Sausage Hashbrown Casserole

 

Sausage Hashbrown Casserole: A Hearty Classic Perfect for Any Meal

Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a savory, satisfying dish that brings together crispy hashbrowns, seasoned sausage, creamy cheese, and a rich egg custard in one warm, oven-baked meal. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner, this casserole is beloved for its simplicity and flavor. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious dish from scratch.

Ingredients
1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
1 (30 oz) bag of frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
½ cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 large eggs
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt (adjust depending on the saltiness of the sausage and soup)
2 tbsp butter, melted
Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. If needed, add a small amount of oil or butter. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 5: Combine the Casserole Mixture
Add the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, sautéed onion, shredded cheese, and melted butter to the bowl. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated and well mixed.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.

Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can test this by inserting a knife or toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s done.

Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the dish firm up and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.

Tips and Variations
Make it spicy: Use hot breakfast sausage or add diced jalapeños.
Vegetarian version: Skip the sausage and use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers instead.
Cheese options: Try mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for an easy breakfast.
Conclusion
Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is a warm, hearty meal that’s incredibly versatile. It can be customized with different ingredients to match your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers both comfort and convenience—one delicious forkful at a time.