If you love cozy breakfast flavors that bring a delightful mix of savory, creamy, and crispy textures, you’re going to adore this Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe. It’s everything wonderful about a hearty morning meal layered into one dish, blending rich cream cheese, fluffy eggs, seasoned sausage, and golden hashbrowns into a warm, satisfying casserole. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weekends or anytime you want to treat yourself to an indulgent, yet surprisingly easy, breakfast feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole plays a starring role in crafting a breakfast that’s bursting with flavor and texture. From the savory sausage to the creamy touch of softened cream cheese, each component enhances the overall taste and appearance, making this dish as easy to love as it is to prepare.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound): Choose spicy or mild to set the perfect savory base for your casserole.
- Frozen hashbrowns (30 ounces): These provide the golden, crispy foundation every bite needs.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds luscious creaminess and helps bind the casserole together beautifully.
- Large eggs (8): These create that fluffy, light texture that makes eggs the star of any breakfast dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts perfectly on top for a gooey, flavorful finish.
- Milk (1 cup): Lightens the egg mixture and keeps the casserole moist.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses subtle savory depth to the egg mixture.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: Season to your taste for the ideal balance.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped): A fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and a mild bite.
How to Make Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This temperature allows the casserole to bake evenly, helping the eggs set perfectly and the cheese to brown gently on top.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage. Breaking it into small pieces ensures every forkful is bursting with well-distributed savory flavor. Don’t forget to drain excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Whisk Together Cream Cheese and Milk
In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps. This combination is the secret behind the casserole’s luscious texture and rich flavor.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Seasonings
Into your cream cheese mixture, whisk in the eggs along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisking well here incorporates air, giving your casserole a light and airy finish that melts in your mouth.
Step 5: Layer the Hashbrowns
Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish before evenly spreading the frozen hashbrowns across the bottom. This crispy base will soak up the flavors from the sausage and egg mixture without getting soggy.
Step 6: Add the Cooked Sausage
Distribute the browned sausage evenly on top of the hashbrowns, making sure each bite can deliver a little bit of that hearty, spiced taste we all love.
Step 7: Pour the Egg Mixture Over
Slowly pour your well-mixed egg and cream cheese combination over the sausage and hashbrowns, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny. This step turns the dish into a cohesive and creamy delight.
Step 8: Top with Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over the casserole. As the dish bakes, the cheese melts into a gorgeous golden layer that is irresistibly cheesy and slightly crisp on top.
Step 9: Bake Until Perfection
Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The eggs should be set, and the top beautifully browned when done. This baking time ensures a perfectly cooked casserole without drying it out.
Step 10: Cool and Garnish
After removing from the oven, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes to firm up and make slicing easy. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions over the top to add a bright, fresh note.
How to Serve Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The final touch of green onions isn’t just for looks—it adds a mild oniony crunch that complements the rich layers underneath. You can also consider a light dusting of smoked paprika or a scattering of fresh herbs like parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as fresh fruit salad to balance the richness or some steamed asparagus for a green, nutritious boost. A crisp breakfast salad or toast with a dab of butter also makes for a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins for portion-controlled servings perfect for brunch parties. You might also layer it with fresh salsa or avocado slices on top, turning it into a colorful, festive centerpiece that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover casserole into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and remains delicious enough to enjoy for a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags, where they can last up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for a fast option, or warm in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 to 20 minutes if you want the casserole to retain its crispy edges and melty cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I substitute the sausage with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even crumbled bacon work wonderfully as alternatives. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before layering into the casserole.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the sausage with a plant-based meat substitute or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers sautéed until tender to maintain the savory flavor profile.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have cheddar?
Feel free to swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a milder or creamier texture. Just use about the same amount for best results.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning, allowing a few extra minutes to reach full doneness.
Will using fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen change the recipe?
Fresh hashbrowns can work, but they might release more moisture. Be sure to squeeze out any excess water and adjust baking time as needed to ensure the casserole sets properly and isn’t watery.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that perfect blend of comforting breakfast flavors, the Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is here to delight and impress. It’s simple to make, wonderfully creamy, and packed with familiar favorites that warm your heart and fill your belly. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own new breakfast tradition!
Print
Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 25m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 25m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole that combines savory breakfast sausage with creamy eggs, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy hashbrowns baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings or a satisfying family breakfast.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage (spicy or mild)
Base
- 1 (30-ounce) bag of frozen hashbrowns
Dairy & Eggs
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of milk
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup of green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Milk: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and milk, whisking together until smooth and lump-free.
- Add Eggs and Seasonings: Add eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Whisk until fully combined and slightly airy.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly across the bottom.
- Layer Sausage: Evenly layer the cooked sausage over the hashbrowns in the baking dish.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and cream cheese mixture evenly over the sausage and hashbrowns.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your flavor preference.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Cooking sausage thoroughly and draining grease helps reduce excess fat.
- Letting the casserole rest before slicing helps with clean cuts.
- Optional additions include diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Ensure eggs are fully set during baking to avoid runny texture.
