Sausage Hash Brown Casserole

A simple Sausage Hash Brown Casserole is the perfect make-ahead egg dish for any occasion! Prep it the night before and serve the easy breakfast casserole on a holiday brunch buffet, or bake the casserole on Sunday to enjoy quick breakfasts all week long. The combination of eggs, cheese, pork breakfast sausage and shredded hash brown potatoes is a classic recipe with just 15 minutes of prep!

Not only is this sausage hash brown casserole recipe super-easy, but it's one of those convenient dishes that can be made way in advance. That means that there's no last-minute prep or stress for you -- and you can enjoy a warm, comforting meal with your friends and family!

This is seriously the best breakfast casserole because it tastes delicious as is, but it can also be adapted to suit your family's taste preferences. Swap out the sausage for ham or bacon; add some diced vegetables; mix up the cheese flavors -- you get the idea!

How to make Sausage Hash Brown Casserole:

You only need a handful of simple, affordable ingredients and about 15 minutes to prep this dish. Let's get started!

Ingredients for the Make Ahead Sausage Egg Hash Brown Casserole:

• Bag of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
• Bulk pork breakfast sausage
• Eggs
• Whole milk or cream
• Salt, onion powder and garlic powder
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 1: Brown the sausage in a skillet

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture

While the sausage cooks, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), ½ teaspoon salt, onion powder and garlic powder.

Step 3: Arrange Ingredients in the Dish

In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, combine the hash brown potatoes, cooked sausage, 1 cup of cheese and ½ teaspoon salt.

Step 4: Pour Egg Mixture over Top and Finish with Cheese

Pour the egg mixture over the casserole, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with foil and bake the casserole in a 350 degree F oven for 50 minutes. Then remove the cover and return the dish to the oven for about 10-15 more minutes, or until the eggs are set. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before slicing and serving!

What to serve with Sausage Hash Brown Casserole:

This hearty overnight hashbrown casserole goes well with just about any of your favorite brunch dishes. Here are a few delicious options to serve with the casserole:

• Fresh fruit salad
• Bran Muffins
• Brown Sugar Cinnamon Muffins
• Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
• Pumpkin Bread
• Banana Bread
• Baked Buttermilk Pancakes
• Overnight French Toast Casserole
• Southern Fried Apples

Preparation and Storage Tips:

• This easy breakfast casserole with sausage is perfect for entertaining because you can prepare it in advance. The overnight breakfast casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead of time, and then baked according to recipe instructions. Allow the dish to sit on the counter and come to room temperature while the oven preheats.
• Leftover casserole will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• To freeze the casserole: Bake in a freezer safe pan (like a foil disposable pan) and cool completely. Wrap well in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge the night before you plan to eat the casserole. Reheat the casserole in a 350 degree F oven for about 30 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 1 minute.
• This casserole is an easy breakfast or brunch dish, but it's also a convenient weeknight dinner that you can prep ahead.

Cook's Tips and Recipe Variations:

• I prefer using whole milk or cream for this recipe. I don't recommend low-fat or fat-free milk, since the fat in the milk or cream helps create the rich egg custard for the dish.
• Substitute other cheeses for the cheddar. For instance, try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss or Gruyere.
• Add diced, sautéed vegetables to the casserole. You can use mushrooms, onion and bell peppers, for example. A can or two of chopped green chiles would also be delicious!
• Make the breakfast casserole with bacon or ham instead of the sausage. You will need about 2 - 2.5 cups of diced ham or cooked, crumbled bacon.
• Give the dish some "kick" by using spicy sausage.

More breakfast casserole recipes that you might enjoy:

• Sally's Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole
• Dump-and-Bake Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole with Sour Cream
• Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
• Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole
• Spinach Quiche Casserole
• Frittata Casserole

This post was originally published in April, 2016. It was updated in March, 2020.