Make-Ahead Breakfast Hash Brown Casserole
Perfect breakfast potluck casserole with crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and melted cheese that feeds a crowd at 385 calories per serving. Prep the night before for easy morning entertaining.
20m
12
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 12 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Vegetables
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 2
Cook Sausage
In the same skillet, cook breakfast sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- 3
Prepare Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together beaten eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined and smooth.
- 4
Assemble Casserole Base
Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of the dish. Layer the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables over the hash browns.
- 5
Add Cheese and Eggs
Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the sausage and vegetables. Pour the egg mixture slowly over the entire casserole, making sure it distributes evenly throughout.
- 6
Bake Casserole
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and eggs are set. A knife inserted in center should come out clean.
- 7
Rest and Serve
Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh chives and cut into 12 squares. Serve warm directly from the baking dish.
Chef's Tips
This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. If baking from cold, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. For vegetarian option, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this make-ahead breakfast hash brown casserole
How long does it take to make Make-Ahead Breakfast Hash Brown Casserole?
This recipe takes 65 minutes total time, including 20 minutes prep time and 45 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Make-Ahead Breakfast Hash Brown Casserole recipe make?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Make-Ahead Breakfast Hash Brown Casserole recipe?
This recipe is rated as Easy difficulty level, making it perfect for beginners.
Can I make substitutions in this Make-Ahead Breakfast Hash Brown Casserole recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this make-ahead breakfast hash brown casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this make-ahead breakfast hash brown casserole up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover make-ahead breakfast hash brown casserole?
Store leftover make-ahead breakfast hash brown casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with make-ahead breakfast hash brown casserole?
This make-ahead breakfast hash brown casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze make-ahead breakfast hash brown casserole?
Yes, this make-ahead breakfast hash brown casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.