If you are on the hunt for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast option, look no further than this Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe. It combines savory sausage, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender hashbrowns in one delightful bake, making it perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches. The layers of flavors and textures come together to create a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug first thing in the morning. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to recipe whenever you want to wow your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe relies on simple, yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering its rich taste and satisfying texture. From the savory sausage and bacon to the creamy mix of cheeses and eggs, every component brings its own magic to the table.
- 1 pound pork sausage: Choose a flavorful Italian or breakfast sausage for that perfect savory kick.
- 1 pound bacon, chopped: Adds crispiness and smoky depth that balances the creaminess.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Provides a smooth, silky texture that blends everything harmoniously.
- ½ cup sour cream: Enhances the dish’s richness and tender crumb.
- 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the casserole moist and fluffy without being heavy.
- 8 large eggs: The binding agent that holds all the goodness together.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: One cup mixed in for ooey-gooey goodness; the other sprinkled on top for a golden crust.
- 1 package dry ranch seasoning mix: Boosts flavor with its tangy, herby notes.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle earthiness without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Deepens the savory complexity.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and seasoning balance.
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed and drained: The foundational base offering crispy edges and soft insides.
How to Make Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, grease a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your casserole won’t stick and will slide out beautifully once baked. This simple prep step sets you on the path to casserole perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Bacon
Heating a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the pork sausage and chopped bacon together until fully cooked and no longer pink. The sizzling aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like breakfast heaven. Don’t forget to drain off the excess fat — this prevents the casserole from becoming greasy while keeping that savory essence intact.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the room temperature cream cheese and sour cream until luxuriously smooth. This creamy base is the secret to making each bite irresistibly moist and indulgent, acting as the perfect binder for the hearty mix to come.
Step 4: Mix in the Wet Ingredients and Seasonings
To your smooth cream cheese mixture, add the whole milk, eggs, dry ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything thoroughly so all flavors meld and your mixture is uniform. This step infuses the casserole with its signature tangy and savory notes that keep everyone coming back for more.
Step 5: Combine Meat, Hashbrowns, and Cheese
Now stir in the cooked meats, thawed and drained hashbrowns, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg and cream cheese mixture. Mixing evenly here ensures each serving of the Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe bursts with balanced flavors and textures, creating that perfect bite every time.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Pour your combined casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The foil traps steam, gently cooking the casserole through while letting the flavors marry together beautifully.
Step 7: Finish Baking Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. This finishing step allows the cheese topping to get bubbly and develop an irresistible golden brown crust — a must for that classic, dreamy finish on your Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving a breeze. Now you’re ready to share this warm, cheesy, savory masterpiece that’s sure to be a hit at your breakfast or brunch table.
How to Serve Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your serving with a sprinkling of fresh chopped chives or green onions for a lovely pop of color and a mild onion flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also bring an extra layer of creaminess or heat, respectively, making each bite just a bit more personalized and exciting.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad to add a light, refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside simple mixed greens dressed lightly in vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a heartier option, some warm buttermilk biscuits or toasted English muffins work beautifully to scoop up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual portions in muffin tins for a fun, grab-and-go version perfect for brunch gatherings or meal prep. You could also layer this casserole over warmed tortillas and add avocado slices for an improvised breakfast taco twist. The Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe is versatile enough to invite your creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the best texture. When you’re ready, slices can be reheated gently to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste again.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion it into individual servings or freeze the whole dish by wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep it moist and delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 1 to 2 minutes, adding a damp paper towel over the top to prevent dryness. Either way, you’ll rediscover the comforting flavors of your Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe in no time.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative and will still provide plenty of flavor. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole.
Do I have to thaw the hashbrowns before using them?
Yes, it’s best to thaw and drain excess water from the hashbrowns to avoid a watery casserole. Properly drained hashbrowns help maintain the right texture and bake evenly.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and bacon, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to reinforce the hearty, savory character of the dish.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator. Then just bake it fresh in the morning — perfect for busy days or holiday mornings.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
No worries! You can substitute it with a blend of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to mimic those classic ranch flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing quite like the comfort and heartiness of the Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe to start your day off right or impress guests at brunch. It’s the ideal combination of rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures wrapped up in an easy-to-make dish that becomes a family favorite. Give it a try — I promise you’ll be thrilled with every bite!
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Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns is a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish perfect for starting your day. Loaded with savory pork sausage, crispy bacon, creamy cheese blend, and tender hashbrowns, it’s baked to golden perfection and ideal for brunch or a family breakfast gathering.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
Dairy & Eggs
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings
- 1 package dry ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Others
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed and drained of excess water
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13x2 inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook meats: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the pork sausage and chopped bacon together until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set the cooked meat aside.
- Blend cream cheese and sour cream: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the room temperature cream cheese and sour cream until smooth, creating a creamy base for the casserole.
- Add liquids and seasonings: To the cream cheese mixture, add whole milk, eggs, dry ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Combine all ingredients: Stir the cooked meats, thawed and drained hashbrowns, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg and cream cheese mixture, mixing evenly.
- Assemble and bake covered: Pour the combined casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and turning golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- For best results, thaw and drain the hashbrowns well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute turkey sausage and turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Use a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
