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Crispy Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Slice

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This easy make-ahead breakfast casserole features a crispy hash brown base, savory sausage, and a gooey blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or meal prep, it’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort and flavor in every slice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 oz frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and patted dry
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage, casings removed
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt, black pepper, and paprika, to taste
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced (optional)
  • Hot sauce, a few dashes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, toss thawed hash browns with melted butter, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly into the bottom of the baking dish and press down firmly.
  3. Bake hash brown base for 20 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  4. While hash browns bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook another 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Drain excess fat.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Add hot sauce if desired.
  6. Spread sausage mixture evenly over baked hash brown base. Pour egg and cheese mixture over sausage. Sprinkle with optional bell peppers or green onions.
  7. Gently shake the dish to settle the filling.
  8. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until puffed, golden, and bubbling at the edges. If the center jiggles, bake for another 5 minutes. For extra crispy cheese, broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  9. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs, extra cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.

Notes

For best results, dry hash browns thoroughly and pre-bake for a crispy base. Brown sausage well for deeper flavor. Mix cheese into eggs and save some for topping. Broil briefly for extra crunch. Let casserole rest before slicing for neat servings. Easily customize with veggies, different cheeses, or vegetarian sausage.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, hash brown casserole, sausage breakfast, cheesy brunch, make ahead breakfast, easy brunch recipe, comfort food, meal prep breakfast

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/crispy-cheesy-sausage-hash-brown-breakfast-casserole-slice-easy-make-ahead-brunch-recipe/