Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast is a hearty and delicious breakfast casserole that is perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, creamy cheese, and fluffy eggs, this dish is sure to start your day off right. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just want to make a satisfying breakfast for your family, this recipe is a winner.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it combines convenience with flavor. Using frozen hash browns saves time, while the cream cheese makes the casserole rich and creamy. It’s a one-dish meal that is easy to prepare and clean up afterward. Plus, you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or different cheeses, making it a versatile choice for any breakfast table.
How to Make Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast
Ingredients
- 1 30 oz bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter or cooking spray.
- Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until mostly smooth.
- Stir the cooked sausage into the egg mixture, then add 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until evenly combined.
- Pour the sausage mixture over the hash browns and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped chives if desired and serve warm.
How to Serve Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast
This casserole is best served warm. Cut it into squares and serve on individual plates. It goes well with fresh fruit, a side salad, or even some toast. You could also serve it with hot sauce for those who like a bit of spice.
How to Store Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely. Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly.
Tips to Make Sausage and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, consider adding some diced jalapeños or hot sausage.
- You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the egg mixture.
Variation
For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You could also add more cheese to enhance the flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh hash browns. Just make sure you cook them first until they’re crispy.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning.
3. Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat cream cheese, milk, and reduced-fat cheeses to make the dish lighter.
