03/16/2026
Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole
1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), casings removed
1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
10 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green)
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried mustard powder
For Topping
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Fresh chives or green onions, sliced
Pinch of smoked paprika
Tools You'll Need
9x13 inch baking dish
Large skillet
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil
Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6–8 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease and set the sausage aside on a paper towel lined plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Season the Hash Browns
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly seasoned.
Step 5: First Layer — Hash Browns
Spread the seasoned hash browns evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish, pressing them down gently to form a solid base layer.
Step 6: Second Layer — Sausage and Vegetables
Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the hash brown layer. Top with the sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic mixture, distributing everything evenly.
Step 7: Add the Cream Cheese
Scatter the softened cream cheese cubes evenly over the sausage and vegetable layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 8: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, dried mustard powder, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and well combined.
Step 9: Pour the Egg Mixture
Slowly and evenly pour the egg mixture over all the layers in the baking dish. Gently press down with a rubber spatula to make sure the egg mixture soaks into all the layers evenly.
Step 10: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese generously and evenly over the entire top of the casserole. Dust lightly with smoked paprika for color.
Step 11: Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and the center is fully set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 12: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting. This helps it set up perfectly for clean slices. Cut into squares, garnish with fresh chives or sliced green onions, and serve hot!
Make Ahead Instructions
Assemble the entire casserole the night before through Step 10. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. Bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time.
Storage
Store leftover casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60–90 seconds or reheat the whole dish covered with foil in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes until warmed through. Individual squares can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving
