This breakfast casserole is a hearty mix of sausage, eggs, cream cheese, and crispy hashbrowns. It’s super filling and perfect to kickstart your day!
Making this dish feels like a warm hug in the morning. If there are leftovers (which is a big if), I love having it for lunch too! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns make this dish easy. If fresh potatoes are available, you can shred them, but it requires more prep time. Just remember to squeeze out extra moisture!
Sausage: I often use pork sausage for flavor, but turkey sausage is a great lighter alternative. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using a meat substitute with a good seasoning blend for a similar taste.
Eggs: Eight large eggs give the casserole its structure. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute a few whole eggs with egg whites. This will still allow it to set nicely.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds a lovely creaminess. Neufchâtel cheese is a good lower-fat option if you want to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for its sharpness, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a different flavor profile if you’re feeling adventurous.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Sausage?
Cooking the sausage perfectly is crucial as it adds richness to the casserole. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet to medium. Once hot, add the sausage and break it up with a spatula.
- Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Don’t forget to drain any excess grease! This will keep your casserole from becoming overly greasy.
How Do You Get the Right Texture for the Casserole?
Achieving a fluffy, yet cohesive texture is key for this casserole. Here are my tips:
- Mix the egg, milk, and seasonings well before adding the hashbrowns and other ingredients. This helps them to blend in thoroughly.
- Gently fold in ingredients instead of stirring vigorously. This helps maintain the fluffiness!
- Make sure to spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish, so it cooks uniformly.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying breakfast casserole that’s perfect for gatherings or comforting mornings!
Sausage Egg Cream Cheese Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed and drained
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), casings removed
- 8 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or oil (for greasing the dish)
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and around 35-45 minutes for baking. After it’s done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Overall, you’re looking at about an hour of time from start to table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or oil. This will ensure that your delicious casserole doesn’t stick!
2. Cooking the Sausage:
Next, grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook it until it’s brown and fully cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess grease and set it aside.
3. Mixing the Eggs:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This is the base of our casserole!
4. Adding the Stars of the Dish:
To the egg mixture, add the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, cream cheese cubes, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently stir everything together until evenly mixed. This is where all the flavors come together!
5. Getting Ready for the Oven:
Now, take your mixture and pour it into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
6. Topping it Off:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will give it a nice cheesy crust as it bakes!
7. Baking:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. You want the casserole to be set in the center and beautifully golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it towards the end!
8. Cooling and Garnishing:
Once it’s baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and flavor!
9. Serving Time:
Finally, cut the casserole into squares and serve it warm. Enjoy this satisfying and hearty breakfast dish with family and friends!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your comforting, cheesy, and savory sausage egg cream cheese hashbrown breakfast casserole!
Can I Use Fresh Hashbrowns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh potatoes, simply peel and shred them, then rinse and squeeze out excess moisture before adding them to the casserole. This will help achieve the right texture!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Your best bet is to swap out the sausage for a plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers and onions, for added flavor. You can also enhance the spice with seasonings like smoked paprika or Italian herbs.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm on the stove until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy!
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake in the morning. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.