If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast that combines hearty flavors with melty cheese, you’ll absolutely love this Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe. It’s the perfect all-in-one dish that brings together crispy hashbrowns, savory sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and creamy eggs, all baked to golden perfection with a generous blanket of sharp cheddar cheese. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply craving a satisfying morning meal, this bake delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this dish shine. Each component plays a crucial role: the hashbrowns create a crispy, comforting base, savory sausage adds depth, fresh bell peppers lend a pop of color and subtle sweetness, and cheese brings that irresistible creamy, gooey texture.
- 20 ounces shredded hash browns, thawed: The crispy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 pound ground pork sausage, cooked, crumbled, and drained: Adds savory richness and a satisfying meaty bite.
- ¼ cup finely diced onion: Brings a mild pungent note that complements the sausage.
- ½ red bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness and a burst of vibrant color.
- ½ green bell pepper, diced: Provides a mild, slightly grassy flavor and crunch.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts beautifully for that signature cheesy goodness.
- 8 eggs: Bind everything together and contribute fluffy texture.
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (1 can) or 1 â…“ cups milk: Makes the bake creamy and custardy.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): Adds herbal warmth if you want a bit of extra flavor complexity.
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt, or to taste: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides subtle heat and sharpness.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. It’s important to prepare your baking dish now—grease a 9 by 13-inch pan or a similar-sized 3-quart baking dish well to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This step sets you up for a smooth assembly later on.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork sausage until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Make sure to crumble it as it cooks to ensure even bites throughout your bake. Once cooked, drain off the excess fat for a less greasy texture but keep all the savory flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Now, it’s all about layering the hearty ingredients. In your prepared baking dish, combine the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, finely diced onion, and both red and green bell peppers. Toss in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese for that fantastic melty core. This colorful mix will form the delicious foundation of your breakfast bake.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk (or regular milk), salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it. This creamy mixture binds everything, turning into a fluffy, custardy layer that contrasts beautifully with the crispy hashbrowns.
Step 5: Combine and Top With Cheese
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the hashbrown and sausage combination. To finish, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top for a golden, bubbly crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake Your Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe
If you want to get ahead, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight—this makes mornings effortless. When ready to bake, uncover and place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is beautifully golden and bubbly. Let it cool just a bit before serving to let everything firm up.
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions on top can’t be beaten for a bright, fresh pop. A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado also bring lovely creaminess and contrast that pairs perfectly with the savory sausage and crispy hashbrowns.
Side Dishes
This breakfast bake stands tall on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a simple side of fresh fruit salad for lightness or a crisp green salad if serving later in the day. Toasted crusty bread also complements the bake wonderfully for those who want an extra crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—this makes for charming, personalized servings. You can also top each portion with a fried or poached egg for an extra indulgent touch that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the textures from becoming soggy or over-dry.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by portioning the bake into freezer-safe containers or wrapping the entire dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place your portion in a microwave-safe dish and warm on medium power until heated through. Alternatively, pop it in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid overheating to keep that perfect cheesy texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative and will still provide plenty of flavor. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning if needed.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe freezes very well. Just wrap it properly and thaw before reheating to enjoy later without losing texture or flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Definitely. You can assemble the bake, cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Baking it fresh in the morning saves time and enhances the flavors as everything melds together.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or add extra veggies like mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian twist. Just ensure the substitute holds up well during baking.
What can I serve with this breakfast bake for a brunch party?
Consider fresh fruit salads, assorted pastries, or simple green salads as sides. A mimosa or freshly brewed coffee also pair nicely for a festive brunch atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a hearty and cheesy breakfast that brings everyone to the table, this Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe is an easy winner. It’s versatile, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast tradition!
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Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes (or up to 1 hour 30 minutes if refrigerated overnight before baking)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Bake is a hearty and delicious dish perfect for a family breakfast or brunch. It combines crispy hashbrowns, savory ground pork sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy cheese and egg mixture baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare ahead and bake, it makes an ideal make-ahead breakfast that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 ounces shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 pound ground pork sausage, cooked, crumbled, and drained
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 eggs
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (1 can) or 1 â…“ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or preferred herbs/spices (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 3-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground pork sausage until it is no longer pink. Drain the excess fat thoroughly and set the cooked sausage aside.
- Assemble Hashbrown Mixture: In the prepared baking dish, evenly combine the thawed shredded hash browns, crumbled cooked sausage, finely diced onion, diced red and green bell peppers, and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk (or regular milk if preferred), Kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until fully blended.
- Combine and Top: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash brown and sausage mixture in the baking dish. Then evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil if refrigerating overnight to allow flavors to meld. When ready to bake, remove foil and place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- For best texture, thaw hash browns completely and drain any excess liquid.
- This dish can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning for convenience.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Additional vegetables like mushrooms or spinach can be added for variety.
- Use evaporated milk for creamier texture; regular milk also works but may be less rich.
