Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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

Hash browns: Provides a crispy and hearty base for the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a rich and creamy texture.

Milk: Helps to bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.

Eggs: Essential for creating the custard-like consistency of the casserole.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

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

When preparing this sausage hash brown breakfast casserole, ensure that the hash browns are thoroughly thawed and patted dry to remove any excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispier texture and prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy. Additionally, consider browning the hash browns slightly in a skillet before mixing them with the other ingredients for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled turkey sausage: Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative 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 option 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 quality.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack offers a similar texture with a slightly different taste.

• 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 suitable for those avoiding dairy.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes are ideal 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 sea salt: Sea salt offers a different mineral content and flavor.

• salt - Substitute with herb salt: Herb salt adds additional flavors from the herbs mixed in.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat without the black specks.

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

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• If you prefer to store individual portions, cut the casserole into squares and place them in airtight containers. This makes it easy to grab a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags.
• Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When you're ready to enjoy the casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating.
• Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating individual portions, you can use the microwave for a quicker option. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
• To maintain the casserole's texture, avoid reheating multiple times. Only reheat the portion you plan to eat immediately.
• If you notice any changes in texture or smell, it's best to discard the casserole to ensure food safety.

• 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 the cheese from drying out.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top get crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Cut a portion of the casserole and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through. If not heated thoroughly, continue 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 the leftover casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated evenly and the edges are crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook. The air fryer will give it a nice crispy texture.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole on a toaster oven-safe tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil and heat for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

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

• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine the cooked sausage, hash browns, and shredded cheese.

• Medium mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper.

• Whisk: Essential for beating the eggs and mixing them with the milk, salt, and pepper.

• Greased baking dish: The vessel in which the casserole mixture is baked; greasing prevents sticking.

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

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt and black pepper.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring the egg mixture into the sausage and hash brown mixture.

• Knife: Handy for cutting the casserole into portions after it has cooled.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to cut the casserole on after baking.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool evenly before serving.

Prepare ingredients in advance: 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 thaw.

Mix wet ingredients ahead: Whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, and pepper and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Use a non-stick spray: Grease the baking dish with non-stick spray to save on cleanup time.