Sausage, Egg, Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole

Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast or brunch. This satisfying dish features crispy hashbrowns, creamy cheese, fluffy eggs, and savory sausage, all baked into a golden, bubbling casserole. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or prepping meals for the week ahead. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or looking for a hearty make-ahead breakfast, this dish delivers warm, rich flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage

• 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 6 large eggs

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until creamy and well combined.

4. Fold in the thawed hashbrowns and cooked sausage. Mix until evenly distributed.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly.

6. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is fully set and the top turns golden brown.

7. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.):

• Calories: 420 kcal

• Total Fat: 30 g

• Saturated Fat: 14 g

• Cholesterol: 210 mg

• Sodium: 750 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 18 g

• Dietary Fiber: 2 g

• Sugars: 2 g

• Protein: 20 g

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

There are countless reasons this recipe has become a staple in many households. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to put together. With just a few simple ingredients like sausage, eggs, cream cheese, hashbrowns, and cheddar, you can create a dish that’s filling, flavorful, and visually appealing.

The balance of textures is another win: the creamy egg and cheese mixture perfectly coats the shredded hashbrowns, while the sausage adds savory depth and a little spice. Baking everything together creates a cohesive casserole that’s golden on top and rich underneath.

This is also a recipe that stores well. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat individual servings for several days. That makes it a favorite among busy parents, meal preppers, and anyone who appreciates the joy of having breakfast ready to go.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This sausage and egg casserole is an all-season, all-occasion kind of meal. Here are just a few ways you can incorporate it into your routine:

• Holiday Breakfast or Brunch: Serve this casserole on Christmas morning, Easter Sunday, or any family celebration. You can even assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning.

• Weekend Meal Prep: Make a full pan on Sunday and divide it into portions for the week ahead. It reheats beautifully and can be frozen for longer storage.

• Potlucks and Gatherings: Its rich flavor and hearty nature make it a fantastic dish to bring to brunch potlucks, church breakfasts, or team gatherings.

• Breakfast-for-Dinner: Who says casseroles are just for mornings? This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or fruit, making it a great dinner option, too.

Versatile Variations You Can Try

One of the great features of this casserole is how easy it is to customize based on dietary needs, preferences, or what you have in your fridge. Here are some variations to explore:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or a plant-based sausage alternative. This keeps the dish hearty while making it meat-free.

• Spicy Twist: Use hot breakfast sausage or add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes to bring heat to each bite.

• Cheese Lovers’ Dream: While cheddar is classic, you can add in pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for more complexity and gooeyness.

• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap hashbrowns with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly twist. The texture remains satisfying, and it cuts down on carbohydrates.

• Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning to the sausage and throw in some black beans, corn, and salsa for a southwestern take.

These small tweaks can transform the casserole to match your taste or dietary goals while maintaining the delicious base that makes it such a hit.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This casserole is as functional as it is flavorful. After baking, let it cool completely before storing it. Here’s how to make the most of your leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with foil or wrap. It will last up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Slice the casserole into individual portions and freeze them wrapped in parchment paper and sealed in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. It can be stored for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For a quick option, the microwave works well for individual servings, though it may slightly soften the crispy top.

These features make it perfect for batch cooking or serving when time is short in the morning.

Make-Ahead Instructions

If you want to prepare everything in advance, this casserole is your best friend. You can assemble the entire dish and store it in the fridge overnight. Simply cover it with foil and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it into the oven and bake as directed. This approach makes mornings feel effortless and gives you more time with your guests or family.

For even more convenience, you can also freeze the unbaked casserole. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Pairing Ideas

Although this casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, you can pair it with other sides for a full brunch spread:

• Fresh fruit salad to balance the richness

• Crispy bacon for an extra protein boost

• Buttered toast or biscuits to scoop up every bite

• Orange juice, coffee, or mimosas for the perfect beverage pairing

If you’re serving a crowd, adding sweet pastries or cinnamon rolls alongside this savory casserole creates a beautiful breakfast board that’s sure to impress.

Conclusion: A Breakfast Classic Worth Making Again and Again

In a world of fast breakfasts and grab-and-go options, it’s refreshing to have a dish like Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole that feels indulgent, wholesome, and home-cooked. It checks every box: simple ingredients, satisfying flavor, easy prep, and plenty of options for customization.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet Sunday morning or feeding a brunch crowd, this casserole never disappoints. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a warm, comforting ritual that brings people together around the table. Add it to your rotation, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and again.