This hearty egg and hash brown casserole is a crowd-pleasing breakfast bake that's perfect for weekend brunches or make-ahead meals. Loaded with crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and plenty of melted cheese, this casserole is a comforting dish that will fill you up and leave you wanting more. It's easy to prepare and feeds a hungry group with minimal fuss.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 8
- Serving size: 1 slice (about 1 1/2 cups)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
Ingredients:
- 500g (1 lb) frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 300g (10 oz) breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 240ml (1 cup) milk
- 150g (1 1/4 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- 60g (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper
- 1/2 tsp (2g) garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp (1g) paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter (for greasing)
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up into small pieces. Sauté until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Add the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage mixture aside.
- Prepare the hash browns: Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
- Make the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the hash browns. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the sausage layer. Pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring it evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Customize your protein: Swap sausage for bacon, ham, or even cooked chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven the next morning for an easy, no-fuss breakfast.
- Crispier hash browns: For extra crispy hash browns, cook them in a skillet until golden before layering them into the casserole dish.
- Add extra spice: For a kick of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and then bake it the next day. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely! Bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? Yes, you can grate fresh potatoes and use them in place of frozen hash browns. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before layering them in the dish.
- What cheeses work well in this recipe? Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- How can I tell when the casserole is done? The casserole is ready when the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown. You can test doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is done.
This hearty egg and hash brown casserole is a delicious and versatile dish that will brighten up any breakfast or brunch table. With layers of savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and fluffy eggs, all topped with melted cheese, it’s a recipe that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week ahead, this easy-to-make casserole will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!