There’s something utterly magical about waking up to the smell of breakfast wafting through the house—it’s like a gentle hug that promises a day full of possibilities. With this Easy Hash Brown Egg Casserole, you get the crispy, golden comfort of hash browns mingling with the soft, creamy embrace of eggs, almost like they’re having a little breakfast dance party right in your oven. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the excuse to sneak in some cheese and sausage before noon?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. Spread the thawed hash brown potatoes evenly in the prepared dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage and diced onion until the sausage is browned and crumbled, approximately 10 minutes. Drain the excess fat from the skillet.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns in the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Distribute the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese on top and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake the covered casserole in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove the foil and continue baking for about 10 more minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 2-pound package of frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3696 | Total Fat: 294g | Saturated Fat: 138g | Cholesterol: 1560mg | Sodium: 6852mg | Total Carbohydrate: 180g | Dietary Fiber: 12g | Total Sugars: 12g | Protein: 204g | Vitamin C: 90mg | Calcium: 2910mg | Iron: 18mg | Potassium: 6186mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare the breakfast casserole the night before?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven.
- Can I substitute the pork sausage with another type of meat?
- Absolutely, you can replace pork sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian option to suit your dietary preferences.
- What can I add for extra flavor?
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also incorporate different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
- How can I make this casserole spicier?
- To add some heat, try including diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the egg mixture. You could also use spicy sausage instead of regular pork sausage.
- Is it possible to freeze the casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked casserole by letting it cool completely, then wrapping it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Tips
- Thaw the Hash Browns Completely: Ensure your hash brown potatoes are fully thawed before using them. This will help them cook evenly and prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of your casserole.
- Drain the Sausage Well: After browning and crumbling the sausage, make sure to drain it thoroughly. This will prevent the casserole from becoming greasy and will contribute to a cleaner flavor.
- Layer Ingredients Evenly: When assembling the casserole, layer the hash browns, egg mixture, sausage, and cheese evenly. This ensures that every bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
- Check for Doneness with a Knife: To confirm the casserole is fully cooked, insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the dish is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Equipment
- 8×8-inch casserole dish
- Large skillet
- Whisk
