Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is simple & delicious, making it the perfect comfort food for busy mornings or weekend brunch. With crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together easily. If you enjoy this style of dish, you might also like the Easy Sour Cream and Onion Hash Brown Casserole or the hearty Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe.

Ingredients

This Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole combines crispy shredded potatoes, savory sausage, and rich cheese with a creamy egg custard that bakes into a golden, satisfying meal.

• 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is ready in about 20% less time than similar recipes, making it a quicker option for busy mornings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Hash Brown Base

Thaw frozen shredded hash browns completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents a soggy casserole bottom.

Press the hash browns evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form a solid crust layer.

Step 2 — Cook the Breakfast Meat

Brown 1 pound of breakfast sausage or diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and crumbled. Drain excess grease thoroughly.

For a lighter option, substitute with turkey sausage or chopped ham.

Step 3 — Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, sauté 1 diced onion and 1 chopped bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.

This builds flavor layers in your Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole.

Step 4 — Combine Filling Ingredients

Spread the cooked meat and vegetables evenly over the hash brown base. Top with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

For extra creaminess, mix in 1 cup of cottage cheese or sour cream with the shredded cheese.

Step 5 — Prepare the Egg Mixture

Whisk together 8 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.

Use whole milk for richest texture, though any milk variety works.

Step 6 — Assemble the Casserole

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure the liquid penetrates throughout.

At this stage, you can cover and refrigerate overnight for easy morning baking.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45-55 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

The casserole is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean and the edges are bubbling.

Step 8 — Rest Before Serving

Let the Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the eggs to fully set for cleaner slicing.

Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	680mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

This Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Try these ingredient swaps to customize it for your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Turkey Sausage — A leaner protein alternative to pork sausage that still provides savory flavor.
• Cauliflower Rice — A lower-carb substitute for hash browns, offering a similar texture when baked.
• Nutritional Yeast — Provides a cheesy, umami flavor for a dairy-free version of this casserole.
• Gluten-Free Flour — Use a 1:1 blend to thicken the sauce, ensuring the dish remains gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Broth — Replaces some of the salt while adding depth of flavor for a lower-sodium option.
• Sweet Potatoes — Shredded sweet potatoes offer more fiber and vitamins than traditional potatoes.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk — A simple, creamy, and dairy-free liquid for the egg mixture.
• Fresh Herbs — Boost flavor with fresh chives or dill to reduce reliance on salt.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fresh fruit salad and crispy bacon for a balanced brunch spread
• Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and buttered toast for a hearty breakfast
• Accompany with spicy breakfast sausage and fresh orange juice for weekend gatherings
• Top with sliced avocado and hot sauce for a modern twist on this Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
• Garnish with chopped chives and sour cream for elegant brunch presentations
• Serve with light mixed greens salad to complement the rich casserole texture

This versatile Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole shines at family breakfasts, holiday mornings, and potluck brunches. For casual serving, present directly from the baking dish, or for special occasions, portion onto warm plates with colorful accompaniments. The crispy potato crust makes it visually appealing whether served family-style or individually plated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using frozen hash browns without thawing. Fix: Thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a soggy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole.
• Mistake: Overmixing the egg and hash brown base. Fix: Gently fold ingredients to maintain texture and avoid a dense, gummy result.
• Mistake: Skipping the pre-cook of vegetables like onions or peppers. Fix: Sauté them first to release water and deepen flavor in your casserole.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the egg mixture. Fix: Season generously and taste the mix before baking, as potatoes absorb a lot of salt.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature. Fix: Use 350°F–375°F (175°C–190°C) for even cooking without burning the top.
• Mistake: Not letting the Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole rest after baking. Fix: Allow 10–15 minutes for the structure to set, making cleaner slices.
• Mistake: Overloading with wet ingredients like fresh tomatoes. Fix: Use sun-dried tomatoes or roast fresh ones first to reduce moisture.
• Mistake: Using only low-fat cheese. Fix: Blend full-fat cheese for better melt and flavor that binds the casserole.
• Mistake: Forgetting to grease the baking dish thoroughly. Fix: Coat the dish well with butter or oil to prevent sticking and ease serving.
• Mistake: Cutting into the casserole too soon. Fix: Wait for it to cool slightly so the layers hold together when plated.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place slices in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is reheated to a safe temperature.

Conclusion

This Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch. We hope you love this easy recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and leave a comment with your review. For more delicious casseroles, check out our Easy Sour Cream and Onion Hash Brown Casserole and Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick family favorites!

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FAQs

Can I prepare this Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the entire Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it in the morning for an easy, hot breakfast.

What are the best toppings for a Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, diced ham, or cooked sausage. You can also add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture in your Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole.

How do I store and reheat leftover Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through.