Name: Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 oz hash browns; 1 lb sausage; ¼ cup onion; ½ red bell pepper; ½ green bell pepper; 8 eggs; 12 oz evaporated milk; ½ tsp Italian Seasoning; salt and pepper; 2 cups Cheddar Cheese

This hearty hashbrown breakfast casserole combines the delicious flavors of sausage, hash browns, and cheese, all baked into a satisfying and comforting dish. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a weekday breakfast, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Photos of Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this hashbrown breakfast casserole can be commonly found in your home pantry. However, if you don't usually stock up on breakfast sausage, you may need to pick it up from the supermarket. The same applies to evaporated milk, which gives the eggs a creamy richness. Everything else, including the hash browns, cheese, and vegetables, are staples in most households.

Ingredients for Hearty Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

hash browns: These are the base of your casserole, providing a hearty and filling component. You can usually find them in the freezer section of your supermarket.

sausage: Adds protein and a burst of flavor. You can use any kind of breakfast sausage that you prefer.

onion and bell peppers: They add color, flavor, and a bit of crunch to the casserole.

eggs: Eggs are the binding agent in this breakfast casserole, helping to hold everything together.

evaporated milk: This gives the eggs a creamy, rich consistency.

italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds a burst of flavor.

cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, melty element that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

One reader, Blanca Camarena says:

This hearty hashbrown breakfast casserole recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sausage, peppers, and cheese creates a delicious flavor explosion. It's easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. The leftovers are just as tasty, making it a great option for meal prep. Highly recommend trying it out!

Blanca Camarena

Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Breakfast Casserole

How to brown the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain the excess fat before using it in the casserole.

How to prepare the hash browns: If using frozen hash browns, thaw them before using. If using fresh potatoes, grate them and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding to the casserole.

How to bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the casserole for 55 to 65 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.

How To Make Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Start your day right with a yummy breakfast casserole! It’s loaded with tasty hashbrown, savory sausages and creamy cheese for a well-balanced meal.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 55 minutes

Total: 1 hour 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

20ozhash browns,shredded, thawed
1lbsausage,cooked, crumbled and drained
¼cuponion,finely diced
½red bell pepper,diced
½green bell pepper,diced
8eggs
12ozevaporated milk,1 can
½tspItalian seasoning,or your favorite herbs/spices, optional
salt and pepper,to taste
2cupscheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Brown the sausage and drain the fat
Combine the eggs, evaporated milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Set aside ½ cup cheese for the topping.
Place remaining ingredients in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
Pour the egg mixture over the mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until cooked through.

Recipe Notes

Cover and refrigerate overnight if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 672.82kcal
Fat: 41.66g
Saturated Fat: 15.45g
Trans Fat: 0.46g
Monounsaturated Fat: 14.73g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.34g
Carbohydrates: 46.79g
Fiber: 5.67g
Sugar: 12.91g
Protein: 29.05g
Cholesterol: 245.64mg
Sodium: 987.81mg
Calcium: 433.39mg
Potassium: 1053.54mg
Iron: 3.54mg
Vitamin A: 200.77µg
Vitamin C: 22.36mg

Expert Technique Tip for Mastering Hearty Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

When browning the sausage, make sure to break it up into small, crumbly pieces. This will ensure that every bite of your hashbrown breakfast casserole has a bit of savory sausage. Additionally, when whisking the eggs and evaporated milk together, try to achieve a smooth and well-blended mixture. This will result in a more uniform and creamy texture in your finished casserole. Lastly, when baking the casserole, start checking for doneness around the 55-minute mark. The casserole is done when the eggs are set and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Hearty Hashbrown Casserole

Prep ahead: Prepare the hash browns, chop the vegetables, and cook the sausage the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Skip grating the cheese by using pre-shredded cheese to save time and effort.

Bake in advance: Consider baking the casserole the night before and reheating it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

Substitute Ingredients For Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

hash browns - Substitute with shredded sweet potatoes: Shredded sweet potatoes can be used as a healthier alternative to hash browns, adding a touch of natural sweetness to the casserole.
sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage crumbles: For a meat-free option, vegetarian sausage crumbles can be used to provide a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
evaporated milk - Substitute with whole milk: Whole milk can be used as a substitute for evaporated milk, providing a creamy texture to the casserole.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese can be used as a milder alternative to cheddar, adding a creamy and slightly tangy flavor to the casserole.

Presenting Your Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Elevate the hash browns: Create a nest of crispy hash browns as the base of the dish, ensuring they are golden and perfectly seasoned.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped chives and parsley over the casserole for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by delicately placing a few edible flowers on top of the casserole for a visually stunning presentation.
Use a unique serving dish: Present the casserole in a beautiful ceramic baking dish or a rustic cast-iron skillet to add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Accompany with a side salad: Serve the casserole alongside a vibrant mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction: Create an artistic drizzle of balsamic reduction on the plate to add a touch of sweetness and complexity to the dish.

Essential Tools for Making a Hearty Hashbrown Casserole

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly preparing the hash browns and vegetables for the casserole.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the eggs, evaporated milk, and seasonings for the casserole. It allows for easy whisking and blending of ingredients.
Skillet: A skillet is used for browning the sausage and cooking the onions and peppers. It's an essential tool for sautéing and browning ingredients.
9 x 13-inch baking pan: This baking pan is the perfect size for assembling and baking the breakfast casserole. It provides ample space for layering the hash browns, sausage, and egg mixture.
Whisk: A whisk is necessary for blending the eggs, evaporated milk, and seasonings together until smooth. It ensures that the ingredients are well combined for the casserole.
Cheese grater: A cheese grater is used to grate the cheddar cheese for the casserole. It allows for freshly grated cheese to be used, which melts beautifully and adds great flavor to the dish.

Storing and Freezing Your Hearty Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Let the casserole cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the breakfast casserole. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and cover the casserole with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. If the casserole is still frozen, it may take up to an hour to reheat fully.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
For best results, consume the reheated breakfast casserole within 2 days of thawing. Do not refreeze previously frozen casseroles, as this can affect the texture and quality of the dish.

Reheating Leftover Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover breakfast casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top if desired.
Microwave individual portions of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the casserole halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating. Microwaving may result in a slightly softer texture compared to oven reheating.
For a crispy top, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the top is crispy and the casserole is heated through.
If you have a toaster oven, you can reheat individual portions of the casserole. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of the casserole on a toaster oven-safe tray. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and the top is slightly crispy.
For a quick and easy method, reheat individual portions of the casserole in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Place a slice of the casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 3-5 minutes on each side or until warmed through and slightly crispy.

Interesting Trivia About Hashbrown Breakfast Casseroles

The hashbrown breakfast casserole is a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients such as bacon, spinach, or mushrooms to suit different tastes and preferences.

Budget-Friendly Breakfast: Is This Casserole Economical?

This hearty hashbrown breakfast casserole recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The combination of hash browns, sausage, bell peppers, and eggs makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. The ingredients are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15-20, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious breakfast or brunch. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious flavor.

Is This Hearty Breakfast Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?

This hearty hashbrown breakfast casserole recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The dish is high in saturated fat and calories due to the sausage, cheese, and evaporated milk. Additionally, the recipe lacks a significant amount of fiber and nutrients that could be provided by incorporating more vegetables.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the sausage with a leaner protein source, such as turkey sausage or diced chicken breast
Use reduced-fat cheese or decrease the amount of cheese used
Substitute the evaporated milk with a lower-fat alternative, such as skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe by adding more bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
Use a combination of whole eggs and egg whites to reduce the overall cholesterol content
Serve the casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a mixed green salad to boost the nutritional value of the meal

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious breakfast casserole that still satisfies your cravings for a hearty and flavorful morning meal. Remember, moderation is key, and even with healthier modifications, it's essential to be mindful of portion sizes when indulging in this comforting dish.

Editor's Take on This Delightful Breakfast Casserole

This hearty hashbrown breakfast casserole recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and colorful bell peppers create a satisfying base, while the creamy egg and cheese mixture binds everything together. The Italian seasoning adds a subtle depth of flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. This casserole is perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast gathering. It's a comforting and hearty dish that will surely impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.

Enhance Your Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a savory garlic parmesan topping.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze for the perfect balance of flavors.

Honey Sriracha Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots roasted and glazed with a sticky honey sriracha sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.

Tasty Alternatives to Hearty Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings to stuff inside vibrant bell peppers, then bake until tender and delicious.

Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup: Simmer tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy broth together for a comforting and satisfying soup that's perfect for any time of year.

Apple Crisp: Combine sweet and tart apples with a crispy oat topping for a warm and comforting dessert that's perfect for fall or any time you're craving something sweet.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Hearty Hashbrown Casserole

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these delectable bites filled with a savory mixture of sausage, cream cheese, and herbs. The perfect combination of flavors and textures will leave everyone wanting more.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: These crispy fritters are a delightful way to start any meal. The tender zucchini is mixed with herbs and spices, then fried to golden perfection. Serve with a creamy dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with molten chocolate when you cut into it. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm, comforting flavors of apple crisp, with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of caramel swirl ice cream for a delightful treat.

Why trust this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe:

This hearty hashbrown breakfast casserole recipe is a trusted favorite among home cooks. The combination of savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and colorful bell peppers creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. With a generous amount of cheddar cheese and a creamy egg mixture made with evaporated milk, this casserole promises a rich and indulgent breakfast experience. The addition of Italian seasoning adds a delightful aroma and depth of flavor. Trust in the simplicity and heartiness of this recipe to bring warmth and comfort to your morning table.

Want to share your own twist on this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole or discuss tips and tricks? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, you can substitute the sausage with vegetarian sausage or plant-based protein alternatives. You can also add in more vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Simply follow all the steps up to pouring the egg mixture over the ingredients in the baking pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When you're ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator, uncover, and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Then, pour the egg mixture over the ingredients, top with cheese, and bake as directed.

Can I freeze the leftover casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Once it has cooled completely, you can portion the leftovers into individual servings and store them in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

What can I serve with this breakfast casserole?

This hearty hashbrown breakfast casserole pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with fresh fruit, a side of mixed greens, or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. Additionally, you can also serve it with a side of toast, English muffins, or biscuits for a complete and satisfying breakfast.

Can I customize the ingredients in this casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize this casserole to suit your preferences. You can add in extra vegetables, such as diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach, to amp up the nutritional value. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for an extra burst of flavor.