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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.
Easy to make I prepare it the day before on Saturday night. Then spit oven first thing in the morning, because I have to get to church early
Wow - so easy and delicious!! I did only a 1/2 pound of sausage because I typically do not like too much meat. It was amazing - but also would be fine with the whole pound I think.
My baby loved it too and asked for more 🙂
I’m excited to see its good to freeze- I plan on making a double batch next time so I can freeze half of it.
Thanks for the great recipe!
So happy to hear you enjoyed Bethany! I agree that this casserole works with more or less meat. I just love how versatile it is myself. 🙂
Hi Kristen-
As a single person who works a lot I appreciate simple recipes that are easy to save and enjoy eating multiple times- this sausage breakfast casserole fits that bill! Plus it tastes great.
As an aside I admire your attitude and outlook on your Cystic Fibrosis and life in general- I wish you the best!
First of all, thank you for your kind words and well wishes! I truly appreciate it! I also love hearing you enjoy the breakfast casserole! Thanks for taking the time to drop a comment.
Perfectly savory and so easy to throw together! Yum!
Delicious and so easy! It’s definitely a keeper recipe and is part of our regularly rotated weekend breakfasts. Also makes our house smell so yummy when it’s cooking. I always use a full 32 oz bag of hash browns, increase the eggs to 8-10ish, and cook in a 9x13 pan. I still use the same amount of cheese and sausage, but many times I’ll use maple flavored sausage which adds great flavor. It’s good leftover also, it heats up so easy in the microwave. Thank you for this simple and delicious recipe!
Does the time double if the recipe is doubled?
Hi Santanya! To double this recipe, prepare as directed and bake in a 9x13 pan. The baking time will be same, but if needed add an additional 5-10 minutes.
This is an easy recipe to make. The taste is great and everyone really enjoyed the meal. Letting the hash browns defrost is a key. I have not tried it with bacon yet, but looking forward to replacing with bacon.
Have you tried fresh/ real potatoes? This breakfast casserole looks delicious and I look forward to making it!
Hi Cathy! Yes, but the potatoes must be cooked first. I have diced up baked potatoes and used roasted or air fryer breakfast potatoes as the base with success. Enjoy!
Has anyone ever used cornbread mix in this. ?
I ask cause a restaurant fixed this for a breakfast for my office and could sworn there was cornbread mixed in it. Couldn’t find anyone to ask at the time and just forgot about till saw this recipe
You may be able to use a cornbread mix in place of the egg mixture--pour over sausage and hashbrowns. I haven't tried it myself, but maybe someone else will weigh in!