Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns Delight
If you’re searching for the perfect morning recipe that combines ease, comfort, and deliciousness, look no further than the Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns. This hearty dish brings together savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese to create a breakfast that warms the soul and fuels your day. Whether it’s a weekday treat or a weekend gathering, this casserole is designed to please every palate while being incredibly simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food at its best: Every bite delivers a satisfying blend of savory sausage and crispy potatoes that feels like a warm hug.
- One-dish wonder: Combines all your breakfast favorites into a single casserole for easy prep and cleanup.
- Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for family breakfasts, brunches, or potlucks that need a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable and flexible: You can swap ingredients based on your taste or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Great make-ahead option: Prepares well in advance so you can wake up to a ready-made, piping hot meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with commonly loved breakfast staples, making it simple to gather everything. Each ingredient plays its part by adding texture, flavor, or richness to your Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns.
- Sausage: Use ground breakfast sausage for a juicy, flavorful protein base.
- Hashbrowns: Frozen or fresh shredded potatoes add that essential crispy yet tender texture.
- Eggs: These bind the casserole together and provide a fluffy, protein-packed element.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, adding gooey richness.
- Milk: Incorporate whole or 2% milk to create a creamy egg mixture.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to every bite.
- Bell peppers: For a pop of color and slight crunch, use any color you prefer.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder enhance all the flavors seamlessly.
Variations for Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns
Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this dish. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or how you like your breakfast.
- Swap the sausage: Substitute with bacon, ham, or a plant-based sausage for a different protein profile.
- Go veggie-packed: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese alternatives: Use mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a different gooey texture and taste.
- Dairy-free option: Replace milk and cheese with almond or oat milk plus dairy-free cheese.
- Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat without overwhelming the dish.
How to Make Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Begin by browning the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until no longer pink and crispy bits form, then drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add diced onions and bell peppers and cook until soft and fragrant, which takes about 3-5 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation of the casserole.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. This mixture will set the base for your casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease your baking dish, then layer evenly with hashbrowns, cooked sausage, and sautéed veggies. Pour the egg mixture over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese for a bubbly, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45-55 minutes. The dish is done when the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Pro Tips for Making Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns
- Use room temperature eggs: This helps the eggs mix more evenly and bake better.
- Drain excess sausage grease: Prevents the casserole from becoming soggy or greasy.
- Cover with foil halfway: Helps evenly cook the casserole without burning the cheese.
- Let it rest before serving: Allow about 10 minutes after baking so it firms up and slices nicely.
- Use a non-stick baking dish: Makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
How to Serve Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns
Garnishes
Top with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crisp fruit salad or a light green salad to contrast the rich, hearty flavors of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the casserole into squares and serving on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce for a brunch-style buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover casserole covered in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container, then freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes for larger portions.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and spinach to keep it flavorful and satisfying.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes, you can assemble it the evening prior, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight; just bake it fresh the next morning for the best texture.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is traditional and melts beautifully, but feel free to use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, peel and shred your own potatoes, then squeeze out excess moisture before using to ensure your casserole isn’t watery.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as you use gluten-free sausage and check your seasonings, this casserole is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Give this Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns a try and watch it become your go-to favorite for mornings when you want a dish that’s easy, comforting, and delicious. It’s a wonderful way to start any day fueled by hearty goodness and lots of flavor. Happy baking!
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Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns
Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns is a hearty and comforting one-dish breakfast that combines savory ground sausage, crispy hashbrowns, fluffy eggs, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and makes a satisfying start to your day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
Vegetables
- 4 cups frozen or fresh shredded hashbrowns
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
Dairy & Eggs
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole or 2% milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Begin by browning the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until no longer pink and crispy bits form, then drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onions and bell peppers and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, to build the savory foundation of the casserole.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. This mixture will set the base for your casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease your baking dish, then layer evenly with hashbrowns, cooked sausage, and sautéed veggies. Pour the egg mixture over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese for a bubbly, golden finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45-55 minutes. The dish is done when the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to help the eggs mix more evenly and bake better.
- Drain excess sausage grease to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy or greasy.
- Cover the casserole with foil halfway through baking to cook evenly without burning the cheese.
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes after baking so it firms up and slices nicely.
- Use a non-stick baking dish for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, hashbrown casserole, easy breakfast, make ahead breakfast, gluten free breakfast