Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite Recipe
A hearty and cheesy breakfast casserole featuring savory breakfast sausage, creamy cheeses, fluffy eggs, and crispy hashbrowns baked to golden perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for a family brunch or meal prep and offers rich flavors with a satisfying texture in every bite.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed to avoid greasiness.
- Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese: Add the cubed cream cheese to the hot cooked sausage and stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Mix the Eggs: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy for a fluffy texture.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the thawed shredded hashbrowns evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish to form the base layer.
- Add Sausage Mixture: Spoon the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the hashbrowns, spreading it out for an even layer.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the sausage and hashbrown layers to ensure it soaks throughout.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top has turned a golden brown color.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to help it set further. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw hashbrowns completely before layering to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Feel free to substitute the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage or a vegetarian sausage alternative for different dietary needs.
- This casserole can be made the night before; assemble it, cover, and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.
- Adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms can add extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 275 mg
Keywords: breakfast casserole, cheesy breakfast bake, sausage hashbrown casserole, easy brunch recipe, egg casserole