This tasty breakfast casserole features a mix of sausage, eggs, cream cheese, and crispy hashbrowns. It’s super filling and packed with flavor—perfect for starting your day right!
Who doesn’t love breakfast in one dish? I love making this casserole for family gatherings. Just throw it in the oven and let it do its thing while I sip my coffee! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns are super convenient, but fresh grated potatoes work too! Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to keep the casserole from getting soggy.
Breakfast Sausage: I like using pork sausage for flavor, but if you prefer turkey or chicken sausage, that’s a great low-fat option! You can also use plant-based sausage for a meatless version.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds a creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, try using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Both will give you a nice creaminess without all the calories.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its punchy flavor. If you want something milder, use a mild cheddar or even mozzarella for a different twist. You can also mix in different kinds of cheese for more flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Sets Perfectly?
Getting the casserole perfectly set is key for the best texture. Here’s how:
- Don’t rush the egg mixture—whisk thoroughly to incorporate air for fluffiness.
- Make sure your ingredients are evenly distributed in the baking dish. This helps the heat circulate and cook everything evenly.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. Every oven is different; if the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
- Let it cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.
Enjoy your hearty breakfast, and feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like bell peppers or spinach!
How to Make Sausage Egg Cream Cheese Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Garnishes (optional):
- Fresh chopped chives or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This breakfast casserole will take about 15 minutes for prep and 45 to 55 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow an additional few minutes for the casserole to cool before slicing. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or similar size casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Make sure everything is well combined for a fluffy texture!
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. This will be the base of your casserole.
5. Add the Sausage:
Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the layer of hashbrowns. This ensures every bite has that delicious sausage flavor.
6. Add Cream Cheese:
Scatter the small cubes of cream cheese over the sausage. As it bakes, the cream cheese will melt and create creamy pockets of goodness.
7. Pour the Eggs:
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole. This will bind everything together during baking.
8. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your casserole. This will create a lovely, cheesy crust as it bakes!
9. Bake:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. Look for the casserole to be set and the top slightly golden brown.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a nice touch.
11. Enjoy!
Slice up your hearty breakfast casserole and serve warm. Everyone will love this filling and flavorful dish!
Can I Use Fresh Hashbrowns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh hashbrowns, just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy. A pat-dry with paper towels will do the trick!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the casserole a day in advance! Assemble everything in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just remove the wrap and add about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time, as it will go in cold.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a similar creaminess. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will slightly change!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and warm it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
