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Easy Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns and Sausage

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A quick and easy make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for busy mornings and crowd-pleasing brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (340 g) frozen shredded hash browns
  • 1 pound (450 g) breakfast sausage (spicy or mild)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp, can mix with mozzarella)
  • ½ cup (75 g) diced onion (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional add-ins: diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the sausage for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently. Drain excess fat on paper towels.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add optional bell peppers or mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes if using.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until fully combined and slightly frothy. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Add frozen hash browns to the cooked sausage and onion mixture and mix well.
  6. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the hash brown and sausage mixture evenly in the dish.
  7. Sprinkle 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese over the first layer.
  8. Add the remaining hash brown mixture on top, then pour the egg mixture evenly over everything.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  10. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the center is set and slightly puffed, and edges are golden brown. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

If baking from refrigerated, add 10-15 minutes to baking time and check doneness with a toothpick or thermometer (160°F internal). Pat hash browns dry to avoid sogginess. For a crusty bottom, spray baking dish with cooking oil before layering. Cheese in the middle and on top creates a better texture. Can customize with vegetables or different cheeses. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, hash browns, sausage, make ahead breakfast, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-make-ahead-breakfast-casserole-with-hash-browns-and-sausage-recipe-for-busy-mornings/