Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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

Frozen hash browns: Provides a crispy and hearty base for the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a rich, cheesy flavor.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy texture in the egg mixture.

Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds protein.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish.

When preparing the hash browns for this recipe, make sure they are thoroughly thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. This will help achieve a crispier texture. Additionally, consider browning the hash browns slightly in a skillet before mixing them with the sausage and cheese for added flavor and texture.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled turkey sausage: Turkey sausage is a leaner option and provides a similar flavor profile.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled vegetarian sausage: Vegetarian sausage offers a plant-based alternative while maintaining the texture and taste.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can provide a fresher taste and similar texture.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with sweet potato hash browns: Sweet potato hash browns add a different flavor and a nutritional boost.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and offers a milder flavor.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack cheese adds a bit of spice and a different flavor profile.

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

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk provides a creamy texture and is a good dairy-free option.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes are great for those who are vegan or have egg allergies.

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

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty flavor along with umami notes.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different mineral content and flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different spice profile.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps to maintain its texture and flavor.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, cut the casserole into individual portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. This method ensures that the casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• 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, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• For a quicker reheating option, you can use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
• To maintain the casserole's crispy top, consider reheating in the oven or a toaster oven rather than the microwave, as this will help to keep the cheese topping golden and delicious.
• Always ensure the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating to ensure it is safe to eat.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sausage hash brown 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 let the cheese on top get bubbly and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it 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 needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until the casserole is hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place a portion of the casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.
  5. The hash browns will get a nice crispy texture on the outside.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. This method will give the hash browns a delightful crispiness.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine the cooked sausage, hash browns, and cheese.

• Medium mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, and pepper.

• Whisk: Essential for beating the eggs and mixing them with the milk, salt, and pepper.

• Greased baking dish: The container where the combined mixture is transferred for baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and shredded cheddar cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt and black pepper.

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

• Knife: Handy for cutting and crumbling the cooked sausage if it isn't pre-crumbled.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting and crumbling the sausage.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the dish in the oven and taking it out.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool evenly after baking.

Pre-cook the sausage: Cook and crumble the sausage ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Thaw hash browns overnight: Place the frozen hash browns in the fridge the night before to ensure they are ready to use.

Mix dry ingredients first: Combine the sausage, hash browns, and cheese in a bowl before adding the wet ingredients.

Prepare in advance: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge, then bake it in the morning.