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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.
Love it make it every year for Christmas Breakfast.
I love hearing that Jackie! Thank you for sharing!
I followed recipe for a Christmas morning breakfast and it was delicious!! Everyone loved it! Thank you! My mom used to make an almost identical recipe but added a layer of Crescent rolls on the bottom. I’ve never been able to get the eggs to set with it, though! Any suggestions?
I am so glad you enjoyed Amanda. As for the casserole with crescent rolls, I have not made that version myself, but my best guess would be that the crescent rolls absorb the eggs and are never really able to "set" up even though safe to eat.
I love easy peasy and this recipe is Great!!!
I would bake the rolled out Crescent rolls for about 5-10 minutes then add the rest of the ingredients.
those extra crescent rolls from a big gathering make an excellent base also
This was simple and delicious. I have to follow a low sodium diet, so no salt was added nor meat. I did add no sodium spices. I also used swiss and gruyere cheese. The recipe is family approved and a "keeper".
Thank you so much!
I am so glad you enjoyed Bonnie! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.
I loved the simple ingredient list of this recipe and we made this for Christmas morning, as instructed for the 32 oz. bag of cubed hash browns in a 9 X 13. Even to my husband's untrained eye it looked too potato-ey, so I removed about 2 cups of potatoes and doubled the egg custard. I also browned onions and bell pepper with the sausage and I'm sorry to say that it was a Christmas morning fail - really bland and still just tasted of potatoes. Unless you're using something like Potatoes O'Brien, the potatoes definitely need more seasonings and I would recommend browning the potatoes first.
I am so sorry to hear this disappointed Mandy. You are the first to report it being bland and too potatoey--but everyone has different tastes.
Can I cook this in advance and then warm up next day?
Absolutely Cassie! Enjoy. Reheat individually in the microwave or in a 300 degree oven for about 20 minutes. Enjoy.
Made this for Christmas morning. Sooo easy and sooo delicious!! Thank you for this scrumptious and simple recipe!
So happy to hear you enjoyed. Merry Christmas.
Would it be OK to add some veggies like peppers and onions? Would it change the baking time anything else I would need to do differently?
So excited for this thank you!
Hi Courtney! I love adding veggies. I just suggest sautéing first so they don't add water content. Everything else remains the same. Enjoy.