Step 1: Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage:
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Hash Browns:
- Press the thawed hash browns between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 4: Mix the Cream Cheese and Sour Cream:
- Combine softened cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl and mix until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, and green onions (optional).
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer hash browns, sausage, and cream cheese mixture in the baking dish.
Step 6: Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pour the egg mixture over the casserole ingredients.
Step 7: Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Step 9: Cool and Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.