Sausage And Creamy Hashbrown Casserole
“This hearty and comforting Sausage and Creamy Hashbrown Casserole is a perfect dish for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Featuring savory sausage, creamy cream cheese, and crispy hash browns, all baked together with eggs, milk, and cheese, it’s a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and bake in one dish, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite, offering a warm and filling start to any day.”
How to make Sausage And Creamy Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients
2 cups milk
8 eggs beaten
2 pounds sausage, mild or hot and spicy
16 ounces of softened, room temperature cream cheese.
32 ounces of shredded, frozen hash browns
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350*
Cook sausage thoroughly, drain fat
Stir cream cheese into the sausage and set aside
Add hash browns into the skillet and cook until light browned
Grease the bottom only of a 9 x 13 baking pan and place hash browns on bottom evenly
Top with the cream cheese and sausage mixture
Sprinkle some of the cheddar cheese on the top
Mix together the milk, eggs and seasonings and then pour over the casserole
Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes. Or until the internal temp is 160*
Notes:
Preparation: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese, for easy mixing and even distribution throughout the casserole.
Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy sausage based on your preference. Make sure to thoroughly cook the sausage and drain off excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Cream Cheese Mixture: Mixing softened cream cheese with the cooked sausage adds richness and creaminess to the dish. Stirring them together while warm helps the cream cheese blend smoothly.
Hash Browns: Cook the frozen hash browns until they are lightly browned before layering them in the baking dish. This step enhances their texture and ensures they cook evenly in the casserole.
Layering: Grease the baking pan lightly to prevent sticking, then layer the hash browns evenly at the bottom. Spread the cream cheese and sausage mixture on top, ensuring it covers the hash browns evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole before pouring the milk and egg mixture. This adds a delicious cheesy crust to the top of the casserole when baked.
Baking: Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This ensures the eggs are fully cooked and the casserole is heated through.
Resting: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Variations: Feel free to customize with additional seasonings or vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
Serving: This casserole is perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 12 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 560 kcal | Total Fat: 41 g | Saturated Fat: 19 g | Cholesterol: 265 mg | Sodium: 1030 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 20 g | Dietary Fiber: 1 g | Sugars: 2 g | Protein: 27 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh hash browns for the frozen ones.
Make sure they are cooked until light browned as instructed in the recipe.
What type of sausage works best for this casserole?
You can use either mild or hot and spicy sausage, depending on your preference for heat level.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight.
Bake it when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well.
After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a side salad, fresh fruit, or even some roasted vegetables.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C), and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Cheddar?
Yes, you can customize the cheese to your liking.
Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses would also work well.
Is it necessary to grease the baking pan?
Yes, greasing the baking pan prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
What if I don’t have cream cheese at room temperature?
You can soften cream cheese quickly by heating it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until softened.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, you can add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture for added flavor and nutrition.