If you love breakfasts that feel like a warm hug on a plate, then the Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new weekend favorite. This dish combines hearty, savory sausage with the creamy tang of cream cheese and the crispy goodness of hash browns, all baked together with melted cheddar and fluffy eggs. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for lazy mornings, brunch gatherings, or when you simply want a comforting breakfast that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. The layering of textures and flavors makes every bite truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the rich sausage to the creamy cheese and fluffy eggs, these essential components come together effortlessly to make a dish that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious.
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage: Provides a spicy, savory base that adds depth and warmth to the casserole.
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature: Offers a luscious creaminess that binds the sausage and adds softness to the dish.
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns: Delivers the satisfying crispy and tender texture that forms the casserole’s foundation.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, tying each ingredient together beautifully.
- ½ tsp pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat to balance out the creaminess.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle aromatic kick without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ tsp onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of sharp, cheesy richness throughout the casserole.
- 8 eggs: Create the fluffy, custardy texture that holds everything together.
- 2 cups milk: Lightens the egg mixture for a silky, tender bite.
How to Make Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sausage
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350 degrees so it’s ready to bake your masterpiece. Then, cook the hot breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. It’s so important to drain the fat thoroughly here — this keeps the casserole from getting greasy while leaving plenty of that bold sausage flavor.
Step 2: Mix Sausage and Cream Cheese
Once your sausage is cooked, stir it together with softened cream cheese. The cream cheese adds a dreamy, creamy texture that complements the spicy sausage perfectly, creating a mixture that’s rich and satisfying with every bite.
Step 3: Cook Hash Browns and Layer
Next, toss the frozen shredded hash browns into the same skillet and cook them until they’re just starting to turn lightly brown. This step gives them some extra flavor and helps them hold their shape once baked. Press the hash browns into the bottom of a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan, then spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything — this not only adds flavor but creates that irresistible golden crust.
Step 4: Combine Egg Mixture and Pour
Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Pour this custardy mixture over the layered hash browns, sausage, and cheese. The eggs soak into all those tasty layers, making the casserole perfectly creamy and fluffy when baked.
Step 5: Bake Your Casserole
You can cover the dish and refrigerate it here if you want to bake it later, which is a great way to prepare ahead. When you’re ready, bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes until it’s golden on top and set in the center. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is enough to make anyone excited for breakfast time!
How to Serve Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley over the top brightens the dish with color and a hint of freshness that perfectly balances the richness. For an extra layer of indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of spicy hot sauce can add a delightful kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands out as a hearty centerpiece, so it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon strips, or lightly toasted English muffins. These sides add balance and refreshing contrasts that make your meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins can turn it into charming single-serve portions, perfect for brunch parties or family gatherings. Alternatively, layering it in clear glass dishes lets everyone admire that beautiful golden crust and cheesy goodness before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to meld, making for even tastier breakfasts or quick lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the casserole completely after baking, then wrap it tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole in the oven at 350 degrees, covered with foil, until warmed through, which usually takes about 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions until hot, but the oven method keeps that crispy top intact.
FAQs
Can I use mild sausage instead of hot sausage?
Absolutely! If you prefer less heat, swapping in mild sausage works just as well and lets the cream cheese and cheddar cheese flavors shine through beautifully.
Is it okay to use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, but be sure to grate and squeeze out excess moisture from fresh potatoes so that the casserole doesn’t become soggy. Lightly cooking them beforehand helps achieve the best texture.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
While this dish relies heavily on cream cheese, milk, and cheddar, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese, milk alternatives, and vegan cheese to make it work for your dietary needs, though the texture and flavor will vary.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version that still delivers on flavor and heartiness.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms sautéed beforehand fold in nicely and add extra nutrition and color to the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, flavor-packed breakfast that feeds a crowd and makes mornings feel extra special, the Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It’s wonderfully versatile, easy to prepare ahead, and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait for you to experience the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and cheesy all in one hearty bake. Your mornings just got a whole lot better!
Print
Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting breakfast casserole combining savory hot breakfast sausage, creamy tangy cream cheese, crispy hash browns, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked together with seasoned eggs and milk for a perfect morning meal that serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
Hash Browns
- 1 (30-32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the hot breakfast sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once cooked, drain excess fat carefully.
- Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese: Stir the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese until well blended. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Hash Browns: In the same skillet, add the frozen shredded hash browns and cook until they are lightly browned, creating a crispy texture.
- Layer Ingredients: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cooked hash browns evenly on the bottom. Evenly layer the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the hash browns, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Mix and Pour Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and milk until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered hash browns and sausage mixture in the baking dish.
- Refrigerate (Optional): If you prefer to bake later, cover the casserole and refrigerate at this point.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it before baking to save time in the morning.
- Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing with the cooked sausage.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Feel free to add chopped onions or bell peppers with the hash browns for additional flavor and texture.
