Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns
Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns is a hearty and comforting breakfast dish that layers savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, all bound together with fluffy eggs. Easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for family meals or busy mornings, this casserole offers a delicious balance of textures and flavors, baked all in one dish for minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Base
- 4 cups frozen hashbrowns (slightly thawed and drained)
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or blend of cheddar and others)
Optional Herbs and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives (optional)
- Sour cream and hot sauce (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage and vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the breakfast sausage thoroughly, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Add diced onions and bell peppers during the last few minutes, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine eggs and milk: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly frothy to create a custard-like binder.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a baking dish and spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the hashbrowns, then add a generous layer of shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all, pressing down slightly to allow the liquid to soak in.
- Bake until golden: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake casserole for 45-55 minutes until eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool a few minutes before slicing to firm up.
Notes
- Thaw and drain hashbrowns slightly to avoid sogginess.
- Whisk eggs just enough for a light and fluffy texture; avoid overmixing.
- For a crispier base, par-cook hashbrowns briefly in a skillet before layering.
- Distribute sausage and cheese evenly for balanced bites.
- Allow casserole to rest before slicing to keep slices intact and presentation clean.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, hashbrown casserole, easy breakfast, make ahead breakfast, family breakfast, baked breakfast, one-pan meal