The Ultimate Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole : Easy & Crowd-Pleasing Recipe)

Mornings don’t get much better than this Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole. It’s warm, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy — the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with comfort and your table with smiles. With layers of golden hash browns, flavorful sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, this breakfast bake is a one-pan wonder perfect for feeding a crowd.

Whether you’re preparing for a holiday brunch, a lazy Sunday morning, or a busy weekday where you want to plan ahead, this easy breakfast casserole checks every box. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and even better when prepared ahead of time.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish such a breakfast classic — and why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

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What Is a Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole?

A Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a baked egg dish layered with cooked sausage, shredded cheese, and crispy hash browns. Think of it as an egg bake and hash brown casserole in one. Everything comes together in a single casserole dish, creating a fluffy, savory, and satisfying breakfast that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to pull together.

The best part? It can be prepped ahead of time, making it ideal for holidays like Christmas morning, family brunches, or meal prep for busy weeks. Bake it fresh or make it as an overnight breakfast casserole with hash browns — either way, it turns out beautifully golden, cheesy, and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole

• Perfect for feeding a crowd — serves 6–8 comfortably.
• Customizable — swap sausage for bacon, veggies, or turkey sausage.
• Make-ahead friendly — refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning.
• Comforting yet balanced — full of protein and flavor without being too heavy.
• Freezer-friendly — keeps beautifully for meal prep or busy mornings.

It’s the Best Breakfast Casserole you’ll ever make — hearty, cheesy, and ready to serve whenever you need it most.

Ingredients Overview and Substitutions

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole:

• Breakfast sausage: Choose mild or spicy based on your taste. You can substitute with turkey sausage, vegetarian sausage, or even ground chicken.
• Hash browns: Shredded frozen hash browns are perfect for convenience. For a Healthy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, use low-fat or fresh grated potatoes.
• Eggs: Provide the structure and create that soft, baked-egg texture.
• Milk or half-and-half: Adds creaminess and helps the eggs bake evenly.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
• Onion and bell pepper: Add texture and subtle sweetness.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika keep things balanced and flavorful.

Optional additions include spinach, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or chopped green onions — this casserole loves variety!

Full Ingredient List with Measurements

• 1 pound (450 g) breakfast sausage
• 1 (20-ounce / 567 g) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk or half-and-half
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup (80 g) diced onion
• ½ cup (80 g) diced red or green bell pepper
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives for garnish

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Essential Kitchen Equipment

Before you start, gather these tools:

• 9×13-inch (33×23 cm) casserole dish
• Skillet or frying pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Aluminum foil

Having everything ready makes prep fast and cleanup effortless.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Hash Browns

If using frozen hash browns, make sure they’re thawed and patted dry to prevent sogginess. Spread them evenly into the bottom of the greased casserole dish.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Sausage

Scatter the onions and bell peppers evenly over the hash browns, followed by the cooked sausage. This layering gives every bite a mix of texture and flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.

Step 5: Whisk the Eggs and Milk

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the casserole dish.

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Step 6: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh finish.

And there you have it — the most delicious, golden, bubbly Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole ready to make your morning amazing.

How to Make It Ahead or Overnight

Want to make mornings stress-free? This casserole is perfect for make-ahead breakfast or overnight meal prep:

• Assemble the night before: Prepare everything as directed but don’t bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• In the morning: Remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Bake as directed.
• Freeze for later: Assemble, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 60–70 minutes.

This flexibility makes it ideal for holidays, brunch buffets, or busy weekday mornings.

Variations and Customization Ideas

This Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is endlessly adaptable. Try these flavor twists to make it your own:

• Vegetable-packed: Add spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini for a nutrient boost.
• Tex-Mex style: Mix in diced jalapeños, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese.
• Biscuit layer: For a Breakfast Casserole With Biscuits And Hash Browns, use halved refrigerated biscuits as the bottom layer.
• Healthy version: Swap full-fat cheese for low-fat cheese and use turkey sausage.
• Mediterranean flair: Add feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.

If you enjoy casseroles that bring comfort and flavor, check out the Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake from Lyndy’s Kitchen — another make-ahead favorite perfect for brunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using frozen hash browns straight from the freezer — always thaw and dry them to avoid sogginess.
2. Not seasoning the layers — each layer needs flavor for the best taste.
3. Overbaking — this can make the eggs rubbery. The center should jiggle slightly when done.
4. Skipping the rest time — resting helps the casserole set for clean slices.
5. Adding too much liquid — too much milk or cream will make it watery.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

This dish is as beautiful as it is tasty! For presentation, top it with chopped herbs, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of extra cheese right before serving.

Serving ideas:

• Serve with fresh fruit salad, muffins, or toast.
• Pair with yogurt parfaits or mini pancakes for a breakfast spread.
• Cut into squares for grab-and-go breakfast portions.

It’s the perfect dish for holiday mornings, brunch parties, or meal prep for the week.

How to Store and Reheat Breakfast Casserole

To store: Cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute, or reheat the full dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes.

To freeze: Wrap portions tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pairings: What Goes Best With Breakfast Casserole

This casserole pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory breakfast sides:

• Fresh fruit salad or sliced oranges
• Warm biscuits or toast
• Simple green salad for brunch balance
• Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake for a sweet companion dish
• A glass of fresh orange juice, tea, or coffee

It’s a complete breakfast that looks stunning on any table.

Healthier Alternatives and Light Versions

If you want to make this Healthy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, try:

• Using egg whites or a mix of whole eggs and whites.
• Swapping turkey sausage for pork sausage.
• Using reduced-fat cheese and skim milk.
• Adding more vegetables for fiber and volume.
• Replacing hash browns with shredded sweet potatoes for natural sweetness.

These adjustments keep the casserole satisfying while reducing calories and fat.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! Grate fresh potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture before layering.

2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely — skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.

3. Can I prepare it two days ahead?
You can, but for best texture, assemble no more than 24 hours before baking.

4. How can I tell when it’s done baking?
The center should be set and slightly firm to the touch. A knife inserted should come out clean.

5. Can I use biscuit dough instead of hash browns?
Yes! For a fluffier version, try the Breakfast Casserole With Biscuits And Hash Browns variation.

Conclusion and Call to Action

This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole is everything a morning meal should be — warm, comforting, filling, and effortlessly delicious. Whether you make it for Christmas morning, a Sunday brunch, or meal prep for the week, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Make it once, and it’ll be your go-to breakfast recipe forever. Every bite of cheesy hash brown goodness reminds you that mornings don’t have to be complicated — just delicious.

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