggs, evaporated milk, Kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. Ensure no egg streaks remain.
5. Pour and Top: Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the hashbrown and sausage layers in the baking dish. Gently tap the dish to help the liquid settle into all the crevices. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake or Refrigerate: Cover the dish with foil if you plan to refrigerate it overnight. If baking immediately, bake uncovered for 55-65 minutes. The casserole is done when it is cooked through, golden brown, and the center is set. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

Pro Tips for the Best Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Achieve perfect results with these helpful tips for your next hashbrown breakfast casserole.

• Thaw Hashbrowns Completely: Ensure your frozen hashbrowns are fully thawed before assembling. This prevents a watery casserole and promotes even cooking.
• Avoid Overmixing Eggs: Whisk the egg mixture until just combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a tougher texture. Understanding the science behind baking can enhance your results; for instance, culinary experts explain why overmixing eggs and batters can negatively impact texture.
• Cover Initially (Optional): If the top browns too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with foil for the first 30-40 minutes of baking. Remove it for the last 15-20 minutes to allow for golden crispness.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the egg mixture before pouring it over the layers and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
• Allow Resting Time: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the eggs set further and makes for cleaner slices.

Serving, Storing, and Variations

Make the most of your delicious breakfast casserole with hashbrowns with these suggestions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve generous slices of this hearty casserole alongside a bowl of fresh seasonal fruit for a balanced meal. Offer a selection of condiments like your favorite hot sauce, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee, orange juice, or even festive mimosas for a special brunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover breakfast casserole with hashbrowns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensuring proper food safety, the USDA offers detailed guidelines for refrigerating cooked casseroles and other perishable foods. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For a crispier texture, reheat larger portions in an oven preheated to 325°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Make Ahead & Freezing

This breakfast casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option. Assemble the entire dish up to 3 days in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Simply remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking and then proceed with the baking instructions. You can also freeze individual portions or the entire baked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

This breakfast casserole with hashbrowns provides a satisfying start to your day. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on 8 servings:

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long to bake breakfast casserole?

Bake your breakfast casserole with hashbrowns for 55-65 minutes at 350°F, uncovered. Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, your casserole is fully cooked and ready to enjoy.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes, but they require a bit of extra prep. Par-cook them first by boiling or steaming them until tender-crisp. This ensures they cook thoroughly in the casserole.

Can this be cooked in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Layer ingredients as directed, then cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Ensure the eggs are fully set before serving.

How to store leftovers?

Store any leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.

Can you freeze breakfast casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the baked breakfast casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individual slices or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, before freezing.

Conclusion

This breakfast casserole with hashbrowns truly simplifies your morning routine while delivering incredible flavor. With its hearty combination of eggs, sausage, and cheese, it is perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend brunch. Its make-ahead convenience and simple instructions make it a true winner for any home cook. Try this recipe soon and share your delightful creations with friends and family!