Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole

Introduction

When it comes to breakfast casseroles, few can compete with the rich and hearty flavors of a Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole. This dish quickly became a family favorite in our house. The creamy texture from the cream cheese and sour cream, the savory breakfast sausage, and the crisp hashbrowns make for a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to satisfy any morning craving. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or preparing a filling breakfast for your family, this casserole will be a hit. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the leftovers (if you have any) are just as tasty the next day. Let’s dive into the recipe that makes mornings so much more enjoyable!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty and delicious casserole:

• 1 lb. ground breakfast sausage
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper
• ¼ tsp. onion powder
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder
• 6 eggs
• 32 oz. frozen shredded hashbrowns
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, diced

Instructions

Making this casserole is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps to bring this dish to life:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot before you put the casserole in.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   In a large skillet, cook the ground breakfast sausage over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to mix until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Beat the Eggs:
   In another mixing bowl, crack the 6 eggs and beat them together. Once the eggs are well-beaten, add the cream cheese mixture to the eggs and stir until fully combined.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
   Add the cooked sausage, frozen hashbrowns, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced green onions to the egg and cream cheese mixture. Stir everything until well combined.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
   Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake the Casserole:
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is cooked through. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick or fork into the center—it should come out clean when the casserole is done.
8. Cool and Serve:
   Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra touch of flavor, garnish with diced green onions.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for each serving (based on a 9×13-inch casserole cut into 8 servings):

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of the casserole)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

These numbers are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including prep and cook time)

This casserole is quick to prepare and doesn’t take long to bake, making it perfect for busy mornings or a brunch gathering.

How to Serve

This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:

• As a Main Dish: Serve it as a filling breakfast or brunch option. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as the main dish.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair it with a side of fresh fruit like berries, melons, or citrus to balance out the richness of the casserole.
• With Toast or Biscuits: Serve with a side of toast, English muffins, or buttery biscuits to add some variety and texture to your meal.
• For Meal Prep: This casserole is great for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time, portion it out, and have breakfast ready to go for several days.

Additional Tips

Here are five tips to help you make the perfect casserole:

1. Use Frozen Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded hashbrowns save time and effort. You can even use hashbrowns that have already been seasoned for extra flavor.
2. Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven.
3. Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses can add a unique twist.
4. Drain the Sausage Well: Make sure to drain the sausage well to avoid excess grease in your casserole, which can make it greasy.
5. Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the casserole for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.

Recipe Variations

This casserole is versatile, and you can easily modify it to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations to try:

1. Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.
2. Spicy Sausage: Use spicy breakfast sausage or add a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture for a little heat.
3. Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat or gluten-based ingredients.
4. Cheese Lovers’ Version: Add more cheese! Mix in some mozzarella or Parmesan for an even cheesier casserole.
5. Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, replace the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream, dairy-free yogurt, and almond milk.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs perfectly with the following:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: The sweetness of fresh fruit will balance the richness of the casserole.
• A Green Salad: Serve with a side of mixed greens or arugula for a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Bacon or Sausage: Serve with crispy bacon or sausage links for a classic breakfast pairing.
• Tomato Slices: Fresh tomato slices or a tomato salad can add a fresh, juicy element to the meal.

Freezing and Storage

This casserole is great for meal prepping, and it stores well. Here’s how to freeze and store leftovers:

• Storing Leftovers: After the casserole has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To do this, cool the casserole completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?
   Yes, you can use fresh shredded potatoes, but they may need to be pre-cooked or par-cooked before adding to the casserole.
2. Can I use turkey sausage?
   Yes, you can substitute turkey sausage for a lighter version of the casserole.
3. Can I make this casserole without eggs?
   Eggs are essential for binding the casserole together. However, you can try an egg substitute, such as a flaxseed mixture, but the texture may differ.
4. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
   Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in a larger 13×9 dish or two 9×9 dishes.
5. Can I add vegetables?
   Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be a great addition.
6. Can this be made ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake the next morning.
7. How do I know when the casserole is done?
   The casserole should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
8. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute dairy-free alternatives like plant-based cheese and sour cream for a dairy-free version.
9. Can I add extra cheese?
   Definitely! Adding more cheese will give the casserole an even richer and cheesier texture.
10. How many servings does this casserole make?
    This recipe makes about 8 servings.

Conclusion

This Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is the perfect way to start your day. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory breakfast sausage and crispy hashbrowns. Whether you’re making it for a family breakfast or preparing a brunch for friends, this casserole is sure to impress. With easy ingredients, minimal prep time, and endless variations, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Try it today and enjoy the delicious flavors in every bite!

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