Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Breakfast sausage: Adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the casserole.

Hashbrowns: Provides a crispy and hearty base for the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a rich and creamy texture.

Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

Bell pepper: Brings a fresh and slightly sweet taste to the mix.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add protein.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy and smooth consistency.

When cooking the sausage, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces as it browns. This ensures that the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the casserole, giving each bite a balanced flavor. Additionally, consider sautéing the onion and bell pepper in the same skillet after the sausage is cooked. This not only saves on cleanup but also allows the vegetables to absorb some of the flavorful drippings, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of breakfast sausage.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: Vegetarian sausage provides a plant-based alternative while maintaining a similar texture and flavor.

• frozen hashbrowns - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes offer a more natural taste and texture, though they require additional preparation time.

• frozen hashbrowns - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different flavor profile and additional nutrients like vitamin A.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and a creamier texture.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded pepper jack: Pepper jack adds a bit of spice for those who prefer a kick in their breakfast casserole.

• diced onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a milder flavor and a pop of color.

• diced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a sweeter and more delicate onion flavor.

• diced bell pepper - Substitute with diced zucchini: Zucchini adds a different texture and a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• diced bell pepper - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Tomatoes add a juicy texture and a slightly tangy flavor.

• large eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes are ideal for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.

• large eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to mimic the texture of eggs and is a great vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in casseroles.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk provides a creamy texture and is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, cut the casserole into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to take out only what you need.
• Label the storage container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to reheat, if refrigerated, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or bake it directly from frozen. If baking from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and the center is hot.
• To reheat in the microwave, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe cover or another plate. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes if refrigerated, or 5-7 minutes if frozen, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can affect the texture and flavor of the casserole.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to crisp up slightly.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Cut a portion of the casserole and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second increments until warm.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the leftover casserole in the skillet, breaking it up slightly to ensure even heating.
  4. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover casserole in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check to ensure the casserole is heated through and enjoy the crispy texture.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) until it is golden and the eggs are set.

• Skillet: Essential for cooking the sausage over medium heat until it is browned.

• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the hashbrowns, cooked sausage, cheese, onion, and bell pepper.

• Whisk: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.

• 9x13-inch baking dish: The dish in which the casserole mixture is transferred and baked.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring the hashbrown mixture and for transferring the mixture into the baking dish.

• Measuring cup: Required to measure out the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Needed to measure out the salt and pepper.

• Knife: Used for dicing the onion and bell pepper.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for dicing the onion and bell pepper.

• Colander: Used to drain the fat from the cooked sausage.

• Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Prep ingredients ahead: Dice the onion and bell pepper the night before and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-cooked sausage: Buy pre-cooked breakfast sausage to skip the cooking step.

Thaw hashbrowns: Thaw the frozen hashbrowns overnight in the fridge to save time.

Mix in advance: Combine the hashbrown mixture and egg mixture the night before and store in the fridge.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.