If you are searching for a comforting, hearty breakfast that brings everyone to the table with big smiles, this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is absolutely a must-try. It’s a beautiful harmony of crispy, cheesy hashbrowns, savory sausage, and a creamy, flavorful egg custard — all baked to golden perfection. Easy enough for a weekend brunch yet impressive enough to serve for guests, this dish combines simple ingredients that deliver rich flavors and satisfying textures with every bite. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will surely become one of your favorite go-to breakfast dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in a Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy eggs to the melty cheese and savory sausage, all coming together to create that cozy, irresistible breakfast everyone craves.
- 7 large eggs: The base of our custard, providing rich, silky texture and binding everything together.
- 1 ½ cups half and half: Adds creaminess and richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard: Gives a subtle tang and depth that brightens the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the other ingredients’ natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory note for extra warmth.
- 20 oz frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed: Provides a crispy, comforting starch base that crisps up beautifully when baked.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and drained: A smoky, savory protein that adds hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Cheese is the star here—gooey and melty inside, with a golden bubbly topping.
- Chopped parsley or sliced green onions (optional garnish): A fresh, colorful finish to brighten every serving.
How to Make Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Egg Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, dijon mustard, salt, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This combination creates the flavorful custard that coats the hashbrowns and sausage beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Hashbrowns, Sausage, and Cheese
Gently fold the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, and ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Make sure everything is evenly incorporated so every bite gets that perfect blend of textures and flavors. The sausage should be cooked beforehand and drained well to keep the bake from getting soggy.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixed ingredients into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly and smoothing the top. This step ensures an even bake and a beautiful presentation when it’s done.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will melt into a luscious, bubbly golden crust that makes this dish irresistible. Cheese on top is always a winning move!
Step 5: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it for 30 minutes. The foil traps steam so the inside cooks through perfectly without drying out. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the top to turn lightly golden and gives a slight crisp edge, adding texture contrast.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps the custard to set fully, making it easier to slice and resulting in cleaner, prettier servings.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley or sliced green onions over the top to add a pop of color and a fresh flavor boost. Now your Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is ready to share and enjoy!
How to Serve Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley or vibrant green onions not only enhance the visual appeal but also introduce a refreshing herbal note that balances the richness of the casserole. A light scattering can totally elevate your serving experience.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines well all on its own but pairing it with fresh fruit salad, a crisp green side, or even some warm toast can round out your breakfast spread. The contrast in textures and flavors from lighter sides creates a well-balanced meal that delights every palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive breakfast or brunch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. You can also cut it into charming squares and arrange them on a platter with colorful garnishes for a party-ready display. This Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is quite versatile when it comes to presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their flavor and texture well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain that creamy, comforting consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either baked or unbaked. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake accordingly. Freezing is perfect to save time and savor this delicious meal whenever you want.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or in the microwave if you’re short on time. Adding a little cheese on top during reheating can help revive that fresh-from-the-oven charm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic and brings great flavor and melting qualities, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Swiss blend to suit your taste preferences.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the breakfast sausage and replace it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You could also add meatless sausage alternatives to keep the savory element.
Do I need to thaw the hashbrowns before mixing?
Yes, thawing the hashbrowns helps prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy and ensures an even bake with a lovely texture.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. When morning comes, just bake it fresh for a warm, delicious breakfast.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer jiggles. The top should be lightly golden and slightly crisped after baking uncovered.
Final Thoughts
This Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines ease with deeply satisfying flavors and textures. It’s the perfect breakfast or brunch dish to bring warmth and joy to any table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved part of your morning routine!
Print
Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a perfect combination of fluffy eggs, savory breakfast sausage, melted cheddar cheese, and tender hashbrowns. Baked to golden perfection, it makes a delicious and satisfying meal for breakfast or brunch that serves up to 8 people. Easy to prepare and customizable with optional garnishes, this casserole is sure to become a favorite family recipe.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 7 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked with grease drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley or sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix egg base: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, dijon mustard, salt, and garlic powder until fully combined to create a flavorful custard base.
- Combine hashbrowns and sausage: Stir the thawed hashbrowns, cooked and drained breakfast sausage, and ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture until everything is evenly distributed.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden cheesy crust.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the casserole to set without drying out.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the center is fully set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Rest the casserole: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up, making it easier to cut and serving more flavorful.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or sliced green onions over the top before serving to add a fresh, colorful touch if desired.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the cooked sausage well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- Thaw hashbrowns fully before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set properly and improves slicing.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the egg mixture.
