If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast dish that brings together hearty comfort and cheesy goodness, look no further than this Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form, with crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, vibrant peppers, and a luscious blanket of melted cheddar cheese all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a satisfying start to your day, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a show-stopping breakfast that feels both celebratory and cozy at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe impresses because it uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor and texture. From the crispy hashbrowns creating a hearty base to the savory sausage bringing depth, every component counts toward the irresistible finished dish.
- 20 ounces shredded hash browns: The crispy and tender foundation that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 pound ground pork sausage: Adds a juicy, flavorful protein punch that’s essential for heartiness.
- ¼ cup finely diced onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and a mild bite to balance the richness.
- ½ red bell pepper, diced: Brings a pop of color and a subtle sweetness to brighten every bite.
- ½ green bell pepper, diced: Adds crunch and a slight peppery note for complexity.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts into gooey, golden goodness, binding everything together.
- 8 eggs: The rich custard base that keeps the bake tender and cohesive.
- 12 ounces evaporated milk or 1 â…“ cups milk: Adds creaminess and moisture without weighing it down.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): Infuses a subtle herbaceous warmth to elevate the dish.
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and depth.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 3-quart dish. This prep step ensures your bake slides out easily after that golden crust forms, making serving a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Next, brown the sausage in a skillet until it’s no longer pink, then drain off excess fat. Cooking this first lets the savory sausage crumbles develop flavor and prevents your bake from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Vegetables, Hashbrowns, and Cheese
In your prepared dish, mix the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, diced onions, and colorful bell peppers with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This layer packs tons of texture and flavor that will shine through the custard soaking everything.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together your eggs, evaporated (or regular) milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it. This rich custard is the magic glue that binds all those hearty ingredients into one irresistible breakfast bake.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Pour your egg mixture evenly over the hashbrown and sausage mixture in the dish. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top—this finish promises a perfectly melted, golden cheesy crust that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Bake (Or Refrigerate Overnight)
You can either cover with foil and refrigerate overnight for busy mornings or bake right away. Pop it in the preheated oven uncovered for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned and the eggs are set. This flexibility makes the Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe perfect for meal prep or last-minute brunch plans.
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add freshness and a little zing to the rich bake—think chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream. These extras brighten each bite and provide a pleasing visual contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your bake with simple yet complementary sides like crisp fruit salad, toasted English muffins, or even a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These balance savory richness and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this breakfast bake straight from the pan family-style for a cozy brunch vibe, or portion it into individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. You could even cut it into squares and offer toothpicks for a fun breakfast party appetizer twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover portions of this Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before storing to preserve flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this breakfast bake either before or after baking. For best results, assemble and freeze it covered with foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing leftovers, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick breakfast fix, or pop larger portions in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through. The cheese will regain its gooey texture, making every bite just as tasty as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative that works well in this recipe without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to cook and drain it as you would pork sausage.
Is it okay to use frozen hash browns directly?
It’s best to thaw and drain frozen hash browns before using to avoid excess moisture making the bake soggy. Patting them dry with paper towels helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, seasoned tofu crumbles, or a plant-based sausage alternative. The cheese and eggs will still create a rich, satisfying dish.
What kind of cheese works best in this bake?
Cheddar cheese is classic for good reason—it melts beautifully and adds sharpness that balances the savory sausage. Feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend for an interesting twist.
Can I prepare this bake entirely the night before?
Definitely! Assembling and refrigerating the bake overnight allows the flavors to meld and makes morning baking a breeze. Just bake it uncovered the next day for the recommended time.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you serve it. Its combination of comfort, ease, and irresistible flavor makes it a true crowd-pleaser for any morning. I can’t wait for you to try it and share in that cozy breakfast joy with your loved ones!
Print
Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake is a hearty and satisfying morning casserole featuring tender hash browns, flavorful ground pork sausage, colorful bell peppers, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weekend breakfast or brunch, it can be prepared ahead and baked to golden perfection with a creamy egg custard base.
Ingredients
Hashbrown Mixture
- 20 ounces shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 pound ground pork sausage, cooked, crumbled, and drained
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (1 can) or 1â…“ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or preferred herbs/spices (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or a 3-quart baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground pork sausage until it’s no longer pink inside. Once cooked, crumble the sausage and drain any excess fat to keep the bake from becoming greasy.
- Combine Hashbrown Mixture: In the prepared baking dish, mix together the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, finely diced onion, diced red and green bell peppers, and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly to distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, evaporated milk (or regular milk), Kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning thoroughly until well combined to create a smooth custard.
- Assemble and Add Topping: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hashbrown and sausage mixture in the baking dish. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top for a golden cheesy crust.
- Refrigerate or Bake: You can cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight for convenience or bake immediately. When ready, bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate to save time in the morning.
- Use evaporated milk for a richer, creamier texture, or substitute with regular milk if preferred.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and spices beyond Italian seasoning.
- Ensure sausage is thoroughly cooked and drained well to avoid excess grease in the bake.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking before serving for easier slicing.
