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Cozy Cheesy Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Hash Browns

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A hearty and comforting breakfast casserole loaded with savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for lazy weekends, holiday brunches, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • ½ cup sautéed mushrooms (optional)
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Brown the sausage: Cook 1 pound breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and crumbly (6-8 minutes). Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Layer the hash browns: Spread 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Do not press down.
  4. Add the sausage and cheese: Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the hash browns, then scatter 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Reserve the remaining ½ cup for later.
  5. Whisk the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 8 eggs, 1 ½ cups milk, ½ cup sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until smooth and pale yellow.
  6. Pour and soak: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the casserole, ensuring even coverage. Gently press down with a spatula to help the liquid settle. Let sit for 5 minutes at room temperature.
  7. Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  8. Add remaining cheese and bake uncovered: Remove foil, sprinkle the reserved ½ cup cheddar on top, and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean).
  9. Rest before serving: Let the casserole rest on the counter for 10 minutes to set properly.
  10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. Slice into squares and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to ensure clean slices. To make ahead, assemble the night before, refrigerate, and add 5-10 minutes to baking time. For extra crispy hash browns, toast them at 400°F for 8 minutes before layering.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, hash brown casserole, cheesy breakfast, holiday brunch, easy breakfast recipe

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/cozy-cheesy-breakfast-casserole-with-sausage-and-hash-browns/