If you are craving a hearty, comforting breakfast or brunch dish that feels like a warm hug, this Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with layers of rich, creamy textures, spicy sausage, fluffy eggs, and golden hashbrowns, this casserole is pure magic from the first bite. It’s the kind of recipe that brings family and friends together, making mornings extra special with its irresistible aroma and satisfying flavors. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this crowd-pleaser again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the key to unlocking the full delicious potential of this dish. The combination is simple but thoughtfully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and color, creating a casserole that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to your taste buds.
- 30 oz frozen hashbrowns: These provide the perfect crispy and tender potato base that soaks up all the flavors.
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage: Adds a flavorful kick and meaty richness that makes this dish irresistible.
- 6 large eggs: Offer structure and fluffiness, binding everything together wonderfully.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Gives the casserole a luscious creaminess and smooth texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar & mozzarella blend): Brings gooey, melty goodness and a perfect balance of sharpness and mild creaminess.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the mixture and keeps it moist without making it soggy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and round out all the flavors.
How to Make Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to make sure it’s ready to work its magic when your casserole is assembled. Grease a large baking dish with cooking spray or butter—this prevents sticking and helps develop those delicious golden edges.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your spicy Italian sausage until it’s browned and crumbly. This step releases all those wonderful savory flavors and a bit of fat, which will enrich the dish as it bakes.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, frozen hashbrowns, softened cream cheese, eggs, milk, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to create a homogenous mixture, ensuring each bite will be flavorful and rich.
Step 4: Add Half the Cheese
Fold in half of your shredded cheddar and mozzarella blend into the casserole mixture. This adds melty pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the dish, making every mouthful a comforting delight.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour the mixture evenly into your greased baking dish and spread it out smoothly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, creating a luscious cheesy crust that will brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top with bubbling cheese and a set center—no wobbly egg mixture here, but creamy and perfectly cooked.
How to Serve Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh pop of color and flavor by garnishing your casserole with chopped green onions, freshly chopped parsley, or a dollop of sour cream. These simple touches brighten the dish and balance the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with citrus dressing offers a refreshing contrast. Crispy bacon or a side of roasted vegetables also make perfect companions for a more substantial meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming brunch presentation or sprinkle some chili flakes for an extra kick. You can also top each serving with avocado slices or hot sauce to suit your guests’ tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Its flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s breakfast just as enjoyable.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole baked or unbaked. For best results, cool it completely if baked, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for prepping meals ahead of time.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through and bubbly. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this casserole?
Absolutely! While spicy Italian sausage adds a lovely kick, you can use mild sausage, breakfast sausage links, or even turkey sausage based on your preference. Just adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is it important to soften the cream cheese first?
Yes, softening the cream cheese helps it blend smoothly into the casserole mixture, preventing lumps and ensuring an even creamy texture throughout.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or a plant-based sausage alternative to keep it flavorful and hearty.
What’s the best cheese blend to use?
A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives you the perfect balance of melty stretch and rich flavor, but you can experiment with pepper jack or gouda for different tastes.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning?
Yes! Prepare the casserole the evening before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is truly a game-changer for breakfast and brunch gatherings. It brings together simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a beloved favorite. Don’t hesitate to dive in and impress your friends and family with this warm, cheesy, hearty delight—it’s a recipe you’ll cherish making time and again.
Print
Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty and flavorful breakfast bake perfect for feeding a crowd. Combining savory spicy Italian sausage with creamy eggs, smooth cream cheese, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, it delivers a comforting and satisfying morning meal that’s easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 30 oz frozen hashbrowns
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar & mozzarella blend)
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a large baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the spicy Italian sausage until it is fully browned and crumbly, breaking it apart as it cooks for even texture and flavor.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, frozen hashbrowns, softened cream cheese, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Add Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheese blend into the mixture, distributing the cheese evenly throughout the batter.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth the surface. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle.
Notes
- You can swap spicy Italian sausage with mild sausage if you prefer a less spicy flavor.
- Ensure the hashbrowns are fully thawed or partially thawed for better texture in the casserole.
- Feel free to add chopped onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set before serving.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
