Easy Make-Ahead Sausage Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns & Cheese
Wake up to a delicious and hearty breakfast without the morning rush with this incredible Make-Ahead Sausage Breakfast Casserole! Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd during holidays, weekend brunches, or simply when you have a house full of guests, this recipe combines all your breakfast favorites into one satisfying dish. Imagine waking up, grabbing a cup of coffee, and simply sliding a prepped casserole into the oven – that’s the magic of this recipe. It’s a true breakfast hero, promising a warm, flavorful meal with minimal effort on busy mornings.
This Sausage and Egg Bake quickly becomes a household favorite thanks to its simple yet irresistible combination of flavors and textures. We’re talking fluffy eggs, savory breakfast sausage, crispy hash browns, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. For an extra layer of taste and nutrition, we’ve included fresh bell peppers and onions, but the beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions or keep it classic; either way, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole
- Effortless Entertaining: Prepare it the night before and simply bake in the morning, making it ideal for hosting.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This generous 13×9 inch casserole feeds approximately 10 people, making it perfect for family gatherings.
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein from eggs and sausage, and carbs from hash browns, it’s a complete meal that will keep everyone satisfied.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit different tastes or dietary preferences.
- Delicious Leftovers: Any remaining slices reheat beautifully, providing quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week.
While this particular recipe focuses on the ease of using frozen hash browns and the robust flavor of breakfast sausage, the world of breakfast casseroles is vast and exciting. If you’re looking for other convenient options, our Crockpot Breakfast Casserole literally cooks while you sleep, ensuring you wake up to breakfast already done! Or, if you’re in the mood for something with a unique twist, these Breakfast Enchiladas offer a fantastic blend of flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sausage Egg Casserole
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. For the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post.
- Frozen Hash Browns: We recommend diced hash browns for their texture and even cooking, but shredded hash browns work just as well if that’s what you have on hand. No need to thaw them first if you’re baking immediately, but for an overnight prep, thawing is recommended for best results.
- Eggs: The base of any great casserole! Large eggs provide the perfect fluffy texture and bind all the ingredients together.
- Evaporated Milk: This adds a creamy richness to the egg mixture, making the casserole extra decadent. If you don’t have evaporated milk, any full-fat milk or even half-and-half will work beautifully. You’ll need about 1 1/3 cups in total.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a sharp, savory flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for a different twist.
- Breakfast Sausage: A pound of your favorite breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, whatever you prefer!) brings that classic breakfast flavor.
- Onion: Diced onion adds aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness once cooked.
- Green Bell Peppers: Diced green bell peppers provide a fresh, slightly bitter note and a lovely pop of color. Other bell pepper colors can also be used for varied flavor and appearance.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the casserole. Adjust to your taste.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Sausage Egg Casserole
Making this sausage egg casserole is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result.
- Prepare the Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet, brown your breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small, even pieces as it cooks. Once the sausage is nearly cooked through, add the chopped bell peppers and onions. Continue to cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is lightly browned and fully cooked, and the vegetables are tender and slightly softened. This step is crucial for developing rich flavors. Drain any excess grease to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Layer the Base: Evenly spread the thawed (or frozen, if baking immediately) diced hash browns across the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking pan. The hash browns will form a delicious, crispy base. Next, spoon the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture uniformly over the layer of potatoes.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly beat the eggs with the evaporated milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is very well combined and slightly frothy. This ensures a consistent, fluffy texture throughout the casserole. Pour this egg mixture carefully and evenly over the sausage and hash brown layers in the baking dish.
- Add the Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the casserole. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly topping during baking. Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake or Refrigerate:
- For Immediate Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered casserole for 30-45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to turn golden brown and bubbly. The casserole is done when it’s puffed up and the center is set (a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean).
- For Make-Ahead Baking: After assembling and covering with foil, place the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake in the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered casserole for 55-60 minutes. Again, remove the foil for the final 5-10 minutes to achieve that perfect golden, cheesy crust.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the eggs to set further, making it much easier to slice and serve neat portions. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Expert Tips for a Perfect Breakfast Casserole
- Prevent a Soggy Bottom: If using fresh hash browns, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture. For frozen hash browns, ensure they are thawed and drained, especially if preparing overnight. Slightly crisping them in a skillet beforehand can also help, though not strictly necessary for this recipe.
- Don’t Overmix Eggs: Beat eggs just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
- Even Browning: For a beautifully golden-brown top, don’t skip the step of removing the foil for the last few minutes of baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients (Optional): For more even cooking, especially if making ahead, let the refrigerated casserole sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes before baking. This helps it come to room temperature faster.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sausage mixture before adding it to the casserole and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Absolutely! This casserole is designed for make-ahead convenience. To assemble it the day before, simply follow the recipe instructions up until the baking step. Once assembled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. In the morning, you can bake it directly from the fridge according to the updated baking instructions provided in step 5 (for make-ahead baking). Allowing it to sit out for about 20-30 minutes before baking can also help it cook more evenly.
Yes, you certainly can! Freezing breakfast casserole is a fantastic way to prepare meals in advance. You can freeze it both baked or unbaked. To freeze an unbaked casserole: follow the recipe, cover tightly with foil, and then wrap with an additional layer of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. For best results, let it sit on the counter for about an hour before baking to ensure the center is adequately thawed and at a more even temperature. Then, bake according to the make-ahead recipe instructions. To freeze a baked casserole: let it cool completely, then slice into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in an airtight freezer-safe container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven from frozen.
You absolutely can! This casserole is incredibly versatile. Feel free to use your favorite breakfast meat or explore plant-based alternatives. Here are a few ideas:
- Diced Ham: A classic choice. No need to cook it ahead of time; simply sauté your onions and bell peppers until soft, then mix in the diced ham before layering over the potatoes.
- Chopped Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add it to the casserole. You might want to cook the onions and bell peppers in a little bacon fat for extra flavor!
- Ground Turkey or Chicken Sausage: For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken sausage. Cook it just as you would the breakfast sausage.
- Chorizo: If you love a bit of spice, chorizo is an excellent choice. Brown it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.
- Vegetarian Options: Crumbled tempeh, plant-based sausage crumbles, or sautéed mushrooms can be fantastic meat-free alternatives. Sauté them with the onions and bell peppers until tender and flavorful.
While the recipe specifies diced hash browns for their robust texture, shredded hash browns (often found in bags in the freezer section) can be used as well. If using shredded, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry to prevent excess moisture, which can make your casserole watery or soggy. The key is to have a relatively dry potato base for the best results.
Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole
This sausage breakfast casserole is incredibly hearty and filling on its own, providing a complete meal with potatoes, eggs, sausage, and cheese. However, if you’re hosting brunch or simply want to round out the meal, here are a few delicious options to serve alongside it:
- Fresh Berry Fruit Salad or Colorful Fruit Skewers add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- A tall glass of a Mixed Berry Smoothie or a classic Orange Julius provides a light and fruity beverage option.
- Serve with a side of warm biscuits, toast, or croissants for soaking up any leftover deliciousness.
- A bowl of Greek yogurt with granola can be a lovely, lighter addition.
- For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a dollop of salsa can elevate each bite.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Breakfast Casserole
One of the best things about a large casserole like this is the potential for delicious leftovers! Proper storage ensures your casserole remains fresh and tasty for days.
Any leftover sausage egg casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. To reheat individual slices, you can simply microwave them until heated through. For larger portions or to reheat the entire casserole (if you have a substantial amount left), cover it with foil and warm in a 350ºF (175ºC) oven until thoroughly heated, about 15-20 minutes, or longer if reheating a full pan. Removing the foil for the last few minutes can help crisp up the top again.
This sausage egg casserole is quite substantial, making approximately 10 servings. If you have a smaller family or prefer fewer leftovers, you can easily cut the recipe in half. Simply use an 8-inch square baking pan instead of a 13×9 inch pan, and adjust baking times accordingly (it will likely cook faster, so keep an eye on it).
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Explore
If you loved this casserole, be sure to check out our other fantastic Breakfast Recipes for more inspiration:
- Blueberry Breakfast Cake
- Sheet Pan Pancakes
- Chile Relleno Casserole
- Monkey Bread Muffins
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Hearty Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
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Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 10 whole large eggs
- 12 oz evaporated milk, (can use any milk product, need 1 1/3 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 32 oz frozen hash browns, thawed and drained (if making ahead)
- 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
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In a large skillet, brown the breakfast sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Continue to cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring, until the sausage is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess grease.1 pound breakfast sausage, 1 cup onion, 1 green bell pepper
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In a separate large bowl, beat together the eggs, evaporated milk, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy.10 whole large eggs, 12 oz evaporated milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking pan. Top with the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture. Pour the egg mixture evenly over these layers. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.32 oz frozen hash browns, 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
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For immediate baking: Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake the covered casserole for 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up and cooked through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly.
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To make ahead: After assembling, cover the pan with foil and place in the fridge overnight (up to 24 hours). In the morning, preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake the covered casserole for 55-60 minutes, or until puffed and cooked through. Remove the foil for the final 5-10 minutes to brown the cheese.
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Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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