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Made hash browns, sausage, eggs, and cheese, this Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is exceptionally easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always gets rave reviews.
This is the breakfast casserole recipe you will find yourself turning to again and again. Whether you add veggies, swap the sausage for bacon, or prep in advance, you can't mess it up. It is simple, reliable, and always delicious!
Kristen's Keys for Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
In order to make THE breakfast casserole to beat all others, pay attention to a few key pointers.
- Defrost the hash browns before assembling. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and eggs stay creamy, not watered down.
- Use any meat you like or swap it out for veggies. Pork sausage, turkey sausage, breakfast sausage, chopped cooked bacon, diced ham, or ground beef are all delicious options. As are sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
- Grate your cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make it melt less smoothly. Freshly grated cheese ensures a creamy melt.
5-star Reader Review
For the third year in a row, I've made three pans of this breakfast casserole for our family's Christmas Day brunch. We love this recipe. It's so easy to make and everyone loves it. This is my go to breakfast casserole recipe. Highly recommend. -Debbie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How to Make Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Think of this step by step section as me in the kitchen helping you make this breakfast casserole whether you are an experienced cook or this is your first time in charge of brunch!
Step One: Prepare Meat (or Veggies)
Start this casserole off by browning sausage (or bacon) until cooked through and then drain off any excess grease. If you are using ham, simply dice it up into bite-sized pieces.
👉🏻Adding veggies? If you are using veggies, you will want to sauté chopped veggies in a bit of olive oil until tender before layering in the casserole to enhance their flavor and remove excess moisture.
Step Two: Prepare Egg Mixture
Simply whisk the eggs with the milk, salt, and pepper until combined.
Step Three: Layer Casserole
Spread the defrosted hash browns in an even layer into a greased baking dish and top with the cooked sausage (or other meat/veggies), then sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything and then press lightly so the mixture soaks through.
Step Four: Bake or Chill
Once your breakfast casserole is assembled, you can immediately bake until the eggs are set and the cheese is browned slightly. Alternatively, cover the casserole dish and refrigerate for up to 12 hours prior to baking.
👉🏻Making-Ahead? Let the casserole dish sit at room temperature while the oven preheats to take the chill off. This will ensure your baking dish does not crack due to extreme temperature changes and the casserole bakes evenly.
Recipe Variations
One of the many reasons this hashbrown casserole is a fan-favorite, is because it can be made a million different ways and always seems to turn out delicious. Follow my tried-and-true suggestions below if desired.
- Crispy Hash Browns: Sauté the hash browns in bit of oil over medium-high heat until browned and crispy OR you can bake the hash browns in the baking dish for 10-15 minute prior to adding the remaining ingredients.
- Swap the Hash Browns for Tater Tots: Layer 16 ounces of frozen (still frozen) in the bottom of the baking dish and increase the total baking time by 5-10 minutes.
- Add Peppers and Onions: For added peppers and onions, use frozen or homemade potatoes O'Brien OR sauté peppers and onions before layering over the hash browns.
- Make it Veggie-Forward: Swap the meat for 2 cups of sautéed veggies. Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and broccoli are all great options.
- Increase the Eggs: Keep in mind that the egg mixture will puff up as it bakes, but if you like your casserole really eggy, increase the eggs from 6 to 8. You will likely need to bake 5-10 minutes longer as well.
- Double the Recipe: Double the ingredients and bake as directed in a 9×13 pan.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Any time you are entertaining for breakfast or brunch, it is always a great idea to get a jump start and this hash brown breakfast casserole is just as delicious when baked immediately after assembled, prepared the night before, or reheated after being frozen.
- Overnight Preparation: Assemble the casserole as directed. Instead of baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator when the oven is preheating and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.
- Up to 1 Month in Advance: Assemble and bake in a freezer-safe baking dish. Once baked, cool completely, then wrap with 2 layers of heavy-duty foil. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and then bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F or until warmed through.
Complete Your Menu
This Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is perfect for overnight guests, lazy Saturdays at home, Holiday breakfasts, bridal showers, baby showers, and more!
And while it stands alone as a hearty breakfast, pair it with any of the following for a brunch that everyone will love.
Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Video
Ingredients
- 16 ounces defrosted hash browns
- 1 pound bulk pork or turkey ground sausage
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup milk, or cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃) and lightly grease a 7x11 or 9x9 baking dish.
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Remove from heat and drain off any grease as needed. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, ½ cup milk, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
- Layer 16 ounces defrosted hash browns into the greased baking dish, followed with the cooked sausage. Sprinkle 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese over top the sausage and hashbrowns. Pour the egg mixture over the layered casserole. Use a spoon to push the ingredients down to ensure everything is covered with the egg mixture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until eggs are set and the casserole is slightly browned. Let rest for 5-10 minutes prior to serving.
Equipment
- 7x11 Baking Dish (The lid makes it perfect for prep-ahead!)
- Medium Skillet (I love this nontoxic and versatile one)
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post was originally published in 2018 but has been updated in 2025.
This looks like the perfect casserole for a group. I plan to make this for a group trip coming up. That said I want to prep as much before hand as possible. Does it taste just as good if I freeze it and bake a week or so later? Also if my freezer is a little packed :/ can I prep, cook and store it in the fridge for a few days and bake it again to reheat?
Thanks so much!
Hi Chelsea! This will be a perfect breakfast for a trip, and I always want to prep ahead too.
For this recipe, I would either BAKE a week ahead and then freeze or make up to 3 days ahead, bake and reheat by baking again at 300 until warmed through.
With eggs it is best to bake the casserole and then reheat verses freezing with egg mixture.
Enjoy your trip and this casserole 🙂
Would it still be as tasty if I added all egg whites and only two whole eggs the night before and cooked the casserole the next day?
Hi Jennifer, this casserole will work with egg whites, you may need 6 egg whites and 2 eggs to cover the hashbrowns.It won't be as rich, but still delicious.
IF YOU DOUBLE THE RECIPES WOULD YOU DOUBLE ALL INGREDIENTS?
Yes Jan, you would. And be sure to divide between 2 casserole dishes to cook evenly. Enjoy 🙂
Can this be made in muffin tins for individual servings?
It absolutely can be. Just be sure to grease muffin cups really well or use silicone liners. I would check after 25 minutes cook time as well.
Lost the receipt so Google it. Have Thanksgiving lunch at work and had made this before and was so loved that was asked to bring again for lunch. . I said, it's for breakfast and and boss said just put down lunch casserole. It was so good prople will eat it for lunch.
I am so so glad you all enjoyed so much Sharon! Thanks for sharing that with me 🙂 And I agree, who says you just need to limit this to breakfast 😉
Looks very tasty! I want to try this out, however do you suppose I can I half the recipe and get good results? Smaller pan? Same amount of time baking?
Hi Martha, yes you can cook half the amount in a 1.5 quart baking dish for the same amount of time. Enjoy!
I love how simple this recipe is, it's a kid favorite, no extra green stuff (veggies lol) they loved it!
Thank you!
YAY!!! My kids love this recipe as well!
I love classic breakfast flavors in this super convenient form! Great tips for freezing, too.
Isn't it fun to have all these flavors together? And yes, I LOVE to freeze this to pull out for busy mornings or entertaining.
I saw this recipe just in time to make for my family who is arriving tomorrow to stay for a week. I can't wait to make it and I know it will be fabulous. Breakfast casseroles are wonderful to serve when we have company.
I hope you enjoy your time with your family Joanie and this casserole is loved by all.
Baking times are WAY off here. At 350 degrees, I had to bake the 9x9 dish at almost 45 minutes.
Hey Joe, sorry you had to bake longer than the 35 minutes stated. Every oven is different, but again sorry for you issue.
Hi Michelle! I usually use a 7x11 pan so I wonder if a 9x9 would cause the increase in time. I hope you still enjoy!
Hey is I want to use a 9 x13 dish do I just double everything and use whole bag of hash or do I need 2 bags
Hey there! You just double everything else and use one large bag of hashbrowns. Enjoy. I just prepped this for tomorrow myself.
Would you need to adjust the cook time with a 9x13 dish?
Hi Gail, if you are cooking this exact recipe (not doubling) in a 9x13, you will want to check at 25 minutes, it may still take 30 to 35 minutes depending on your oven, but I like to check at 25 minutes. If you are doubling recipe, set timer for 40 minutes and check. Enjoy
I find this recipe to be very forgiving. I now no longer even measure and just add what I want and it’s still fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing.
I am so glad you are enjoying this breakfast casserole Pam.