Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage: Adds a savory and flavorful protein element to the casserole.

Thawed 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.

Beaten eggs: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness to the casserole.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

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

When cooking the sausage, make sure to break it into small, even pieces as it browns. This ensures that the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the casserole, giving each bite a consistent flavor. Additionally, thoroughly draining the excess fat will prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled turkey sausage: Turkey sausage is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled vegetarian sausage: Vegetarian sausage offers a plant-based alternative while maintaining the savory taste.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can be used for a more natural and less processed option.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with sweet potato hash browns: Sweet potato hash browns add a different flavor profile and additional nutrients.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and a different melting 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 oat milk: Oat milk provides a creamy texture and is a good dairy-free option.

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

• beaten eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a vegan egg replacement.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt offers a different mineral content and flavor profile.

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

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicier kick to the casserole.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature 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.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Cut it into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.

• When ready to enjoy from frozen, thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it may take an additional 10-15 minutes.

• Label your containers with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness. The casserole can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing once the casserole has been thawed.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sausage hash brown breakfast casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 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 again.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, continue heating in 30-second increments until hot.

• Stovetop Method:

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

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, continue heating in 2-minute increments until hot and crispy.

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

• Skillet: Used to cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.

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

• Whisk: Used to beat the eggs and mix them with milk, salt, and pepper.

• Baking dish: Used to transfer the hash brown mixture and bake it in the oven.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk and cheese accurately.

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

• Spatula: Used to stir the hash brown mixture and to transfer it to the baking dish.

• Knife: Used to cut and serve the casserole once it has cooled.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cook and crumble the sausage the night before and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Thaw hash browns overnight: Place the frozen hash browns in the fridge the night before to ensure they are ready to use.

Mix in one bowl: Combine the hash browns, sausage, and cheese in one bowl to minimize cleanup.

Pre-grease the baking dish: Grease the baking dish ahead of time to save a step during assembly.