Sausage, Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole: Your New Favorite Cozy Brunch Star!
Hey there, Jason Griffith here! When the weekend rolls around, or you’re simply craving a breakfast that’s hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious, a good casserole is always the answer. And this Sausage, Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole? It’s an absolute dream come true! Featuring savory breakfast sausage, tender hashbrowns, creamy cream cheese, fluffy eggs, and plenty of gooey cheddar, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for cozy mornings with family and friends here in Marion, South Carolina.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge advocate for breakfast dishes that are big on flavor and minimal on fuss, and this casserole perfectly embodies that. What I particularly love about it is the incredible combination of textures and tastes. The crispy bits from the hashbrowns, the savory crumbled sausage, and that unbelievably creamy, tangy base from the cream cheese and eggs all come together in a symphony of breakfast goodness. The cheddar cheese on top bakes into a golden, bubbly crust that’s simply irresistible. It’s a complete meal in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any brunch or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly comforting and cheesy breakfast casserole:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey sausage)
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen hashbrowns (shredded or diced)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat for best creaminess)
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2% for best creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for best melt)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Breakfast Sausage: Use your favorite type of breakfast sausage – mild, spicy, pork, or turkey. Ensure it’s fully cooked and crumbled.
- Hashbrowns: Shredded or diced frozen hashbrowns both work well. There’s no need to thaw them first.
- Cream Cheese: Softened full-fat cream cheese provides the best creamy, tangy base. Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the texture might be slightly different.
- Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and provides the best flavor. A Colby-Jack or Mexican cheese blend would also be delicious.
- Veggies (Optional): Sautéed diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the sausage mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Remember that sausage and cheese already contribute saltiness. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder could also be added.
Instructions
Making this Sausage, Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is incredibly simple – just cook the sausage, mix, and bake!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and completely crumbled. Drain any excess grease from the skillet and transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine All Ingredients: To the bowl with the cooked sausage, add the frozen hashbrowns, softened cream cheese, eggs, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Well: Mix everything together thoroughly with a large spoon or spatula until all the ingredients are well combined and the cream cheese is mostly incorporated. Ensure the hashbrowns are evenly distributed.
- Pour & Spread: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set (no longer jiggly in the center) and beautifully golden brown on top. The cheese should be bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set a bit more and makes it easier to slice. Enjoy while warm!
Tips for Success
- Drain Sausage Well: This prevents your casserole from being greasy.
- Softened Cream Cheese: This is crucial for easy mixing and a smooth, creamy base.
- Don’t Thaw Hashbrowns: Use hashbrowns directly from the freezer.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded.
- Cover if Browning Too Fast: If the top is browning too quickly before the casserole is set, you can loosely tent the dish with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Sausage, Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own! It’s perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, potluck, or a hearty breakfast-for-dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit salad or a refreshing glass of orange juice or coffee. For other fantastic hearty breakfast dishes, you might also enjoy my This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip or my comforting Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl with Sausage Gravy.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Sausage, Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is delicious! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or cover loosely with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until bubbly and hot. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2-3 months (bake first, then cool and freeze); thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy goodness and comforting nature of this casserole, here are a few more fantastic savory recipes that I think you’ll absolutely love:
- For a quick egg dish perfect for busy mornings, check out my This 3-Ingredient Egg Wrap Is Taking Over Busy.
- If you’re a fan of a unique breakfast twist, my The Viral Cottage Cheese Pancake Everyones is a must-try.
- And for an incredibly cheesy and easy-to-make casual meal that’s great any time of day, my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter are always a hit!
- For a hearty skillet meal with sausage, my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor is a fantastic choice.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage, Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is a true gem – incredibly satisfying, packed with flavor, and delivers on that cozy comfort we all crave. It’s perfect for feeding your family and guaranteed to bring smiles to the breakfast (or dinner!) table. Give it a mix and bake, and enjoy the delicious simplicity!
What’s your go-to breakfast casserole recipe for feeding a crowd? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delightful and inspiring recipes!
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