This Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is the dish you’ve always wanted for slow, sunny mornings or those cheerful brunch gatherings with family and friends. Comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s loaded with golden hashbrowns, savory breakfast sausage, and gooey cheese, all tucked into the coziest casserole. What I love is how wonderfully simple it is to pull together, and there’s one secret to its perfect slices every time: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking — trust me, your spatula (and guests) will thank you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This casserole keeps things straightforward with a handful of familiar ingredients, each playing an important part in the final flavor and texture. Every item brings a little magic, turning everyday staples into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
- Frozen hashbrowns (30 oz, thawed): The foundation for that irresistible crispy-yet-tender bite in every forkful.
- Breakfast sausage (1 lb, cooked and crumbled): Brings rich, savory goodness and a sure way to make breakfast feel extra special.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for that iconic gooey, golden top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Blends for meltiness and that signature cheesy stretch with every bite.
- Large eggs (6): The secret to binding everything together and locking in moisture.
- Milk (1 cup): Gives the egg mixture creaminess and helps bake up light and fluffy.
- Salt (1 tsp): Brings out all the flavors — don’t skip it.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Just enough to balance the richness and elevate everything.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Subtle yet essential in rounding out the casserole’s flavor.
- Bell peppers, diced (1 cup, optional): Adds fresh color and a sweet crunch if you like extra vibrancy.
- Onions, diced (1 cup, optional): For a delightful aromatic touch and extra savoriness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A finishing sprinkle for color and a fresh bite.
How to Make Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Giving the oven a nice head start ensures your casserole cooks evenly and achieves those gorgeous golden edges.
Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking
This step is not optional! Use a pat of butter, a drizzle of oil, or a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This little bit of preparation ensures your beautiful layers lift out easily, without any surprise mess or crumbling.
Step 3: Layer the Hashbrowns
Spread your thawed hashbrowns right into the prepared baking dish. Press them out into an even layer. The hashbrowns form that crave-worthy base, just waiting to soak up all those savory juices and cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Add the Sausage
Scatter the cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage over your hashbrowns. This hearty layer makes every bite satisfying and full of flavor — kind of like your favorite breakfast plate, all in one pan.
Step 5: Combine and Layer the Cheeses
Mix your cheddar and mozzarella cheeses together in a bowl. Take half of this cheesy blend and sprinkle it liberally over the sausage. It’s the foundation for the gooey, melty top layer we all crave.
Step 6: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. You want this mixture to be smooth and well combined, which helps everything hold together (and gives you that perfect, custard-like bite).
Step 7: Pour and Assemble
Pour your egg mixture right over the layers in the dish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking really comes in handy here, ensuring all the deliciousness stays together when you serve.
Step 8: Add the Remaining Cheese & Optional Veggies
Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese mixture, and if you’re including bell peppers and onions, now’s the time to scatter them over the top. These add a beautiful pop of color and extra fresh flavor that will brighten up the whole dish.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, golden top and a casserole that feels set in the center when you gently jiggle it.
Step 10: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. This step, along with making sure to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, guarantees those neat squares come out easily, every single time.
How to Serve Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking
Garnishes
I’m a firm believer that little finishing touches make all the difference! Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a dusting of extra black pepper, or even a few sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole alongside a simple, tangy fruit salad or a platter of sliced tomatoes and avocado. For hungrier crowds, warm some crusty bread or toast — it’s perfect for mopping up any golden cheesy bits!
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting brunch? Cut the casserole into small squares and serve as bite-sized appetizers on a tray. Or, for extra flair, layer warm slices on toasted English muffins for a fun, fork-and-knife breakfast sandwich. Just don’t forget to remind everyone you remembered to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking — it really does keep presentation on point.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover casserole cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Those flavors meld together even more overnight, so leftovers are truly delightful for a busy weekday breakfast!
Freezing
If you want to make this casserole even further in advance, it freezes beautifully. Cut into portions, wrap well, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat individual servings in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. If you’ve got a larger portion, cover with foil and gently rewarm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking if you’re reheating a big batch in the oven!
FAQs
Can I make this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble everything in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply remove from the fridge while your oven preheats and bake as usual — super easy and perfect for busy mornings.
Do I need to thaw the hashbrowns before using?
Yes, it’s best to thaw them first. Thawed hashbrowns bake up tender and prevent excess water from making your casserole soggy. Just spread them out on paper towels to absorb extra moisture if needed.
Can I use bacon instead of sausage?
Definitely! Cooked and crumbled bacon brings a smoky twist. Any breakfast meat you love works here, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The center should be set and no longer jiggly, and the top will be bubbling and golden brown. Inserting a knife into the center — it should come out clean or with gooey (but not runny) cheese.
What if I forget to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking?
Don’t panic! It may just be a little tougher to remove the first scoop. Next time, make sure to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking — you’ll find clean-up is easier and those beautiful squares come out effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll try this hashbrown breakfast casserole soon — your kitchen will be filled with delicious aromas, and the result is always a heartwarming crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking for perfect slices and happy mornings every single time!
Print
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast dish that combines crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, gooey cheeses, and a fluffy egg mixture. A crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole that is perfect for feeding a hungry group or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 package (30 oz) frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1 cup diced onions (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Frozen Hashbrowns:
Breakfast Sausage:
Cheddar Cheese:
Mozzarella Cheese:
Eggs:
Milk:
Salt:
Black Pepper:
Garlic Powder:
Bell Peppers:
Onions:
Parsley:
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Hashbrowns: Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add Sausage: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage over the hashbrown layer.
- Combine Cheeses: In a bowl, mix the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then sprinkle half of the mixture on top of the sausage.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Top with the remaining cheese mixture for a cheesy finish.
- Optional Vegetables: If using, add diced bell peppers and onions on top of the cheese layer for added color and flavor.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing into servings.
Notes
- This casserole is customizable – feel free to add your favorite breakfast ingredients like cooked bacon or different types of cheeses.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole the night before and bake in the morning for a quick and delicious breakfast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
