If you are searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines hearty breakfast favorites like savory sausage, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender hashbrowns into one unforgettable casserole. This dish is perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you want a comforting meal that can feed a crowd with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is simpler than you think, and each one plays a pivotal role in making this casserole irresistibly delicious. From the flavorful sausage to the creamy dairy blend and the satisfying crunch of hashbrowns, every bite is balanced and full of texture.
- 1 pound pork sausage: Adds juicy, savory richness and a classic breakfast meat flavor.
- 1 pound bacon, chopped: Provides smoky crispness that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Creates a smooth, creamy base that holds everything together.
- ½ cup sour cream: Enhances moisture and tang, balancing the richness of the meats and cheese.
- 1 cup whole milk: Lightens the custard mixture for a tender, fluffy texture.
- 8 large eggs: The essential binder that transforms ingredients into a cohesive casserole.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts into gooey goodness inside and forms a golden crust on top.
- 1 package dry ranch seasoning mix: Infuses a pop of herby, zesty flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle depth and savory brightness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings warm, aromatic undertones.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed and drained: The hearty, crispy base that makes this casserole wonderfully filling.
How to Make Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9x13x2 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Taking this step early ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out with a perfect edge every time.
Step 2: Cook the Meats
In a skillet over medium-high, cook the pork sausage and chopped bacon until they are fully browned and no longer pink. This step builds the savory foundation of the dish, and draining the excess fat helps keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
Using a hand mixer, blend the room temperature cream cheese and sour cream in a large bowl until smooth and silky. This luscious mixture is what adds such a dreamy creaminess to the casserole’s custard.
Step 4: Combine the Custard Ingredients
Add whole milk, eggs, the dry ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese base. Mix everything thoroughly to make sure all those lovely seasonings are evenly distributed for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Stir in Meats, Hashbrowns, and Cheese
Gently fold in the cooked sausage and bacon, thawed hashbrowns, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This step brings together the hearty textures and rich flavors that make the Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Pour the entire casserole mixture into your prepared dish and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes to let all the flavors meld and the custard set beautifully.
Step 7: Finish Baking Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes uncovered. This allows the cheese on top to bubble, brown, and form that irresistible golden crust that signals the casserole is ready.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, give your casserole a few minutes to rest so it firms up slightly—this will make slicing easier. Serve warm and prepare yourself for all the compliments coming your way!
How to Serve Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, crispy fried shallots, or a handful of fresh parsley add not only a pop of color but also an extra layer of texture and brightness that cuts through the casserole’s richness.
Side Dishes
Pair it with some fresh fruit salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the hearty meal. A side of warm buttered toast or homemade biscuits will also complement the dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming brunch presentation or turn it into a buffet-style dish by laying out toppings like sliced avocado, salsa, or hot sauce so everyone can customize their portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or satisfying lunch option.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to maintain the casserole’s creamy texture and crispy top. You can also microwave individual portions covered for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring midway if possible.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the sausage and bacon with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian twist that still feels hearty and satisfying.
What can I substitute for the dry ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, try mixing garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley to create a similar flavor profile that will still enhance your casserole beautifully.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes and blanch them briefly before using, but frozen hashbrowns are a convenient shortcut that ensures consistent texture and moisture levels in the dish.
Is it possible to prepare this dish the night before?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate it overnight. Just add a little extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through and set when you bake it.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture, or serve with hot sauce on the side to give your casserole a delightful kick without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe for any occasion where happiness is served on a plate. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and has that perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and crispy that will keep you coming back for more. I promise this casserole will become your go-to for those days when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.
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Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns is a hearty, savory dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Packed with flavorful pork sausage, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender hashbrowns, this casserole combines delicious textures and tastes into one easy-to-make baked breakfast centerpiece.
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
Other
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed and drained of excess water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13x2 inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the Meats: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the pork sausage and chopped bacon together until fully cooked with no pink remaining. Drain off any excess fat and set the cooked meats aside.
- Make Creamy Base: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the room temperature cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This will serve as the rich base for the casserole.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: Add the whole milk, eggs, dry ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Stir the cooked sausage and bacon, thawed and drained hashbrowns, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg and cream cheese mixture. Mix gently but evenly to incorporate all ingredients.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Ensure hashbrowns are fully thawed and excess water is drained to avoid a soggy casserole.
- You can substitute ranch seasoning mix with your favorite dry seasoning blend if desired.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings using two baking dishes.
