This hearty hashbrown breakfast casserole is a morning winner! It’s packed with crispy hashbrowns, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, making it a delicious start to your day.
Honestly, who can resist cheesy goodness? I love popping this in the oven while I sip my coffee. It’s so easy, and leftovers are great too—if there are any left! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns are a time-saver here. If you prefer fresh, you can use grated potatoes, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture. It makes a difference!
Breakfast Sausage: Any breakfast sausage works great, but feel free to substitute turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
Bell Peppers and Onion: The combination of red and green peppers adds color, but you can use yellow or orange peppers if that’s what you have. You can also skip them and add your favorite veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a little kick. Dairy-free cheese works as well!
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt or plain yogurt can replace sour cream for a healthier option. It gives the same creamy texture!
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the cook time just right for casseroles can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you hit the sweet spot:
- Make sure to bake uncovered; this helps the top get golden and crispy. A cover can trap steam and leave it soggy.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
- If you notice the edges browning too fast, you can cover them lightly with foil.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This will help it hold its shape and makes for a neater serving!
Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and about 45-55 minutes of baking time. After baking, let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. So, you’re looking at about an hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This will make it easier to serve your tasty casserole!
2. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, milk, salt, and black pepper until everything is well blended. This creamy mixture is the base of your casserole, so make sure it’s smooth.
3. Combine with Hashbrowns and Veggies:
Next, add the thawed hashbrowns, crumbled sausage, diced red and green bell peppers, and diced onion into the egg mixture. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated. This step brings so much flavor to the casserole!
4. Pour into the Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if needed. This helps it cook uniformly.
5. Cheese it Up!
Generously sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. Cheese makes everything better, right?
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set in the center and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Just a little bit of patience here!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, give it a cool-down period of about 5 minutes. This helps with slicing! Then, garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the casserole into squares and serve warm. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. Enjoy this delicious start to your day!
This casserole is not only satisfying and cheesy but also fantastic for making ahead, feeding a crowd, or simply enjoying the leftovers. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Fresh Hashbrowns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh grated potatoes, just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture. This will help prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before. Simply store it covered in the refrigerator and bake it in the morning when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Add Different Vegetables or Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini can be great additions. Just keep in mind that some veggies may need to be cooked beforehand to avoid excess moisture.