Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is rich, creamy, and satisfying. It can be prepared ahead of time, feeds a crowd easily, and combines familiar breakfast flavors into one dependable dish that bakes evenly every time.
Sausage, Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole: A Creamy, Hearty Breakfast Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty, comforting breakfast casserole layered with crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and creamy pockets of melted cream cheese—perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Spread the hashbrowns evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Top the hashbrowns with cooked sausage and scatter cream cheese cubes evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Letting the casserole rest helps it set cleanly.
- You can assemble it the night before and bake in the morning.
- Add diced bell peppers or green onions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Frozen hashbrowns form the foundation of the casserole. They provide texture and make preparation quick and convenient.
Breakfast sausage adds savory flavor and richness. It brings depth and heartiness to the dish.
Eggs create structure and bind all the ingredients together into a cohesive casserole.
Cream cheese is the key to the creamy texture. It melts into the eggs and hashbrowns, adding richness without dryness.
Shredded cheddar cheese contributes sharpness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Milk helps loosen the egg mixture, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.
Butter adds richness and prevents sticking while enhancing flavor.
Onion provides subtle sweetness and depth when cooked with the sausage.
Salt balances and enhances the flavors of the casserole.
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and contrast.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and greasing a baking dish generously. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces. Add the onion and cook until softened, then remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Stir in the softened cream cheese, mixing until mostly smooth. Add the cooked sausage mixture, hashbrowns, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently until evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake until the casserole is set in the center and lightly golden on top. Allow it to rest briefly before slicing and serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 8 to 10 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and baking time is 45 to 50 minutes. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon breakfast casserole
Replace sausage with cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky variation.
Vegetable-loaded version
Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
Spicy breakfast bake
Use spicy sausage or add diced jalapeños for heat.
Cheese blend option
Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Low-carb variation
Substitute hashbrowns with riced cauliflower for a lighter option.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it the night before and bake in the morning.
Should hashbrowns be thawed?
Yes, thawing ensures even baking and proper texture.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze after baking and cooling for up to two months.
Is cream cheese necessary?
It is key for creaminess, but can be reduced slightly if desired.
What size baking dish works best?
A standard 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage works well as a lighter option.
How do I know it is fully cooked?
The center should be set and not jiggly.
Can I add herbs?
Yes, parsley or chives add freshness.
Is this suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is perfect for brunch gatherings.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use two baking dishes and bake evenly.
Conclusion
Sausage, Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is a rich, comforting breakfast dish that delivers dependable flavor and convenience. With its creamy texture, savory sausage, and hearty base, it is a recipe that works beautifully for both everyday mornings and special occasions.
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