Easy Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hashbrowns

Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast dish? This Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Potatoes is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday morning, a weekend brunch, or even a baby shower! Prep it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort.

My sister made this breakfast casserole for our family years ago, and it’s been a staple for holidays, family get-togethers, baby showers, and more ever since. It’s straightforward with affordable and easy-to-find ingredients, and the flavor is out of this world. It takes no time at all to throw together the night before you want to cook it. I promise – make this once, and you’ll be asked over and over again for the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• ½ cup onion, diced
• ½ cup green pepper, diced
• 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1 ¼ cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, fry the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain the excess grease and set the sausage aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and green pepper until soft and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and shredded hash browns. Mix well and spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the sausage and potato mixture.
5. Whisk eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the hash brown and sausage mixture in the baking dish.
6. Chill: Cover the casserole and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the eggs to set slightly.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 50-55 minutes or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
8. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and servin

Recipe Tips

• Prep ahead: This dish is best prepared the night before, perfect for stress-free mornings.
• Even cooking: For even baking, make sure to spread the hash browns in a flat, even layer in the dish.
• Check doneness: If the eggs seem a bit wobbly in the center after 55 minutes, give the casserole a few more minutes in the oven. You can also use a knife to check if it comes out clean from the center.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the sausage: If you prefer a different meat, ham, bacon, or turkey sausage, it works well as a substitute.
• Add veggies: Feel free to add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes for a more colorful and nutrient-packed dish.
• Cheese options: You can substitute the Colby Jack with cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat.
• Hash browns: If you can’t find frozen hash browns, freshly grated potatoes work as a substitute. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture.

How to Store

• Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
• Freezing: This casserole also freezes well! Wrap the baked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole without dairy?
Yes! Use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond milk, and substitute the cheese with a dairy-free shredded variety. We cannot guarantee the results, but you can definitely experiment.

2. Can I bake it immediately instead of refrigerating overnight?
Yes, although refrigerating helps the flavors blend together better, you can bake it immediately after assembling. Just keep in mind the texture may be slightly different.

3. Can I make a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage or replace it with a vegetarian sausage alternative, and feel free to load up on more vegetables to make it just as hearty.

This Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Potatoes is a simple, versatile recipe that’s perfect for any breakfast gathering. Enjoy!

More Recipes You May Enjoy:

• Easy Breakfast Enchiladas 
• Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
• Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
• French Toast Breakfast Casserole
• Easy Egg and Sausage Breakfast Crescent Roll Sandwich