January 27, 2025

sausage hashbrown casserole

Sausage Hashbrown Casserole

Think of Sausage Hashbrown Casserole as a warm blanket on a chilly morning. This dish combines savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and melted cheese, making it a favorite for many. You can easily customize it by changing the type of sausage or adding veggies. Want to learn how to make this comforting meal? Stick around, and you’ll find a simple recipe that suits any gathering perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this Sausage Hashbrown Casserole, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite for many. Its versatility lets you customize it to your taste. You can choose from different types of sausage, like pork or turkey, or even swap in bacon or ham.

The cheese options are endless, too, from sharp cheddar to pepper jack. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to boost flavor and nutrients. Additionally, the recipe can be adapted to suit personal preferences.

Plus, assembly is easy; just layer everything in a dish. You can make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge.

With a short baking time, it’s perfect for breakfast or brunch, and it serves well for gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser.

History

The sausage hashbrown casserole has its roots in the American breakfast tradition, blending hearty ingredients to create a satisfying dish. Likely born from a need for filling breakfast options, these casseroles first appeared in the early 20th century as home cooks sought easy morning meals. Hashbrowns became popular in American diners during the 1920s, providing a base for many breakfast dishes. The combination of hashbrowns, sausage, and cheese reflects traditional American breakfast flavors, making it an easy-to-prepare meal. Over time, this dish evolved into a beloved brunch favorite, known for its comforting taste and versatility. Today, you can customize it with various sausages and cheeses, ensuring it remains a staple in many households for any occasion. This dish can also be made ahead for convenient meal prep.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 16-30 ounces frozen hashbrowns
– 1 pound breakfast sausage
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup to 1.5 cups milk or cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: diced onions, red peppers, celery, or other vegetables

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 7×11 or 9×13 baking dish. Confirm the hashbrowns are completely thawed and pat them dry to prevent sogginess.
In a skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until it’s fully cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. If desired, add onions, red peppers, or celery and cook until softened.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Layer the hashbrowns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, spread the sausage mixture over the hashbrowns, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the casserole is slightly browned on top. If the edges brown too quickly, cover with foil.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set. Transforming side dishes into main meals can elevate your dining experience.

For best results, consider preparing the casserole the night before and refrigerating it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together.

You can also experiment with different types of sausage to suit your taste, such as turkey, Italian, or even maple sausage. Incorporating various vegetables not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a burst of color and flavor to your dish.

Enjoy creating your own variation of this hearty casserole!

Final Thoughts

Although you might think of casseroles as simple dishes, this Sausage Hashbrown Casserole offers a fantastic way to combine flavors and textures for a satisfying meal.

With a variety of sausage options, you can customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you choose traditional pork sausage or a plant-based alternative, the result is delicious. It’s worth noting that the high-calorie ingredients like smoked sausage and cheese contribute significantly to the overall calorie count.

You can also mix in different cheeses or add nutritious vegetables like spinach and peppers for extra flavor.

FAQ

When making your Sausage Hashbrown Casserole, you might’ve some questions about preparation and ingredients.

You can use different types of sausage, like bacon, ham, or turkey, to change the flavor. For hashbrowns, frozen ones can go right into the dish, but browning them lightly first enhances the taste. Frozen hashbrowns can be added directly from the freezer without thawing, making the preparation even easier.

Feel free to add extras like bell peppers or different cheeses, such as pepper jack or Swiss. If you’re prepping ahead, you can refrigerate the casserole overnight.

Just remember to preheat your oven to 350°F, and cover it with foil while baking to guarantee even cooking. The casserole is ready when the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.

Enjoy it for any meal!