Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Breakfast sausage: Adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the casserole.

Frozen hashbrowns: Provides a crispy and hearty base for the dish.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to add a rich, cheesy layer.

Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds protein.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy texture in the casserole.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

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

When cooking the sausage, make sure to break it up into small pieces as it browns. This ensures even cooking and better distribution throughout the casserole. Additionally, when combining the hashbrowns, sausage, and cheese in the mixing bowl, use a gentle folding motion to avoid breaking the hashbrowns too much, which helps maintain a desirable texture in the final dish.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of breakfast sausage.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage which provides a similar texture and flavor.

• thawed frozen hashbrowns - Substitute with freshly grated potatoes: Freshly grated potatoes can be used if you prefer a fresher taste and texture.

• thawed frozen hashbrowns - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile and additional nutrients.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and a creamier texture.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese adds a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: For a lower cholesterol option, use an egg substitute or egg whites.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to create a similar texture for a vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in casseroles.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk provides a creamy texture and is a good alternative for those with nut allergies.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a different depth of flavor and umami.

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

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the hashbrowns soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• For long-term storage, cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole or individual portions in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

• To reheat from the freezer, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated casserole. If reheating directly from frozen, increase the baking time to 45-50 minutes, ensuring the center is hot.

• For a quicker reheating option, use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.

• To maintain the texture and flavor of the casserole, avoid reheating multiple times. Only reheat the amount you plan to consume immediately.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese 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 intervals 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 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Cook until the casserole is heated through and the edges are crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a portion of the casserole on a toaster oven-safe tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep the cheese from drying out.
  4. Heat for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Continue heating until the casserole is hot and the top is crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) until it is set and golden brown.

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

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the hashbrowns, sausage, and cheese, and to whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

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

• Baking dish: Used to spread the hashbrown mixture evenly and bake the casserole.

• Spatula: Used to spread and level the hashbrown mixture in the baking dish.

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

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

• Knife: Used to cut and serve the casserole once it is baked.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to cut and serve the casserole.

Use pre-cooked sausage: Save time by using pre-cooked sausage instead of raw. Just heat and mix.

Shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheese to avoid the hassle of grating it yourself.

Pre-mixed eggs: Use liquid eggs from a carton to skip the step of beating eggs.

Microwave hashbrowns: Quickly thaw frozen hashbrowns in the microwave instead of waiting for them to thaw naturally.

One-bowl method: Mix everything in one bowl to reduce cleanup time.