This hearty casserole is breakfast bliss! With tasty sausage, fluffy eggs, and tender potatoes, it’s a warm hug in a dish. Perfect for busy mornings or special brunches!
I love making this dish ahead of time, so I can just pop it in the oven while I sip my coffee. Plus, leftovers are great for lunch—if they last that long! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: I recommend using a good-quality breakfast sausage for flavor. You can swap it for turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage if you’re looking for lighter or vegetarian options.
Hash Brown Potatoes: Frozen hash browns are so convenient! If you don’t have any, diced fresh potatoes work too, just make sure to cook them until tender first. Sweet potatoes could add a nice twist!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great kick, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or pepper jack can work well too for a little heat. You can also use dairy-free cheese if you’re going vegan.
Eggs: Large eggs are standard, but substitute with egg whites or a flaxseed mixture if you’re lowering cholesterol or going plant-based.
How Do You Ensure the Casserole Stays Moist and Fluffy?
Keeping the casserole moist and fluffy is all about the right cooking method. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven properly so the casserole cooks evenly.
- Don’t skip the milk—it helps create a light texture. Whole milk is great, but any milk, including non-dairy options, works.
- Press the mixture down gently—it helps to incorporate the eggs, giving it a nice rise while baking.
- Let the casserole rest after baking. This step helps everything set without losing moisture.
Trust me, this casserole is all about layers of flavor and perfect textures—enjoy your delicious breakfast treat!
How to Make Sausage Egg Potato Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage, casing removed
- 4 cups (about 600 g) frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed and drained
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup (50 g) chopped green onions (scallions), divided
- 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-45 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour to enjoy a hearty breakfast that can serve the whole family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or a little butter. This will prevent anything from sticking later on.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Then, drain any extra fat and set the sausage aside.
3. Layer the Potatoes:
Spread the thawed hash brown potatoes evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will create a nice base for our casserole.
4. Add the Sausage and Veggies:
Now it’s time to sprinkle that delicious cooked sausage all over the potatoes. Next, add the chopped red bell pepper on top. Remember to save half of the chopped green onions for later!
5. Mix the Eggs:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This is the magic mixture that will hold everything together!
6. Pour and Cheese:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the layers in the baking dish. Make sure to cover everything well! Now, sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese on top, making it extra tasty!
7. Press and Indent:
With a spoon, gently press down the mixture to help everything blend together. If you want, you can create 6 small indentations in the casserole and crack an egg into each one. This gives a fun sunny look!
8. Bake and Enjoy:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 35-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want it to be set in the center, and if you added eggs on top, they should be cooked to your liking.
9. Rest and Garnish:
Once it’s baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps it set a bit more. Sprinkle the remaining green onions and some fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a lovely finish.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Cut the casserole into squares and serve it warm. Pair it with your favorite coffee or breakfast drink, and you’re all set for a wonderful morning!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh potatoes, peel and dice them into small cubes. Parboil them for about 10 minutes to soften before layering in the baking dish. This ensures they’ll cook through properly in the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply skip the sausage and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also use a meat substitute like veggie sausage for added flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or pop it in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite ingredients. Chopped spinach, diced tomatoes, or even different cheese varieties can enhance the flavor. Just keep the total volume similar to maintain the texture!