Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty and Delicious Start to Your Day
Introduction
Looking for a satisfying and easy-to-make breakfast that will keep you full until lunch? This Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is the perfect choice! Packed with crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, melted cheese, and a creamy egg mixture, this casserole is a hearty and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for a holiday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or simply want a simple yet comforting start to your day, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients for Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
To make this filling breakfast casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns (or about 6 cups of fresh grated potatoes)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper (optional, but adds great flavor and color)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
This recipe can also be customized with different vegetables, meats, or cheeses to fit your tastes.
How to Make Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious and filling breakfast casserole:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s the right temperature when it’s time to bake the casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a spoon to break up the sausage as it cooks so it becomes crumbly. Add chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened. Once everything is cooked through, drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hashbrowns, sausage mixture, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. The hashbrowns will form the base of the casserole and add a hearty texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will be poured over the hashbrowns and sausage, binding everything together and giving the casserole a creamy texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, spread the hashbrown mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring it’s distributed evenly across the entire casserole. If you like your casserole extra cheesy, you can sprinkle more shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top. The casserole should be firm and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top is getting too brown, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes cooking.
Step 7: Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and a mild onion flavor. Serve it up with fresh fruit, toast, or a side of avocado for a complete breakfast!
Customization Tips
This hashbrown breakfast casserole is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients:
- Vegetables: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté the veggies before adding them to the mix to ensure they’re fully cooked.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a different flavor profile. A blend of cheeses can also add extra richness.
- Meat: If you’re not a fan of breakfast sausage, you can use bacon, ham, or turkey sausage instead. If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and add more veggies.
- Spices: Customize the seasonings to suit your tastes. A pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder can add a little heat, while fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a fresh, savory note.
Nutritional Information
While this casserole is hearty and satisfying, it also provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutritional content (per serving):
- Calories: ~350-400 calories (depending on the amount of cheese and sausage used)
- Protein: 18-22g (from the eggs and sausage)
- Fat: 20-25g (mainly from the sausage and cheese)
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g (mainly from the hashbrowns)
- Fiber: 2-3g (if adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach)
Why You’ll Love This Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is a one-dish meal that is perfect for busy mornings when you want something filling and easy to prepare. It’s great for meal prep as well; make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick breakfast throughout the week. The combination of savory sausage, cheesy hashbrowns, and eggs will keep you full and energized until your next meal.
Conclusion
The Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a timeless dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the breakfast table. It’s easy to make, customizable, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings or family gatherings. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or add your own twists, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty texture of this delicious breakfast dish!