Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe

Imagine the comfort of golden hashbrowns, savory sausage, vibrant veggies, and gooey melted cheese, all coming together in one warming dish—the Hearty Breakfast Hashbrown Bake. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for busy mornings, leisurely brunches, and anytime you want a hearty, satisfying start to your day.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how every ingredient in this Hearty Breakfast Hashbrown Bake pulls its own delicious weight. Nothing tricky here—just simple, everyday staples that come together in the yummiest way!

• Shredded Hash Browns (20 ounces, thawed): These form the golden, starchy backbone of the dish—thaw them fully for the best texture.
• Ground Pork Sausage (1 pound, cooked & drained): Adds protein, robust flavor, and those irresistible savory notes. Breakfast sausage, hot or mild, both work beautifully.
• Finely Diced Onion (¼ cup): This little bit of onion brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that wakes up every bite.
• Red Bell Pepper (½, diced): Pops of color and sweetness—not to mention vitamin C. Use yellow or orange if you’d like!
• Green Bell Pepper (½, diced): For a gentle bitter crunch and classic breakfast flavor. Plus, it looks gorgeous in the finished bake.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Melty, gooey, and perfectly sharp. Use half in the mixture, then sprinkle the rest on top for that picture-perfect cheesy crust.
• Eggs (8 large): The binding magic—eggs set as they bake, holding everything together and adding richness.
• Evaporated Milk (12 ounces/1 can): For creaminess without being too heavy. If you don’t have evaporated milk, regular or non-dairy milk works, too.
• Italian Seasoning or Favorite Herbs (½ teaspoon, optional): A sprinkle adds cozy flavor—try oregano, thyme, or a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
• Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon or to taste): Essential to make all those breakfast flavors shine.
• Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): The finishing touch for a gentle, peppery bite.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Hearty Breakfast Hashbrown Bake is how easy it is to tweak! Mix and match ingredients, go vegetarian, or spice it up however you like—make it the way YOU want.

• Bacon Lover’s Twist: Swap the sausage for a pound of crispy cooked bacon for a smoky, classic brunch flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Ditch the meat and add more sautéed veggies—think mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini—for a colorful, garden-fresh bake.
• Cheese Adventure: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or smoked gouda in place of (or along with) the cheddar for exciting flavors.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use your favorite non-dairy cheese and plant-based milk—this bake doesn’t judge and is so delicious either way!
• Heat It Up: Add a spoonful of salsa, roasted jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce if your crew welcomes a little morning kick.

How to Make Hearty Breakfast Hashbrown Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F if you’re baking right away. Give a 9×13-inch pan (or a 3-quart baking dish) a generous coating of nonstick spray or a light swipe of butter. This ensures easy serving and perfectly golden edges.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble your sausage and cook until it’s perfectly browned and no pink remains. Break up any big clumps—then drain away excess fat. This step builds extra flavor and keeps the casserole from getting greasy.

Step 3: Layer the Hashbrown Base

Toss the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, onions, red and green bell peppers, and about 1½ cups of cheese right into your prepared dish. Mix gently and spread it out evenly, making sure every scoop will have all those flavors.

Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk (or your chosen milk), salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or your favorite herbs. You want everything well combined and nice and fluffy—this liquid gold will soak into all those layers.

Step 5: Pour, Top, and Refrigerate (or Bake!)

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hashbrown base. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. At this stage, you can cover your bake and refrigerate overnight for an effortless morning—or slide it right into the oven if you’re hungry now!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Uncover and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly. If you assembled it ahead and it’s cold from the fridge, let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes and plan on a few extra minutes in the oven. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!

How to Serve Hearty Breakfast Hashbrown Bake

Garnishes

I love finishing this breakfast bake with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley—they add color and an inviting freshness. For extra flavor, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or even a dollop of cool sour cream are all winners on the side.

Side Dishes

For a brunch feast, serve your Hearty Breakfast Hashbrown Bake alongside a bright fruit salad and flaky biscuits, or pair it with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness. Fresh orange juice or coffee seals the breakfast deal!

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking in individual ramekins for personalized servings, or cut the casserole into bite-size squares and skewer with toothpicks for a fun brunch appetizer. A sprinkle of microgreens or colorful radish slices adds a chef-worthy flourish for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The casserole keeps its flavor and texture, making weekday breakfasts a breeze and just as satisfying as day one.

Freezing

This bake freezes like a dream! Wrap portions tightly or use an airtight container. For best results, freeze cooked portions and enjoy within 2–3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop portions in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave single servings in 30-second bursts. Don’t forget: a brief oven warm-up keeps the top crispy and the inside perfectly moist!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a breakfast that truly brings people together, give this Hearty Breakfast Hashbrown Bake a try. It’s hearty, flexible, and guaranteed to put a big, happy smile on every face at your table—enjoy every delicious bite!

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