Ultimate Make-Ahead Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole: Easy, Hearty & Perfect for a Crowd!

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting breakfast casserole to kickstart a special morning or feed a hungry gathering. This sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole is an absolute game-changer, offering a delicious, hearty meal with minimal fuss. Imagine all your favorite breakfast components – savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese – baked together in one convenient pan. It’s an ideal dish for holidays, brunches, or simply when you want to make breakfast a breeze, as it can be effortlessly prepared the night before and refrigerated until morning.

Why This Breakfast Casserole Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

This breakfast casserole with sausage and hash browns isn’t just another recipe; it’s a solution for those who crave a substantial, flavor-packed breakfast without the morning rush. It brings together classic breakfast elements into a symphony of taste and texture that’s incredibly satisfying. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again:

• Effortless Entertaining: Hosting brunch or feeding a large family? This casserole is designed for crowds, easily serving up to 12 people from a single 9×13 dish. It takes the stress out of cooking for many, allowing you to enjoy your guests (or your morning coffee!) instead of slaving over the stove.
• All Your Favorites in One Pan: No need to cook eggs, sausage, and potatoes separately. This recipe combines savory ground sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, tender hash browns, and a generous amount of cheese into one harmonious dish. Every forkful delivers a balanced bite of deliciousness.
• Prep-Ahead Perfection: The ultimate convenience! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. This means waking up to minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy mornings, holiday breakfasts, or any occasion where you want to simplify your cooking process. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
• Quick & Easy Preparation: Despite its impressive outcome, the hands-on prep time for this casserole is surprisingly short, often less than 15 minutes. It’s a testament to how simple yet impactful homemade breakfast can be.
• Highly Adaptable: Got a few basic ingredients like frozen hash browns, breakfast sausage, some bell pepper, and onion? You’re well on your way to creating this fantastic dish. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for various additions and substitutions to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
• Hearty and Satisfying: This isn’t a light breakfast; it’s a substantial meal that will keep everyone full and happy. It’s packed with protein and carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for fueling up for a big day.

If you enjoy other crowd-pleasing breakfast options, you might also love ham and cheese strata, sausage muffins without bisquick, and sausage breakfast cake.

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Casserole

Crafting a truly memorable sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the core components and why they matter:

• Sausage – We recommend using a good quality ground pork breakfast sausage, such as Jimmy Dean or Tennessee Pride. Its savory flavor is fundamental to the casserole’s taste. You could also experiment with spicy or maple-flavored breakfast sausages for a different twist. Make sure to brown it thoroughly before adding to the casserole for the best texture and flavor.
• Eggs and Half and Half – This combination forms the creamy, fluffy base of your casserole. The eggs provide structure and richness, while the half and half adds moisture and a luxurious softness to the baked eggs, preventing them from becoming rubbery. Whole milk or even heavy cream can be substituted for half and half if desired, adjusting for richness.
• Hash Browns (hashbrowns) – Frozen shredded hash browns are a convenient choice, but the key is to ensure they are fully thawed and thoroughly drained on paper towels. Excess moisture can lead to a watery or soggy casserole. Pressing out as much liquid as possible will help achieve that desirable, slightly crispy texture within the casserole. Diced potatoes could also be used, but may require pre-cooking.
• Cheese – Shredded cheese is what brings everything together with its gooey, melty goodness. Pepper jack cheese offers a delightful subtle kick, but sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or Monterey Jack are also excellent choices. We highly recommend shredding your own cheese from a block, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can prevent smooth melting.
• Seasonings – A simple yet effective blend of bell peppers (we love red and yellow for color and sweetness), fresh green onions, dry mustard, salt, and pepper is all you need. The bell peppers and onions add a fresh, aromatic depth, while dry mustard enhances the savory notes of the sausage and eggs without overpowering them. Don’t underestimate the power of freshly ground black pepper!

How to Prepare Your Ultimate Breakfast Casserole

Making this sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Set the prepared dish aside.
2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the ground pork breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Add your diced bell peppers to the skillet and continue to cook until the sausage is almost cooked through and the peppers have softened. Just before the sausage is fully cooked, stir in the diced green onions. Cook for another minute or two until fragrant, then remove the mixture from the heat. Drain any excess grease by transferring the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture to a paper towel-lined plate. This prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.

3. Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, half and half, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground mustard until well combined and slightly frothy. Whisking ensures a light and even egg base throughout the casserole.
4. Combine All Ingredients: To the bowl with the whisked egg mixture, add the thawed and drained shredded hash browns, the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture, and 2 cups of the shredded pepper jack cheese. Gently stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the hash browns.

5. Assemble and Bake (or Refrigerate): Pour the entire mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese over the top.
   • For Immediate Baking: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55-60 minutes, or until the casserole is set, golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • For Make-Ahead: At this point, you can tightly cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight. See our detailed make-ahead instructions below.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to cut into neat slices. Serve warm and enjoy a stress-free, delicious breakfast! It pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a side of toast. This sausage egg hash brown casserole truly brings all your favorite breakfast items together in one satisfying dish, guaranteeing everyone will be back for more.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Casserole

To ensure your sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Shred Your Own Cheese: This is a simple but impactful tip. Pre-shredded store-bought cheese often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly and result in a slightly grainy texture. Taking a few extra minutes to shred your own block of cheese will yield a much creamier, dreamier melt.
• Thaw and Drain Hash Browns Thoroughly: Frozen hash browns contain a lot of moisture. For a casserole that isn’t watery or soggy, ensure your hash browns are completely thawed and then squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is critical for texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Sausage: While you want the sausage fully cooked, avoid browning it until it’s super crispy. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you want it to retain some moisture and flavor within the casserole.
• Season Liberally: Don’t be shy with your seasonings! Taste the sausage mixture before adding it to the eggs to adjust salt and pepper. The dry mustard is a secret weapon that adds a wonderful depth of flavor without making the casserole taste like mustard.
• Let it Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the eggs to set further, making for cleaner cuts and preventing the casserole from falling apart.
• Cover if Browning Too Quickly: If you notice the top of your casserole browning too fast before the center is fully cooked, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Casserole

One of the best things about this breakfast casserole is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Different Sausage Types: You can easily swap the ground pork breakfast sausage for any ground sausage you prefer. Consider turkey sausage for a lighter option, spicy Italian sausage for a kick, or even chorizo for a bold, smoky flavor.
• Add More Meats: Boost the protein and flavor by adding other cooked meats. Diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) would be delicious additions. Make sure they are cooked and drained of excess fat.
• Cheese Choices: While pepper jack adds a lovely subtle spice, feel free to choose your favorite cheese. Sharp cheddar cheese offers a classic savory bite, mild cheddar is universally loved, and Monterey Jack or Colby Jack will give you a smooth, melty result. A blend of cheeses can also be fantastic!
• Vegetable Boost: This casserole is a great way to incorporate more vegetables. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, diced zucchini, or finely chopped asparagus would all be wonderful additions. Just be sure to cook them slightly and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the mixture to prevent a watery casserole.
• Spice It Up: For those who love extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes with the sausage can also add a pleasant warmth.
• Potato Alternatives: If you don’t have shredded hash browns, diced potatoes (par-boiled slightly first) or even tater tots (arranged in a single layer at the bottom) can work.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

The make-ahead capability of this sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole is one of its biggest advantages, making it perfect for stress-free mornings. Proper storage also ensures you can enjoy leftovers efficiently.

Can You Make This Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Ahead?

Absolutely! This casserole is an excellent candidate for make-ahead preparation. You have two main options:

1. Assemble and Refrigerate Unbaked: Prepare the casserole completely as instructed, right up to the point of sprinkling the remaining cheese on top. Instead of baking, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn or odors from permeating. Refrigerate overnight (or for up to 24 hours). The next morning, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Then, bake according to the recipe instructions. This method is ideal for fresh-baked taste with minimal morning effort.
2. Bake and Reheat: You can bake the casserole fully, let it cool, and then refrigerate it. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven until warmed through.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this delicious casserole are fantastic and can be easily stored:

• Refrigerator: Once cooled, transfer any leftover casserole to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm larger portions in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

Can You Freeze Breakfast Casserole?

Yes, this breakfast casserole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep!

• Freezing Baked Casserole:
  1. Allow the baked casserole to cool completely.
  2. You can freeze it as a whole casserole or cut it into individual servings.
  3. Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
  4. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  5. To reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.
• Freezing Unbaked Casserole:
  1. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish (glass or foil pans work well).
  2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil.
  3. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  4. To bake from frozen: Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before baking. Bake as instructed in the recipe, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s still very cold from the fridge.

More Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Explore

If you loved this hearty casserole, you might enjoy these other fantastic breakfast ideas:

Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This incredibly easy and hearty sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole combines all your morning favorites in one pan: savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it can be prepared the night before for a stress-free start to any day or special occasion.

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Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 500kcal

Author: Leigh Harris

Ingredients

 

• 2 pounds ground pork breakfast sausage
• 1 cup bell pepper we use red and/or yellow, diced
• 1 cup green onions diced (about 5-6)
• 10 large eggs
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 5 cups frozen hash browns shredded (thawed and well-drained)
• 3 cups pepper jack cheese freshly shredded (divided: 2 cups for mixture, 1 cup for topping)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter; set aside.
• In a large skillet, cook the ground pork breakfast sausage and diced bell peppers over medium heat, breaking up the sausage, until the meat is fully cooked through and the peppers are softened.
  2 pounds ground pork breakfast sausage, 1 cup bell pepper
• Stir in the diced green onions and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and transfer the sausage mixture to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
  1 cup green onions
• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground mustard until smooth. Add the well-drained hash browns, 2 cups of the shredded pepper jack cheese, and the cooked sausage mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
  10 large eggs, 1 cup half and half, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 5 cups frozen hash browns, 3 cups pepper jack cheese
• Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top.
• To Bake Immediately: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55-60 minutes, or until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
• To Make Ahead: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking to allow it to warm slightly. Then, bake as instructed in step 5.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

To Make Ahead – You can bake the sausage and hashbrown casserole right away or cover tightly and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning remove the baking dish from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes up to 1 hour before baking and follow the baking instructions.

Storing – Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing Baked Casserole – Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze in an air-tight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat.

Freezing Unbaked Casserole – Freeze the prepared unbaked casserole tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, remove from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking and then bake as instructed.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 242mg | Sodium: 915mg | Potassium: 593mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1042IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 278mg | Iron: 3mg

Recipe inspired by TasteOfHome