Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game? This Sausage, Egg, Cream Cheese Hash Brown Casserole Delight is your new go-to recipe. Packed with hearty ingredients and rich flavors, it’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy mornings at home. In this post, I’ll walk you through easy steps, tips, and variations to make this dish your own. Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 1 pound breakfast sausage
– 10 oz frozen hash browns
– 8 oz cream cheese
– 6 large eggs
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
The ingredients for the Sausage, Egg, Cream Cheese Hash Brown Casserole are simple yet full of flavor. I love using breakfast sausage because it adds a nice, savory taste. It cooks up beautifully and gives the dish that hearty base. Frozen hash browns save time and give a great texture.
The cream cheese makes the casserole creamy and rich. I always use large eggs to help bind everything together. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a wonderful, melty finish on top.
For seasoning, I use garlic powder and onion powder. They add depth and flavor without being overpowering. A splash of milk ensures the eggs turn out fluffy. I season with salt and pepper for balance. Lastly, fresh parsley not only looks nice but also adds a hint of freshness.
You can find the full recipe at the end of this section. Enjoy gathering these ingredients! They set the stage for a delightful meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it with non-stick spray. This makes the casserole easy to slice later.
2. Cook the sausage until browned
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the sausage. Stir it often for about 5-7 minutes. You want it browned and fully cooked. Once done, drain any extra fat and set the sausage aside.
Assembling the Casserole
1. Layer hash browns and sausage
Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, layer the cooked sausage over the hash browns. This makes a great base for your casserole.
2. Mix and spread cream cheese mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s smooth. Dollop this mixture over the sausage layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Baking and Serving
1. Add layers of eggs and cheese
In another bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper until well blended. Pour the eggs over the sausage and cheese layers. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
2. Bake and cool before serving
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for the eggs to be set and the top to be golden and bubbly. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This Sausage, Egg, Cream Cheese Hash Brown Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort to any meal. You can find the complete recipe [here](#).
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To ensure perfect browning of sausage, start with a hot skillet. Use medium heat and break the sausage into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Stir often to avoid burning. Look for a rich golden color. It adds great flavor.
For thawing hash browns effectively, place them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, use the microwave. Spread them on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for one minute. Check if they are soft. If not, microwave in 30-second bursts until thawed.
Presentation and Pairing Suggestions
Garnishing your casserole with fresh parsley makes it pop. Chop the parsley finely and sprinkle it on top just before serving. This adds a nice touch and bright flavor.
For side dishes, I recommend serving slices of this casserole with fresh fruit or a light green salad. The fruit adds sweetness, while the salad provides a refreshing crunch. These sides balance the rich flavors of the casserole beautifully.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily customize this dish with some simple swaps. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage. This option gives you the same great flavor without the meat.
For those needing dairy-free alternatives, swap out the cream cheese for a nut-based cream cheese. You can also use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk. These changes keep the dish creamy and delicious while meeting dietary needs.
Flavor Enhancements
To add more depth to your casserole, consider tossing in some fresh veggies. Bell peppers or spinach work great. They add color and nutrition to your meal. Just sauté them a bit before adding to the mix to bring out their flavors.
You might also want to spice things up with different cheeses or herbs. Try mixing in pepper jack cheese for a kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also elevate the flavor profile. Get creative with your choices, and make this dish truly your own!
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe link.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To keep your Sausage, Egg, Cream Cheese Hash Brown Casserole fresh, store it in the fridge. First, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Then, cut it into portions for easy serving. Place the portions in airtight containers. This helps to keep flavors intact and prevents drying out. Make sure to label the containers with the date. This way, you can track freshness. The casserole will stay good for about three to four days in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great option for longer storage. To freeze leftovers, first, let the casserole cool completely. Then, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them protected from freezer burn. Be sure to label the bag with the date. The casserole can last up to three months in the freezer.
For reheating, remove the casserole from the freezer and thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help restore the texture and flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal again! For the full recipe, check the earlier sections.
FAQs
Common User Questions
How long does the casserole last in the fridge?
This casserole can last up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Before eating leftovers, check for any signs of spoilage.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it well and place it in the fridge overnight. Bake it the next day for a delicious breakfast!
Cooking Queries
What temperature should the casserole reach to be safe to eat?
The casserole should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures the eggs are fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a food thermometer for accuracy.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Peel and dice them into small cubes. Par-cook them in boiling water for about 5 minutes to soften. Drain before layering in the casserole. This will help them cook evenly.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
This blog post showed you how to make a tasty baked casserole. We covered the main ingredients, seasoning, and step-by-step instructions. You learned helpful tips for cooking and how to present your dish. We also discussed variations to fit your diet and how to store or freeze leftovers.
In the end, this casserole is easy and fun to make. You can impress family and friends with this meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients to make it your own!
