Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is hands down the BEST breakfast casserole recipe ever! It is an easy recipe made with frozen hash browns, eggs, sausage, and cheese, that everyone loves!
This Breakfast Casserole can feed a crowd, is extremely versatile, can be made allergy-friendly, and it can be prepped the night before or in the morning for an effortless way to entertain for breakfast or brunch. I recommend serving with Overnight Cinnamon Rolls for a holiday breakfast everyone will remember--and one that will be effortless for you to pull together!
Why This is the Best Breakfast Casserole
- It can be made in advance. I prepare this hashbrown breakfast casserole the night before entertaining and then simply bake in the morning. However, it can also be prepped the morning of or baked and frozen for future use. It really is adaptable to what works best for your schedule.
- Allergy-Friendly. This casserole is soy-free and nut-free. And it is easy to find gluten-free breakfast sausage and gluten-free hashbrowns, making this breakfast casserole perfect for those with gluten sensitives or allergies. Just be sure to carefully read both your sausage and hash brown labels.
- Feeds a crowd. This breakfast casserole is hearty and filling and can be doubled easily to feed a crowd large or small.
- Incredibly easy to make. It seriously takes minutes to assemble this breakfast casserole. The hardest part is browning up the breakfast sausage. It truly is an effortless, delicious recipe to use when entertaining at breakfast or brunch.
- Inexpensive. There are no fancy ingredients or specialty items in this breakfast bake, making it very affordable.
- Adaptable: While the hashbrowns, sausage, and cheddar cheese are a classic combo, you can use ham or bacon instead of sausage, add in vegetables, and switch out the cheese for Swiss or Gouda.
- Crowd-Pleaser. Who cares if this is an easy and inexpensive dish if it does not taste good. But the reviews on this breakfast casserole are 5 stars. It is simply delicious.
Ingredients Needed
- Hashbrowns: I suggest using shredded or cubed hashbrowns for this recipe. Even O'Brien style with peppers and onions is a great choice. In fact, I have even used frozen tater tots or hash brown patties with great success. If you would like to start by making your own homemade hash browns which I often do because it is so easy, here is a great step by step recipe for homemade hash browns from Country Cleaver.
- Sausage: I love this casserole made with homemade breakfast sausage, but any breakfast sausage you like works. In fact, this recipe works great with leftover cubed ham, crumbled up cooked bacon, or keep this meatless and add in sauteed vegetables like peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
- Cheese: I love sharp cheddar, as it contrasts with the sausage and eggs well and melts beautifully, but feel free to use any shredded cheese your family likes or has on hand.
- Eggs: This recipe calls for 6 eggs and they will puff up a bit as they bake. However, if you like a thick layer of eggs, increase the number of eggs to 8 instead of 6.
How to make Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
This hash brown breakfast casserole is almost TOO easy--which let's be honest, that is EXACTLY what you need when entertaining or holiday breakfasts.
Step One: Layer defrosted hash browns in a greased casserole dish.
Yes, you can brown your hash browns first in a skillet--but there is NO need to take this step unless of course, you are craving the texture of crispy hash browns mixed with creamy eggs.
If you are desiring, crispier hash browns, I would recommend browning the hash browns ups in the oven for 10-15 minutes before adding the remaining ingredients. This way, you save yourself the step (and extra dish) of browning in the skillet.
Step Two: Layer the hash browns with browned sausage.
Brown up sausage, breaking into small pieces as it cooks, and then drain off any excess grease. Layer the sausage evenly over the potatoes. If you are using ham, bacon, or vegetables, be sure to sprinkle over the potatoes evenly as well.
Step Three: Sprinkle cheese over top of the sausage and hash browns.
Wondering why I put the cheese on now before I add the egg custard?
This helps the cheese to be in every bite of the casserole, not just one gooey layer on top. But hey, if you are craving gooey, layers of slightly browned cheese like a classic lasagna, put the cheese on top of the egg mixture.
Step Four: Mix together the eggs with seasonings and milk and pour over the layers of hash browns, sausage, and cheese.
The eggs will puff up as they bake, but feel free to use 2-3 more eggs if you like your breakfast casserole with a thick layer of eggs--just keep in mind that you will need to increase bake time by 10 to 15 minutes. If you add in more sausage than this recipe calls for, you will need to increase the number of eggs used as well.
Step Five: Bake and serve.
Once your breakfast casserole is assembled, you can immediately bake until the eggs are set and the cheese is browned slightly.
Preparing in Advance
If you are looking for an overnight breakfast casserole, this recipe is perfect for you!
I have made this casserole many times the night before baking. Just assemble as you would up to pouring the eggs over the hash browns and then cover 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.
Easy-peasy and perfect for when you are entertaining.
In fact, you can even FREEZE this breakfast casserole for later use. Bake in a freezer-safe pan (like a foil disposable pan) and cool completely. Wrap well in foil and freeze. Defrost in fridge night before planning to eat and then cook for 30 minutes at 350 or until warmed through.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- It is best to use DEFROSTED hashbrowns for this recipe. You can brown your hash browns first before layering in your baking dish if you prefer the texture of crispy hash browns mixed with creamy eggs.
- If you opt to use tater tots instead of hashbrowns, do not defrost before layering in your casserole, but you will need to increase bake time by 5-10 minutes.
- Feel free to use only ½ pound of sausage instead of a full pound if you would like to cut back on the amount of sausage used.
- This breakfast casserole recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd. Most bags of frozen hash browns come in 32 ounces and this recipe only calls for 16 ounces. Prepare as directed, but bake in a 9x13 pan.
- Feel free to add an additional 2 eggs to the custard if you like a really thick layer of eggs--just increase the bake time by 10 minutes.
- Be sure your pan is a 9x9 or 11x7 or you may need to increase bake time by 10 minutes.
More Breakfast Casserole Recipes
- Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole
- Green Chile Egg Casserole
- Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole
If you made this Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole I would love for you to leave a comment and a review below! I love to hear from you!
Easy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen hashbrowns defrosted (this is usually half a bag)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage browned
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 6 eggs
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and brown sausage.Â
- Layer defrosted hash browns in greased 7x11 or 9x9 casserole dish.
- Layer the browned sausage over the hashbrowns.
- Sprinkle cheese over top the sausage and hashbrowns
- Mix together the eggs with seasonings and milk and pour over the layers of hashbrowns, sausage, and cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until eggs are set.Â
Notes
- Hashbrowns: You can brown your hash browns first if you prefer the texture of crispy hash browns mixed with creamy eggs. You can also opt to use fresh or frozen hashbrowns, just be sure they are defrosted before preparing this casserole.Â
- To make this casserole the night before serving: assemble as you would up through step five and then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove the casserole when preheating the oven and remove the plastic wrap. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the total baking time in the morning.
- I love sharp cheddar for this sausage breakfast casserole, but Gruyere, Swiss, Gouda, or Mozzarella works.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd. Most bags of frozen hash browns come in 32 ounces and this recipe only calls for 16 ounces. Prepare as directed, but bake in a 9x13 pan.Â
- Feel free to add an additional 2 eggs to the custard if you like a really thick layer of eggs--just increase the bake time by 10 minutes.Â
- Be sure your pan is a 9x9 or 11x7 or you may need to increase bake time by 10 minutes.Â
Cynthia
I made this for a ladies brunch I held the day before my daughter’s wedding. The age group ranged from 14 years old to 93 years old. This dish was a hit and I had people asking for the recipe. I felt bad that the men in the family didn’t get to try it (no leftovers) so I’m making it for our Christmas morning gathering. It was so easy and inexpensive to make. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so very glad you enjoyed this recipe so much you will be making again for Christmas! Take care and wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Denise T
Perfect for Christmas morning with the family. I need to double it because the family love it
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you and your family enjoy this recipe Denise.
Hanna
Definitely not long enough cook time. I've made this recipe twice now. The first time I lost track of how long it cooked because I had to keep adding time. The second time, after researching similar recipes, I started with one hour and let it set for 10 minutes "to firm up" as a similar recipe suggested. The corner pieces were edible, but the middle piece was still totally runny! I cooked it at 350°, so I'm not sure what's up with it.
Other than that issue the recipe is good. I add some onion powder and garlic powder to give a little more flavor.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Hanna! I am glad you enjoyed the flavor, but sorry you struggled with the bake time. If you can, let me know the size pan you used and if you hash browns were fully thawed, that would help me troubleshoot your issue.
Hanna Lay
It was 8x8 pan and the hashbrowns were fully thawed. Maybe a bigger pan?
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for letting me know Hanna--I do prefer an 11x7 pan 🙂
Marta
Can you freeZe this after cooking?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Marta! You can freeze this casserole up to 30 days. Bake as instructed, let cool, and then wrap in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. When ready to eat, remove from freezer, remove foil, and plastic wrap and cover with foil. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes covered, and an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered or until warmed through. I like to wrap up leftover and freeze for individual breakfasts. I just do that by wrapping a serving in plastic wrap and then foil. I unwrap and warm in the microwave. Hope that helps!
Lorrie
Nothing more comforting to me than breakfast for dinner after a long day! I assembled it in the morning then added the eggs and baked while I changed into comfy clothes! Ended my day perfectly!! I also added chopped green onions! Family loved it! I will use this recipe on a very regular basis!!!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so happy you and your family enjoyed this breakfast casserole Lorrie! Honored that my recipe will be a regular at your house 🙂
Laura Coufalik
Simple, easy, fast meal that was delicious. I replaced frozen sweet potato tots for the hash browns and added red bell pepper and spinach.
Kristen Chidsey
What a great idea to use frozen sweet potato tots! I am so glad you enjoyed Laura!
Randa
Big hit with our college kids group’s Sunday School class at church!
Kristen Chidsey
I absolutely LOVE hearing this Randa! Thank you for sharing!
Roshelle
I came across your recipe and made it for breakfast this morning. I tweaked it a little adding ham bites to the sausage. I also mixed the meat, eggs and some of the cheese together pouring over the hashbrowns and topping with the rest of the cheese. It was a hit with the family!
Kristen Chidsey
So glad you and your family enjoyed Roshelle! And that you were able to adapt this recipe for your family.
Holly
How long should this cook if i double the recipe in a 9x13 pan?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Holly! You may need an extra 10-15 minutes.
Randa
Holly, did your casserole in the 9 x 13 pan come out well when adding the extra time suggested? I wondered if it might need to be covered for a bit to keep the cheese from burning.
Amy
If I baked this in a 9 by 13 pan, should I reduce the baking time?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Amy! I would start checking after 30 minutes 😊
Elizabeth
I made this for a brunch for my book club. I sauteed red and green peppers and an onion and combined it with the sausage. My biggest tweak to the recipe was using veggie "sausage" rather than meat sausage, since some of the ladies are vegetarians. This was a hit with both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Kristen Chidsey
Oh I love that you accommodated vegetarians and that you all enjoyed this recipe! Thanks for sharing Elizabeth!
Monica Martin
One of the best breakfast casserole recipes I've found. Delicious and easy! I made it and baked in the morning. I did bake for 40 minutes. I put in a glass 8x8. It's was still liquid so it needed more time. So I added 15 minutes. So it probably takes 55 minutes from refrigerator to oven. I might lay a piece of aluminum foil on the top to prevent it getting too brown maybe that last 15 minutes next time. Trying bacon next time around! Thank you!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed Monica! And thanks for the notes on timing for you personally--that may help others 🙂
Allison
I'm planning to make this for a group of 10 adults and 5 kids all under 4. Would you recommen doubling or 4x recipe? Sounds yummy!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Allison! I am so glad you found this recipe--I just know your guests will love it. If you are serving this alone, I would 4x it--Just make 2 9x13 pans. If you are serving other hearty recipes, just doubling should be fine.
Kim
This is an easy and yummy recipe! I added a few extra eggs, and used a combination of regular shredded hash browns and potatoes O'Brien (just to use up the partial bags that I had in the freezer). I liked the little extra flavor from the peppers and onions in the potatoes O'Brien.
Kristen Chidsey
So glad you enjoyed Kim! I love the addition of peppers and onions myself.
Judy Goggans
Could you reheat individual servings in the microwave?
Kristen Chidsey
Yes absolutely Judy! I would cover with a paper towel and heat for 1 minute.
Patricia
I tried your recipe this morning. We use turkey sausage, but it doesn't have a spicy taste I like. Recently we have been enjoying turkey pepperoni. I pinched the pepperoni into chopped onion sized pieces using about 12 pepperoni. The taste was great. It was all eaten. Even my husband had 3 helpings. He doesn't like egg things. I wanted to let you know I used my Air Fryer to cook the casserole. 25 minutes on bake a cake worked great. Thanks for a successful brunch today!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Patricia! I am so happy you enjoyed the casserole. I love the idea of using pepperoni to add flavor and thank you for the timing for how to cook this breakfast casserole in the air fryer--I am sure that will help others!