This Sausage and Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining savory sausage, tender shredded potatoes, and melted Cheddar cheese into a hearty breakfast dish. The addition of cottage cheese and eggs creates a creamy texture that complements the slight crispiness of the potato crust.
Perfect for feeding a crowd, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for holiday mornings, family gatherings, or weekend brunches. Its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients are sure to make it a favorite at your breakfast table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sage-flavored breakfast sausageAllrecipes
- 3 cups shredded potatoes, drained and pressedAllrecipes
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 (16-ounce) container small curd cottage cheeseAllrecipes
- 12 ounces mild Cheddar cheese, shreddedAllrecipes
- ½ cup onion, shreddedAllrecipes
- 6 jumbo eggsAllrecipes
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until evenly browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease.Allrecipes+1Allrecipes+1
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the shredded potatoes and melted butter, pressing the mixture lightly into the bottom and sides to form a crust.Allrecipes
- In a large bowl, mix together the browned sausage, cottage cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, shredded onion, and eggs until well combined. Pour this mixture over the potato crust in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.Allrecipes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hourAllrecipes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutesFood Network+1Allrecipes+1
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving
Servings: 12 servings
A Hearty and Savory Breakfast Bake to Start Your Day Right
Start your day off with this delicious and comforting Sausage and Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. This dish brings together all the best breakfast flavors—savory sausage, crispy hash browns, rich cheddar cheese, and creamy cottage cheese—into one hearty casserole that’s perfect for any morning or brunch gathering. With its combination of protein-rich eggs and flavorful sausage, this casserole is sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weekday or preparing for a weekend brunch, this dish is incredibly easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free and satisfying start to your day. It also makes for great leftovers, and it’s just as tasty reheated the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole:
- Ease of Preparation: This dish requires minimal effort. Simply brown the sausage, mix the ingredients, and bake. No complicated techniques required.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge overnight. Just pop it in the oven the next morning for a quick, stress-free breakfast.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or need a dish to take to a potluck, this casserole fits the bill. It’s large enough to feed a crowd, and everyone will love the rich, savory flavors.
Why It’s the Ultimate Comfort Food
This casserole is truly comfort food at its finest. The crispy hash brown base offers the perfect crunch, while the sausage brings a savory, juicy element that everyone craves. The eggs and cottage cheese make the dish creamy and satisfying, while the Cheddar cheese ties everything together with a gooey finish. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, one bite at a time.
Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a light green salad to balance out the richness of the casserole. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice, it’s the perfect way to start your day or gather around the table with family and friends.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips:
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the refrigerator, making it a great option for busy mornings. Simply bake it the next morning.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers, they freeze wonderfully! Allow the casserole to cool completely before cutting it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat in the oven for about 20 minutes, or in the microwave for a quicker option.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they’re perfect for breakfast the next day. You can even enjoy it as a brunch or dinner dish—this casserole is versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day.
Add-Ins and Customization Ideas:
- Vegetable Lovers: If you want to sneak in some veggies, consider adding finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture. These will add a burst of color and extra nutrition to the dish.
- Different Meats: Not a fan of sausage? Swap it out for bacon, turkey sausage, or even ground beef for a different twist on this classic breakfast casserole.
- Spice it Up: For those who like a little heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sausage mix for an extra kick.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of different cheeses can change the flavor profile of this casserole and give it a unique twist each time.
Ideal Occasions for Sausage and Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole:
- Holiday Mornings: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving, this casserole is perfect for holiday brunches. It’s easy to make in large quantities, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with both adults and children.
- Weekend Brunches: Gather friends and family for a weekend brunch and serve this hearty casserole with mimosas, fresh fruit, and coffee. It’s a filling dish that will keep everyone satisfied for hours.
- Busy Weekdays: If you’re looking for a quick breakfast during the week, consider prepping this casserole ahead of time. It makes for a great grab-and-go breakfast that you can heat up throughout the week.
- Potluck Dishes: If you’re invited to a potluck or need a dish for a gathering, this breakfast casserole is the way to go. It’s simple to make, serves a crowd, and is guaranteed to please a variety of tastes.
More About the Ingredients:
The key to a great breakfast casserole is using fresh ingredients. The combination of the savory sausage and hearty hash browns creates a foundation that’s both flavorful and filling. The eggs and cheese bring everything together, making it a complete meal in one dish. While this recipe calls for cottage cheese, it can easily be substituted with ricotta or cream cheese for a different texture and flavor.
The hash browns serve as the base layer of this casserole. You can use store-bought frozen hash browns for convenience or shred your own potatoes at home for a fresher option. Either way, the hash browns provide a crispy texture that perfectly complements the creamy eggs and savory sausage.
Serving Ideas:
- Serve with Fresh Fruit: To balance out the richness of the casserole, serve it with a side of fresh fruit, like berries, sliced oranges, or melon.
- Pair with a Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the casserole alongside a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Add a Side of Toast or Biscuits: If you’re looking to make it even more indulgent, serve with a side of buttered toast or warm biscuits.
Conclusion
The Sausage and Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish for any occasion that calls for a delicious, hearty breakfast or brunch. It’s simple to prepare, versatile, and can be customized to suit your tastes, making it a go-to recipe for busy mornings, holiday gatherings, or potlucks. With its savory sausage, crispy hash browns, creamy cheese, and rich eggs, this casserole brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you prepare it ahead of time or enjoy it fresh out of the oven, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit, a light salad, or your favorite breakfast sides, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love. Try this recipe today, and you’ll understand why it’s a breakfast classic that never goes out of style.