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.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a rich and creamy texture.

Milk: Helps to bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent and adds protein to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

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

When cooking the sausage, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces as it browns. This ensures that the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the casserole, giving every bite a consistent flavor. Additionally, consider using a mix of cheddar cheese and another type of cheese, like Monterey Jack, for a more complex and rich taste.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of breakfast sausage.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage which provides a similar texture and flavor.

• frozen hash browns - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can be used for a fresher taste and texture.

• frozen hash browns - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different flavor profile and are a healthier alternative.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and a gooey texture.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack adds a spicy kick to the casserole.

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

• milk - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half makes the casserole richer and creamier.

• eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes are great for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.

• eggs - Substitute with tofu: Crumbled tofu can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a different kind of saltiness and umami flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used for a slightly different texture and flavor.

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

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds more heat and a different kind of spiciness.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• For short-term storage, transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you plan to freeze the casserole, cut it into individual portions. This makes reheating easier and more convenient.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• For best results, consume frozen casserole within 2-3 months. This ensures the best texture and flavor.
• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• For reheating from frozen, you can either thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator or bake directly from frozen. If baking from frozen, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.
• For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover 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 texture, avoid reheating multiple times. Only reheat the amount you plan to consume.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
  4. Heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top get crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Check the temperature and stir if necessary, then heat for an additional 1-2 minutes until hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place a portion of the casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

• 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, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

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

• Skillet: Essential for cooking the sausage until browned.

• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the hash browns, cooked sausage, and shredded cheese.

• Whisk: Useful for whisking together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

• Baking dish: The container in which the casserole mixture is baked.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the hash brown mixture and transferring it to the baking dish.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk and shredded cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper.

• Knife: Helpful for cutting and serving the casserole once it is baked.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for cutting and serving the casserole.

Pre-cook the sausage: Cook the sausage the night before and store it in the fridge. This will save you time in the morning.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheese to avoid the hassle of shredding it yourself.

Thaw hash browns: Thaw the hash browns overnight in the fridge to reduce cooking time.

Mix ingredients ahead: Combine the hash browns, sausage, and cheese in a bowl the night before. Just add the egg mixture in the morning.

Grease the dish: Grease the baking dish ahead of time to streamline the process.