Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting morning meal that feels like a warm hug, this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is just the ticket. It combines crispy, golden hashbrowns, savory breakfast sausage, and gooey layers of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, all bathed in a fluffy egg mixture. One key to its perfect texture and easy cleanup is to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, ensuring that every bite slides out smoothly without any mess. This dish is versatile, satisfying, and ideal for feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself on a slow weekend morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together to create a casserole that’s rich in flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role, from the crispy hashbrowns providing a hearty base to the blend of cheeses adding creamy indulgence, while the seasoning enhances the dish’s depth.
- Frozen hashbrowns (30 oz): The crispy and tender foundation of the casserole that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound): Adds a juicy, savory element that complements the potatoes perfectly when crumbled and cooked.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings sharpness and rich tang for a traditional breakfast cheesiness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Provides gooey melt and a mild balance to the sharper cheddar.
- Large eggs (6): The binding agent that makes the casserole fluffy and satisfying.
- Milk (1 cup): Lightens the eggs to create a custard-like texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warmth and subtle bite.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Contributes subtle depth and a touch of savory aroma.
- Diced bell peppers (1 cup, optional): Introduces vibrant color and fresh crispness if you want a veggie boost.
- Diced onions (1 cup, optional): Adds subtle sweetness and texture, elevating every bite.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): A pop of green that brightens the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial as it allows the casserole to cook evenly from the moment it goes in, ensuring every layer melds together just right.
Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking
This step is a game changer. To guarantee your beautiful casserole slips out easily for serving, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Use butter or non-stick spray for an even coating that won’t interfere with flavors but keeps everything perfectly intact.
Step 3: Layer the Hashbrowns
Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of your greased dish. This forms the base layer and should look like a golden blanket ready to catch all those delicious toppings.
Step 4: Add the Cooked Sausage
Scatter the cooked and crumbled sausage over the hashbrowns. This protein-packed layer adds a fantastic savory note and juicy texture contrast.
Step 5: Combine and Add Cheeses
Mix equal parts shredded cheddar and mozzarella in a bowl. Sprinkle half of this cheesy blend over the sausage, which will melt into ooey-gooey pockets as the casserole bakes.
Step 6: Whisk Together Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. This mixture creates the custard that binds everything and brings gentle richness to every forkful.
Step 7: Pour Egg Mixture and Add Remaining Cheese
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the casserole layers in the baking dish. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. This final layer ensures a golden cheesy crust once baked.
Step 8: Optional Vegetables for Color and Flavor
If you love a bit more freshness, add diced bell peppers and onions atop the cheese layer. They’ll soften in the oven while adding delightful flavor and visual appeal.
Step 9: Bake the Casserole
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the casserole is fully set and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Allow the casserole to cool for several minutes to let it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve. Trust me, patience here makes plating a breeze.
How to Serve Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking
Garnishes
Brighten your serving platter with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top of each slice. This simple finishing touch adds a burst of color and a subtle fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad for balance, cutting through the richness with juicy and refreshing notes. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a hot cup of coffee also complements the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—just remember to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking if you scale the recipe down to fit smaller vessels! You can even garnish each portion with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead breakfast that you can simply heat up.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it’s cooked. If freezing raw, assemble but don’t bake, then wrap the dish tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking, remembering to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking if transferring to a new pan.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving works for quick meals, but baking retains that crisp texture on top.
FAQs
Can I substitute the breakfast sausage with something else?
Absolutely! You can swap out sausage for bacon, ham, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. Each option offers a different flavor profile that complements the hashbrowns and cheese wonderfully.
Do I have to thaw the frozen hashbrowns?
Thawing the hashbrowns improves even cooking and helps achieve the perfect texture, but if you’re short on time, you can use them frozen; just expect a longer bake time and possibly a slightly wetter casserole.
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Feel free to mix in mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. Just remember to adjust seasoning accordingly to keep the balance harmonious.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can swap out cheeses for dairy-free alternatives and use plant-based milk in the egg mixture. The texture will shift slightly but the dish remains delicious and comforting.
Why is it important to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking?
This ensures the casserole cooks evenly without sticking to the pan so you get perfect slices and an easy cleanup every time. Trust me, skipping this step leads to losses of delicious crust and lots of scrubbing!
Final Thoughts
This Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is such a gratifying dish that feels like a special occasion yet comes together with ease. Remembering to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking makes all the difference when it’s time to serve those golden, cheesy slices. Give it a try for your next breakfast or brunch, and prepare to have a new favorite in your recipe collection!
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and delicious Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole featuring layers of crispy hashbrowns, savory breakfast sausage, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all baked to perfection with a creamy egg mixture. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (30 oz) frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer Hashbrowns: Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Sausage: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage evenly over the hashbrown layer.
- Combine Cheeses: In a bowl, mix the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses together, then sprinkle half of this cheese mixture over the sausage layer.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring it is distributed throughout.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining half of the cheese mixture on top of the egg mixture for a cheesy crust.
- Optional Vegetables: If desired, sprinkle diced bell peppers and onions over the top for added flavor and color.
- Bake: Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Thaw the frozen hashbrowns in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a microwave-safe dish to defrost quickly.
- Fully cook and crumble the breakfast sausage before assembling the casserole to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Use whole milk for a richer flavor, or substitute with a lower-fat milk if preferred.
- The casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then baked fresh in the morning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked breakfast sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: hashbrown casserole, breakfast casserole, sausage breakfast bake, cheesy casserole, easy breakfast recipe, brunch casserole
