Description
This hearty Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a deliciously satisfying dish perfect for serving a crowd. Featuring layers of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, fresh diced peppers and onions, and a rich egg and cheese mixture, this casserole can be prepared ahead and baked for a warm, comforting breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Hashbrown Mixture
- 30 ounces shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 pound sausage, cooked, crumbled and drained
- ¼ cup onion, finely diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Sausage: Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and crumbly, then drain excess fat thoroughly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, diced onion, diced red and green bell peppers, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the hashbrown mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on the surface. Set aside ½ cup of cheese if you prefer extra topping.
- Optional Refrigeration: Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight if preparing ahead for convenience.
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 45 minutes until the eggs are nearly set and the edges start to brown.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the center is fully set and the top is lightly browned.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving warm for a fulfilling breakfast experience.
Notes
- To save time, you can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
- Ensure the sausage is fully drained to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- Use sharp cheddar for richer flavor or substitute with a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for milder taste.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the hashbrown mixture.
- If desired, garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for added color and flavor.
