The Ultimate Make-Ahead Morning Meal
Transform your morning with this crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole. Combining crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs, this dish is perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Prep the night before
- Feeds a crowd easily
- Simple ingredients
- Customizable add-ins
- One-pan meal
- Easy cleanup
- Beginner-friendly
- Reheats beautifully
Ingredients
The Base:
- 1 bag frozen hash browns (30 oz)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- Bell peppers
- Fresh herbs
- Mushrooms
- Extra cheese
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Initial Prep:
- Brown sausage, drain
- Sauté onions, garlic
- Thaw hash browns
- Whisk eggs with milk
- Grease 9×13 dish
- Assembly:
- Layer hash browns
- Add sausage mixture
- Pour egg mixture
- Top with cheese
- Cover, refrigerate
- Baking:
- Preheat to 350°F
- Bake covered 40 minutes
- Uncover 15 minutes
- Let rest 10 minutes
Serving Tips
Perfect Pairings:
- Fresh fruit
- Hot sauce
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Fresh salsa
Storage Smarts
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Freeze up to 2 months
- Portion before freezing
- Reheat in oven
- Store covered
Pro Tips
- Squeeze out excess moisture from hash browns
- Season each layer for maximum flavor
- Don’t overbake – check the center for doneness
- Let ingredients marry overnight for the best taste
FAQs
Q: Can I skip the overnight rest?
A: Yes, but flavors will be even better the next day.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Any melting cheese will work!
Q: Can I substitute hash browns?
A: Cubed potatoes work great as a substitute.
Q: Can I use fewer eggs?
A: Adjust the milk ratio if using fewer eggs.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
This Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is perfect for stress-free morning entertaining. The overnight rest lets the flavors blend, while the baking time gives you a hands-off approach, leaving you time to enjoy your guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday breakfast or prepping meals for the week, this casserole delivers hearty satisfaction in every bite!
