Get ready to savor a warm, hearty breakfast with my Sausage, Egg, Cream Cheese Hash Brown Casserole Delight! This dish combines tasty sausage, creamy cheese, and crispy hash browns into one mouthwatering meal. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it’s easy to make and even easier to share. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready in no time. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– Breakfast sausage
– Frozen hash browns
– Cream cheese
Additional Ingredients
– Eggs
– Shredded cheddar cheese
– Onion
– Milk
Seasonings and Garnish
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Chives for garnish
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delightful casserole. Start with breakfast sausage. You can choose mild or spicy, depending on your taste. The sausage gives the dish its rich flavor. Next, use frozen hash browns. They save time and add a crispy texture.
Cream cheese is the star here. It adds creaminess and binds the dish. For additional ingredients, eggs are essential. They help create a custard-like base. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor that pairs well with sausage. Diced onion brings sweetness and depth. Milk keeps the mixture smooth.
Now, let’s talk about seasoning. Garlic powder and onion powder boost the flavor. They work well with the sausage and cheese. Finally, fresh chives make a great garnish. They add a pop of color and a mild onion taste.
You can find the full recipe in the article to ensure you have everything ready to create this tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven warms up, get a 9×13-inch baking dish ready. Grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook sausage and onion mixture
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Crumble 1 pound of breakfast sausage into the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. Add 1 medium diced onion to the skillet. Stir and cook until the onion softens, which takes about 3-4 minutes. If there is excess fat, drain it.
Mixing Ingredients
1. Combine cream cheese, eggs, and seasonings
In a big mixing bowl, add 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 6 large eggs, and 1/2 cup of milk. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk all these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Layer ingredients in the baking dish
Now, take your greased baking dish and spread 2 cups of thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom. Next, add the sausage and onion mix on top of the hash browns. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the sausage, spreading it gently to cover everything. Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Baking Instructions
1. Bake time and temperature
Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set, and the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Cooling and slicing instructions
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the casserole set up better. After cooling, slice it into squares. For the best look, garnish with freshly chopped chives before serving.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To get the best flavor from your sausage, start with a hot skillet. Crumble the sausage into the pan when it’s warm. This helps it brown nicely. Stir it often to cook evenly. Aim for a deep golden color. This adds flavor to the dish.
Make sure to add the diced onion after the sausage is browned. The onion should cook until it’s soft and clear. This step adds a sweet taste to the dish. Remember to drain any excess fat. This keeps the casserole from being too greasy.
Serving Tips
For a beautiful presentation, serve individual portions on colorful plates. A side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad adds color and balance. You can also place a sprig of chives on top for a pop of green. This looks nice and adds a fresh taste.
Pair the casserole with a light drink. I suggest fresh juice or iced tea. This makes for a complete and tasty meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to change the sausage, try turkey sausage or veggie sausage. Both options work well. For the cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter choice. It keeps the dish creamy.
For a dairy-free option, use nut-based cream cheese. There are many brands available. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty casserole!
Variations
Additional Ingredients to Add
You can make this casserole even better with some extra ingredients. Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. These veggies not only add color but also boost nutrition. You can also swap in your favorite cheese. Cheddar is great, but pepper jack or mozzarella can give it a fun twist.
Flavor Variations
If you like a kick, use spicy sausage instead of mild. Smoked sausage adds a deep flavor, too. You can also sprinkle in spices like paprika or cayenne for some heat. These small changes can create a whole new taste experience.
Dietary Modifications
For those needing gluten-free options, just check the sausage and hash browns. Many brands offer gluten-free versions. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, use cauliflower rice instead of hash browns. This change keeps the dish tasty while fitting your diet plan.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your sausage, egg, cream cheese hash brown casserole fresh, let it cool first. This helps avoid excess moisture in the container. Store it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to use it later, freezing is a great option.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Reheat for about 20 minutes. If you want to use a microwave, heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat.
Freezing Guidelines
To freeze your casserole, let it cool completely. Cut it into individual portions for easy serving. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This helps to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as described above for the best results. Enjoy your meal!
For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Make it up to a day before. Simply follow the recipe steps and cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This helps ensure it cooks all the way through.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:
– Fresh fruit salad
– Simple green salad
– Toast or English muffins
– Fresh coffee or orange juice
These sides balance the dish and add freshness to your meal.
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh hash browns can work well in this recipe. If you choose fresh, make sure to cook them first. Sauté them in a skillet with some oil until they are golden and tender. This step helps avoid excess moisture in your casserole. Your dish will have a nice texture with this adjustment.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Look for a few signs to know your casserole is done. The center should be set and not jiggly. The top should become golden and bubbly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. When you see these signs, your casserole is ready to be enjoyed. For the full recipe, check the link provided!
This article covered a simple breakfast casserole with ingredients like sausage, hash browns, and cream cheese. You learned how to prepare, cook, and store this dish effectively. Remember, you can customize it with extra veggies or different cheeses. Whether you plan to serve it fresh or save some for later, these tips help keep your casserole tasty. Explore different flavors and make it your own. Enjoy creating a hearty meal that everyone will love!
