If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch dish that the whole family will love, look no further than this Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole! With a rich combination of creamy eggs, savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and the tanginess of cream cheese, this casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can whip it up quickly for a busy morning or a lazy weekend brunch.
This dish is packed with flavor and the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory elements. Whether you’re preparing breakfast for a crowd or simply want a cozy, one-pan meal, this casserole will definitely become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole
This casserole is the ultimate all-in-one breakfast. It combines everything you love about a hearty breakfast into one delicious dish! Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this casserole:
- Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this casserole baking in no time.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of eggs, sausage, and hashbrowns creates a filling meal that will keep you full throughout the morning.
- Family-Friendly: With its comforting flavors and creamy texture, this casserole is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
Ingredients
For this Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: You can use spicy or mild sausage depending on your preference.
- 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen hashbrowns: The base of this casserole, providing texture and substance.
- 8 large eggs: The eggs provide the rich, creamy base for the casserole.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This adds creaminess and flavor to the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The classic cheese choice that adds a melt-in-your-mouth layer of flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: This makes the eggs creamy and helps bind everything together.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the casserole.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little spice and flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it crumbles evenly. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns with the cooked sausage. Mix well to distribute the sausage evenly throughout the hashbrowns. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it into an even layer.
Step 3: Make the Egg and Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything together until smooth. The cream cheese will melt into the eggs as you mix, making for a creamy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the egg and cream cheese mixture over the sausage and hashbrown mixture in the baking dish. Gently spread it out with a spatula to ensure it covers the hashbrowns evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole, covering it completely.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown and bubbly. To check if the casserole is done, insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
Step 6: Serve
Once the casserole is finished baking, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, toast, or a side of crispy bacon.
Cook Notes
- Freezing Option: If you want to make this casserole ahead of time, you can assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual. Alternatively, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover the assembled casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- Spicy or Mild: Depending on your preference, you can use spicy breakfast sausage for a little kick or opt for a mild version for a more traditional taste.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheese options like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a cheese blend for different flavors.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies, like diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take on this casserole, replace the sausage with a meat alternative like veggie sausage or crumbled tofu. You can also add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for added texture and flavor.
- Bacon Lovers: Swap the sausage for cooked bacon bits or crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
- Add More Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness, add more cheese on top or incorporate different types of cheese throughout the casserole, like mozzarella, gouda, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Keto Version
This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is already relatively low in carbs, but for a strict keto version, you can make the following adjustments:
- Replace the Hashbrowns: Instead of traditional hashbrowns, use shredded cauliflower or make a low-carb cauliflower rice mix to replace the potatoes. This will keep the casserole low-carb while still providing that hearty texture.
- Full-Fat Dairy: Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream in place of the milk to ensure the casserole remains rich and creamy without adding unnecessary carbs.
Low-Carb Version
For a low-carb version of this casserole, you can make these simple changes:
- Hashbrowns Substitute: Use zucchini, cauliflower rice, or a low-carb potato alternative like radishes to replace the hashbrowns. This keeps the texture without increasing the carbohydrate content.
- Cheese Choices: Opt for low-fat cheese if you’re looking to cut calories while still enjoying the cheesy goodness of the casserole.
This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast or brunch. It’s incredibly easy to make, customizable to your taste, and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just as a regular breakfast treat, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. With its perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy elements, this casserole will have you coming back for more. Enjoy it on its own or serve it alongside your favorite breakfast sides. Whichever way you choose, you’ll love this simple yet delicious meal!
