The Sunday Saver Hearty Sausage Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Bake

Hearty Sausage Hash Brown Bake

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:60 Mins

Servings:8-10 servings

Ingredients:

• 30 oz Frozen Shredded Hash Browns
• 1 lb Breakfast Sausage (casings removed)
• 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
• 1 medium Bell Pepper (Red or Green), finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 12 Large Eggs
• 2 cups Whole Milk (or Half & Half)
• 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust based on sausage)
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (divided)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives or Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Grease the 9x13 inch baking dish generously. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Brown the sausage in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add onion, pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
• Spread the slightly thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar over the top of the potatoes.
• Scatter the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the cheese and potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining half of the cheddar on top.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and homogenous.
• Slowly and evenly pour the egg custard mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure the liquid seeps down to the potatoes. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
• Remove the casserole from the fridge 30 minutes before baking (if refrigerated). Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes.
• The casserole is done when the centre is set (no jiggle when gently shaken) and an internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C). The top should be nicely golden brown.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and garnishing with fresh chopped chives or parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:812 kcal

Protein:14.6 g

Fat:19.2 g

Carbs:45.0 g

Fiber:13.3 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:450 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Breakfast, Brunch, Casserole

Cuisine:American

The Comfort Crown: Why This Sausage Breakfast Casserole Replaces Your Weekend Fry-Up

There is an undeniable magic that happens when breakfast ingredients—sausage, eggs, and potatoes—are baked together until golden brown. The classic weekend fry-up is wonderful, but it often involves juggling pans, managing grease splatter, and ensuring every component finishes cooking simultaneously. That’s where this ultimate Sausage Breakfast Casserole steps in. It’s the culinary equivalent of cloning yourself, allowing you to focus on pouring coffee or reading the news while a magnificent, deeply savoury bake comes together in the oven. This dish transforms the chaos of a multi-pan morning into a single, cohesive, and utterly satisfying experience, making it the definitive choice for any slow Sunday Morning Breakfast Ideas spread.

Unpacking the Magic: What Makes This Casserole Recipe Unforgettable

This particular bake elevates the humble casserole by balancing texture and richness. It’s designed not just to feed a crowd, but to impress them with deep, integrated flavours. Unlike simpler versions that use bread or biscuits, our recipe relies on the crispy-edged, fluffy interior provided by potatoes, creating a foundation that soaks up the savoury custard beautifully.

Achieving Ultimate Morning Satisfaction

The goal here is richness without greasiness. We use a balanced ratio of high-quality breakfast sausage and sharp cheddar cheese, bound by an egg mixture fortified with a touch of flour and mustard powder. The result is an unbelievably savoury centre, contrasting perfectly with the textural excitement of the potatoes. This robust combination ensures that even the heartiest appetites are completely satisfied—it truly is a Hearty Breakfast Casserole .

The Blueprint for a Make-Ahead Meal

One of the greatest benefits of this Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is its exceptional flexibility for planning. With minimal active prep time—about 20 minutes dedicated to browning sausage and whisking the custard—it shines as a make-ahead hero. Allowing the assembled casserole to rest in the refrigerator overnight is highly recommended; this crucial resting period lets the hash browns fully absorb the egg mixture, leading to a superior final texture that no rushed morning bake can achieve.

More Than Just Eggs: The Secret to the Perfect Texture

While many recipes simply mix eggs and milk, we incorporate a small amount of all-purpose flour into the custard. This acts as a stabilizing agent, preventing that common casserole issue where excess liquid separates during baking, resulting in a dish that "weeps." On top of that,, the addition of dry mustard powder boosts the savoury profile of the cheese and meat without lending a sharp mustard flavour. This attention to binder ingredients is key to mastering a perfect Sausage Breakfast Casserole with Potatoes .

Gathering Your Arsenal: Essential Components for the Bake

A magnificent bake starts with superior ingredients. While this recipe is forgiving, choosing quality components ensures the flavour truly sings. We are building our casserole in layers, starting with the savoury foundation and finishing with a binding custard that locks everything in place.

The Meat & Starch Foundation: Sausage and Hash Browns

The backbone of this creation is the meat. We use a full pound of bulk breakfast sausage (casing removed), cooked until nicely browned alongside diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to build an aromatic base. For the starch element, 30 ounces of frozen shredded hash browns are essential. Using the frozen variety provides the ideal moisture and surface area for crisping compared to fresh potatoes. While some variations rely on prepared bread products, such as using Sausage Breakfast Casserole with Crescent Rolls or Sausage Breakfast Casserole with Biscuits , our focus remains on the classic, potato-centric Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole .

Dairy Decisions: Choosing Cheeses and Custard Builders

Cheese selection is vital. We opt for two full cups of sharp cheddar, which we divide between the layers to maximize flavour distribution. The richness in the custard comes from using whole milk or, even better, half-and-half, blended with 12 large eggs. For those seeking an even denser, creamier texture akin to a Sausage Breakfast Casserole with Cream Cheese (though we skip the cream cheese for a cleaner flavour profile), using half-and-half provides a noticeable upgrade in silkiness.

Essential Tools: What You Need Beyond the Mixing Bowl

While simple, successful execution relies on the right equipment. You’ll need a large skillet or cast-iron pan to efficiently brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables. For assembly, a standard 9x13 inch baking dish is perfect for yielding 8 to 10 generous servings. Finally, a meat thermometer is your best friend; ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) is the safest and most accurate way to guarantee your bake is perfectly set.

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Step-by-Step Assembly: Building Your Flavour Layers

The assembly process is straightforward, focusing on even distribution so every slice offers the same delightful mix of ingredients. We build from the bottom up, ensuring the potatoes are nestled snugly against the cheese and meat.

First, grease your 9x13 dish thoroughly, and preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C). You begin by spreading the slightly thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom. Next, sprinkle half of your shredded sharp cheddar over this base layer. Over that, scatter the cooled, cooked mixture of sausage, onions, peppers, and garlic. Top this savoury mound with the remaining half of the cheddar.

Now for the custard. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is perfectly homogenous. Slowly and deliberately, pour this liquid binder over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring the custard seeps down to coat all the hash browns. If you have time—and I strongly recommend it—cover this assembly and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or even overnight, which is key for a fantastic outcome, regardless of whether you want a Sausage Breakfast Casserole No Bread base.

Baking Mastery: Achieving Golden Perfection

Once assembled, the baking stage requires attention to ensure even cooking and a beautiful golden finish without drying out the centre.

Pre-Bake Prep: Browning the Sausage and Preparing the Base

Before the final bake, the crucial flavour development occurs during the initial cooking of the sausage and vegetables. By browning the meat thoroughly and sweating the aromatics in the rendered fat (draining off the excess before adding the vegetables), you create a deep umami foundation that permeates the entire dish during the slow bake. Laying the hash browns down first, followed by cheese and the sausage mix, ensures the meat’s flavour sinks downwards while the potatoes soak up the custard above.

The Custard Pour: Integrating Eggs and Seasonings

The integration of the egg custard must be slow and methodical. After whisking the eggs, milk, flour, and seasonings, gently pour the mixture over the layered components. Use the back of a spatula to lightly press down on the surface if you see dry spots, encouraging the liquid to fully penetrate the potato layer. This pre-soak time, if refrigerated, is non-negotiable for achieving that cohesive, fork-tender texture.

Oven Placement and Temperature Tuning for Even Cooking

Bake the casserole at a consistent 375° F ( 190° C). The initial high heat helps the custard set quickly on the edges. Monitor the bake time, generally between 50 and 60 minutes. If you notice the top browning too rapidly—achieving that appealing golden hue before the centre is cooked—simply tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil. The casserole is ready when the centre shows no jiggle and a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean, indicating the egg proteins have fully coagulated.

Elevating Your Serving Game: Pairings and Presentation Ideas

While undeniably complete on its own, this Hearty Breakfast Casserole truly shines when presented with thoughtful accompaniments. Because the bake is so rich and savoury, the best pairings offer a contrasting element, usually acidity or freshness.

For a beautiful presentation, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after it leaves the oven. This allows the internal structure to stabilize, resulting in cleaner slices. Garnish generously with freshly chopped chives or parsley; their bright green colour provides a wonderful visual lift against the golden brown top. To balance the richness of the sausage and cheese, serve it alongside a vibrant, lightly dressed arugula salad using a sharp lemon vinaigrette. Alternatively, for those who enjoy the sweet and savoury dynamic, a small bowl of fresh seasonal berries or melon wedges offers a refreshing counterpoint.

Logistics Masterclass: Storing and Reviving Leftover Sausage Breakfast Casserole

One of the best attributes of this make-ahead favourite is how well it handles leftovers. Whether you plan ahead or have extra from a busy morning, managing your remaining portions is simple.

Creative Twists: Spice Variations and Vegetable Add-Ins

If you find yourself with leftovers and want to reimagine the flavour profile slightly, consider the simple additions you can make. Adding sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach into the sausage mix before assembling introduces earthy notes. For a spicy version, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild pork, or sprinkle in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the custard. These minor tweaks prevent flavour fatigue, even across multiple servings throughout the week.

The Science of Storage: Freezing Techniques for Future Mornings

This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, slice the remainder into individual portions or leave it whole in the baking dish (if oven-safe plastic wrap is used). For best results, wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re craving a quick breakfast bake, simply unwrap, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and reheat at 50% power until thawed, then finish in a 350° F oven until heated through and the edges are crisp again. This ensures future mornings remain stress-free.

Nutritional Snapshot: Understanding the Macros of This Hearty Dish

As a comprehensive meal, this bake delivers substantial macronutrients. Serving it as pictured—a generous portion designed to keep you full until lunch—will clock in around 400 calories, loaded with protein from the 12 eggs and sausage. It’s important to be mindful that the fat content can vary significantly depending on the leanness of the sausage you choose. While this dish is robust, integrating vegetables helps boost fibre, and pairing it with a side of fresh fruit helps balance the overall nutritional profile, ensuring this indulgent meal remains part of a well-rounded diet.