Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole: A Creamy, Dreamy Morning Delight

Introduction & Inspiration

As a breakfast enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole ticks all the boxes! It’s a delightful combination of classic breakfast flavors with a creamy twist that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). The inspiration for this recipe came from my love of cheesy, savory breakfast casseroles and my desire to create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly use pre-cooked sausage or store-bought hash browns, I encourage you to embrace the freshness and flavor of homemade ingredients whenever possible. This recipe is simple enough that there’s no need for shortcuts, and using quality ingredients will elevate the taste of your casserole. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create a breakfast casserole that’s bursting with a medley of flavors and textures. We’re talking savory sausage, crispy hash browns, creamy eggs, tangy cream cheese, and melted cheddar cheese all in one glorious bite. The combination of these breakfast favorites creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in this delicious breakfast casserole:

• Breakfast Sausage: Choose your favorite type of breakfast sausage, whether it’s mild, hot, or flavored with herbs and spices. The sausage adds a savory depth of flavor and a satisfying texture to the casserole.
• Eggs: Eggs are the foundation of this casserole, providing protein and binding the other ingredients together.
• Milk: Milk adds richness and creaminess to the egg mixture. You can use whole milk, skim milk, or a milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a tangy and creamy layer to the casserole, complementing the savory sausage and eggs.
• Frozen Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns are a convenient and easy-to-use ingredient that provides a crispy texture to the casserole. Be sure to thaw them completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before using.
• Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp and cheesy flavor that melts beautifully over the casserole. You can substitute with your favorite cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the cream cheese mixture.
• Green Onions: Diced green onions add a touch of freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.

Equipment

You’ll need a few essential tools to whip up this breakfast casserole:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Aluminum foil
• Paper towels or clean kitchen towel

Ingredients

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild, hot, or your choice)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole, skim, or a milk alternative)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 1 (30 oz) bag of frozen hash browns, thawed
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup diced green onions (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter or cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage:

1. Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
2. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Hash Browns:

1. Press the thawed hash browns between paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 4: Mix the Cream Cheese and Sour Cream:

1. Combine softened cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl and mix until smooth.
2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and green onions (optional).

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole:

1. Layer hash browns, sausage, and cream cheese mixture in the baking dish.

Step 6: Prepare the Egg Mixture:

1. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Pour the egg mixture over the casserole ingredients.

Step 7: Add the Cheese:

1. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole:

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and set.

Step 9: Cool and Serve:

1. Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Troubleshooting

• Casserole too watery: If the casserole seems watery, you can bake it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow the excess moisture to evaporate. Make sure you’ve squeezed out as much moisture as possible from the hash browns.
• Hash browns not crispy: Ensure the hash browns are thawed completely and well-drained before using. You can also bake them separately for a few minutes to crisp them up before adding them to the casserole.
• Cream cheese mixture not evenly distributed: Make sure the cream cheese is softened and well combined with the sour cream. Spoon it evenly over the sausage layer.

Tips and Variations

• For a spicier kick, use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
• To add more vegetables, you can mix in chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms with the hash browns.
• For a fun twist, try using different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of accompaniments. It pairs well with fresh fruit, toast, avocado, or a side salad. It’s perfect for brunch, potlucks, holidays, or a cozy weekend breakfast with family and friends.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~450
• Fat: ~30g
• Cholesterol: ~200mg
• Sodium: ~900mg
• Carbohydrates: ~20g
• Protein: ~25g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Yields: 8 servings

Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?

A: Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage that you like, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even ground beef or turkey.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

A: Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.