Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying breakfast that brings everyone to the table with smiles, this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is simply unbeatable. Savory sausage, melty cheddar, golden hashbrowns, and a pop of colorful veggies all get baked together in one dish for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping for a busy weekday, or just want to treat your loved ones, this casserole strikes the perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and crowd-pleasing comfort—all with minimal effort and easy-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, you’ll create layers of comforting flavors and textures that make each bite memorable. Each component plays a delicious role in this show-stopping Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole.
- Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns: The crispy, starchy base that brings heartiness and satisfying texture to every forkful. Be sure they’re thawed for even baking!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey pockets of cheesy joy throughout the casserole.
- Breakfast Sausage: Savory, spiced sausage adds depth and protein; browning it beforehand brings out its best flavor.
- Diced Onion: Lends gentle sweetness and a subtle bite that perfectly complements the sausage and eggs.
- Diced Red Bell Pepper: Adds color, crunch, and a touch of natural sweetness for visual and flavor appeal.
- Large Eggs: These create the rich, custardy layer that binds everything together—beating them well is the secret to fluffiness.
- Whole Milk: Brings creaminess to the eggs, making the casserole light instead of dense.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle, savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the overall savory note, tying everything together perfectly.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the flavors in all your ingredients.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness with a hint of warmth.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top brings freshness, color, and just the right touch of herbal brightness at serving time.
How to Make Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13 inch baking dish a light greasing—this helps the casserole release easily after baking and ensures every piece stays beautifully intact.
Step 2: Build the Hashbrown Layer
Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly over the bottom of your prepared dish. Pat them down lightly for an even, compact layer. This foundation crisps up on the edges and soaks up all the wonderful flavors layered on top.
Step 3: Add Sausage, Veggies, and Cheese
Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage across the hashbrowns, making sure it’s distributed nicely for the perfect bite every time. Follow with your diced onions and red bell peppers, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over everything for irresistible meltiness.
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is totally smooth and uniform. Pour this savory custard evenly over the casserole, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies for that classic Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole custardy magic.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for eggs that are set, cheese that’s bubbling, and a top that turns golden brown. Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this makes it so much easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
If you love a splash of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top right before serving. Each slice will be extra inviting and full of flavor.
How to Serve Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Brighten up your casserole with fresh chopped parsley, a dash of hot sauce, a spoonful of salsa, or a little extra cheese melted on top. For an herby bonus, try a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions for a fragrant finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself but truly shines alongside simple sides. Pair it with buttered toast, fresh fruit salad, or a bowl of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. For an indulgent brunch spread, serve crispy bacon, flaky croissants, or homemade biscuits on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole for a special brunch, slice it into neat squares and arrange them on a big platter with colorful fruit. For grab-and-go mornings, portion leftovers into muffin tins and bake for fun, individual servings. You can even tuck a warm square into a toasted English muffin for a quick breakfast sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. It maintains its flavor and texture beautifully, making weekday breakfasts a snap—simply reheat individual portions as you need them.
Freezing
If you want to make your mornings even easier, Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole freezes well. Let the baked casserole cool completely, then cut into squares and wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place the pieces in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices of casserole in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, but the oven brings back a bit of that just-baked texture we all love.
FAQs
Can I make Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This hands-off approach makes it perfect for holidays or busy mornings.
What kinds of meat work best?
Sausage is a classic for its bold, savory flavor, but you can use cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham without missing a beat. Vegetarian? Omit the meat or add in sautéed mushrooms for a delicious plant-based twist.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, you can peel and shred your own potatoes, but make sure to pat them very dry after rinsing to avoid excess moisture in your casserole. The convenience of frozen hashbrowns is hard to beat, though!
How do I tell when the casserole is done baking?
Your Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is done when the eggs are set (not jiggly in the middle) and the top is nicely golden. You can insert a knife into the center—if it comes out clean or just with a bit of melted cheese, you’re ready to eat!
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in baby spinach, mushrooms, green onions, or even jalapeños if you want a little zip. Just be sure to sauté any vegetables that release a lot of water before adding them to the casserole.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of recipe that makes a morning feel special, whether it’s the holidays or just a regular Tuesday. I hope you give this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole a try—you’ll love how easy it is, and how its delicious flavor brings everyone to the table. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Print
Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Start your day right with this delicious Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole. Packed with hearty ingredients and bursting with flavor, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
For the Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread hashbrowns in the dish, top with sausage, onion, bell pepper, and cheddar cheese.
- Mix Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until set and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning.
- Feel free to substitute sausage with bacon or ham.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
