Name: Best Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (1 stick); 1 (30-oz) package shredded hash brown potatoes (diced is okay, but shredded is best); Salt and pepper (to taste); 1 pound breakfast sausage (bulk, such as Jimmy Dean Regular); 1/2 green pepper, chopped; 1/2 red pepper, chopped; 1/2 small onion, diced; 1 & 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, packed; 1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, packed; 8 large eggs; 1 & 1/3 cups half and half (or cream, evaporated milk, or whole milk); 1 teaspoon seasoned salt; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon if using table salt); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)

When it comes to morning meals, nothing beats a warm, hearty casserole fresh out of the oven. This Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is a fantastic option for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or holiday gatherings. Packed with savory sausage, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned hash browns, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing for endless variations to suit your family’s tastes!

Why This Breakfast Casserole is Perfect for Any Morning

Looking for a quick and satisfying meal to fuel your day? This breakfast casserole ticks all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, takes minimal time to bake, and is a one-dish wonder—meaning less mess in the kitchen! The combination of sausage, cheese, and hash browns offers a savory, filling start to your day. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time or freeze it for a hassle-free morning. Perfect for meal prepping, family brunches, or even a cozy breakfast-for-dinner night!

Ingredients for the Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

To make this delicious breakfast casserole, gather the following ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 (30-oz) package shredded hash brown potatoes (diced is okay, but shredded is best)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 pound breakfast sausage (bulk, such as Jimmy Dean Regular)
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1/2 small onion, diced
1 & 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, packed
1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, packed
8 large eggs
1 & 1/3 cups half and half (or cream, evaporated milk, or whole milk)
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon if using table salt)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)

Best Breakfast Casserole With Sausage Recipe

Kitchen Equipment You Will Need

Before you begin, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

9×13-inch baking dish
Skillet for cooking sausage and vegetables
Cutting board and knife
Mixing bowls
Whisk or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil (if freezing)

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to start baking the potatoes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Prepare the Potato Layer: Pour the 30-ounce package of frozen shredded hash browns into a 9×13-inch baking dish. No need to thaw them first! Spread the potatoes evenly across the dish. Melt 1/2 cup of butter in the microwave, and pour it over the hash browns. Stir to coat the potatoes evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake the Hash Browns: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are mostly cooked and starting to brown slightly around the edges. Once done, remove from the oven and reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: While the potatoes are baking, chop 1/2 green pepper, 1/2 red pepper, and 1/2 small onion into small pieces. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound of breakfast sausage, breaking it up into small pieces. Add the chopped peppers and onions, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are soft. Drain any excess grease.
Layer the Sausage Mixture: Spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the baked hash browns in the dish. You can choose to stir it into the potatoes or leave it as a separate layer, depending on your preference.
Add the Cheese: Evenly sprinkle 1 & 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1 & 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the sausage mixture.
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 1 & 1/3 cups half and half (or your choice of cream, evaporated milk, or whole milk), 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (if using).
Combine and Bake: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole, ensuring it spreads through all the layers. Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes, or until the edges are browned and bubbly, and the center is set (it should not jiggle when shaken).
Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into portions.

Tips for Perfecting Your Breakfast Casserole

Use Frozen Hash Browns: There’s no need to thaw them beforehand. This saves time and helps the casserole achieve the perfect texture.
Season Generously: The right balance of salt, pepper, and optional spices like dry mustard enhances the overall flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Eggs: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. Overcooking can lead to a dry texture. The center should still have a slight jiggle when done.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Breakfast Casserole

Forgetting to Drain the Sausage Grease: Too much grease can make the casserole oily. Always drain it well before adding to the dish.
Not Spreading the Egg Mixture Evenly: Ensure that the eggs are poured evenly to cover the entire casserole, or some parts may be dry.
Overloading with Vegetables: Adding too many vegetables can increase moisture and make the casserole soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts or sauté them well.

Variations and Swaps for the Breakfast Casserole

Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
Different Cheeses: Try swapping the Monterey Jack and cheddar for Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicier kick.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Breakfast Casserole

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Cut into individual portions, wrap in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen) and microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

Serve this breakfast casserole with a fresh side salad, a bowl of fruit, or a warm slice of whole-grain toast. For a special touch, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Present the casserole on a rustic wooden board or a colorful serving platter for a beautiful brunch table setting.

FAQ About Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. Simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Try using bacon, ham, or turkey sausage for a different flavor.
How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk.

conclusion

This Best Breakfast Casserole with Sausage is a delightful way to start your day, offering a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbs. Whether for a family breakfast or a holiday brunch, this casserole is sure to impress. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious dishes!