This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is the perfect hearty dish for breakfast or brunch. It combines savory breakfast sausage, creamy hashbrowns, and fluffy eggs for a crowd-pleasing meal. This casserole is rich, cheesy, and simple to prepare, making it ideal for weekend mornings or special gatherings.

Ingredients for Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole

1x Recipe

• 2 lb. breakfast sausage, ground
• 16 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 32 oz. frozen hashbrown potatoes (shredded or diced)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ tsp. onion powder
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions for Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

2. Cook the Sausage

• In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles. Cook for 7-10 minutesuntil browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.

3. Mix the Sausage and Cream Cheese

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese. Stir until well combined. The cream cheese will add a rich creaminess to the sausage mixture.

4. Layer the Casserole

• In the prepared baking dish, spread the frozen hashbrown potatoes evenly across the bottom.
• Spoon the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the hashbrowns, spreading it evenly to cover the potatoes.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the sausage layer.

5. Prepare the Egg Mixture

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

6. Pour Over the Casserole

• Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage, hashbrowns, and cheese layers, making sure it spreads evenly throughout the casserole.

7. Bake the Casserole

• Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set, the cheese is melted, and the top is golden brown.

8. Cool and Serve

• Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
• Cheese Options: For a cheesier casserole, use a combination of cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
• Customizable: Feel free to add diced peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Just sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole.

Variations for Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole

1. Bacon and Sausage Casserole

• Add cooked, crumbled bacon along with the sausage for an extra layer of savory flavor. This will elevate the casserole with a smoky touch.

2. Spicy Breakfast Casserole

• Use spicy breakfast sausage and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.

3. Vegetarian Hashbrown Casserole

• Substitute the sausage with vegetarian sausage crumbles or simply omit the meat altogether. Add plenty of vegetables such as sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use freshly grated potatoes. Just be sure to pat them dry to remove excess moisture before layering them in the casserole.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! This casserole can be frozen either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If freezing after baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cut into portions and freeze in an airtight container.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

4. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with 2%, half-and-half, or even unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version.

A Hearty Breakfast Favorite

This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With layers of creamy hashbrowns, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a weekend breakfast or prepping ahead for a holiday gathering, this casserole is sure to satisfy!