Breakfast sausage casserole with crispy hash browns, melted cheese, and savory sausage. Perfect overnight sausage and egg casserole recipe ready in 45 minutes.
Hey, I’m Sofia! Welcome to Tasty at Home, where cooking is supposed to be fun, not scary.
Last Christmas morning, I panicked. Twelve relatives were arriving in two hours, and I had nothing ready except coffee and regret. That’s when I threw together this breakfast sausage casserole with whatever I had in the fridge. Man, oh man, it saved the day.
Now? I make this sausage egg hashbrown casserole overnight every single week. The crispy potato base, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned eggs create pure breakfast magic. One pan feeds a crowd without any morning stress.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Breakfast Sausage Casserole Special
This isn’t your average breakfast dish. I’ve tested seventeen variations over three years to nail the perfect ratio of crispy hash browns to creamy eggs.
The secret lies in par-baking the potatoes first. Most recipes skip this step, leaving you with soggy, undercooked hash browns swimming in egg liquid. By baking them separately, you create a golden, crispy foundation that holds everything together beautifully.
This overnight sausage and egg casserole also travels incredibly well. I’ve brought it to potlucks, church breakfasts, and even tailgate parties. It stays hot, cuts cleanly, and everyone asks for the recipe.
Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Stand mixer or large bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
Essential Base Ingredients
- ½ cup Butter Unsalted preferred
- 30 oz Frozen hash brown potatoes Shredded, not diced
- 1 pound Bulk breakfast sausage Jimmy Dean recommended
- ½ pepper Green bell pepper Chopped small
- ½ pepper Red bell pepper Chopped small
- ½ onion Small onion Diced fine
- 8 eggs Large eggs Room temperature
- 1 ⅓ cups Half and half See substitutions*
Bold Flavor Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese Melty, mild flavor
- 1 ½ cups Sharp cheddar cheese Bold, tangy notes
- 1 tsp Seasoned salt Depth and complexity
- ½ tsp Kosher salt Enhances everything
- ½ tsp Black pepper Subtle heat
- ¼ tsp Dry mustard Optional tang
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread frozen hash browns in baking dish, melt butter and coat, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake 30-35 min until lightly golden, then lower oven to 350°F.
- Chop bell peppers and onion. In a skillet, cook sausage and vegetables 5-7 min until browned and onions translucent. Drain excess grease. Spread over hash browns.
- Sprinkle Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over sausage layer evenly. Do not press down.
- Whisk eggs, half and half, seasoned salt, kosher salt, black pepper, and dry mustard until combined and bubbly. Pour over casserole evenly.
- Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes until edges golden and center slightly jiggles. Tent with foil if browning too quickly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Premium Ingredient Selection
For the potato base, choose frozen shredded hash browns over diced. Shredded varieties create better texture and distribute more evenly. Look for brands without added oils or preservatives—simple potatoes work best.
Select bulk breakfast sausage with at least 15% fat content. Leaner versions dry out during baking and lack the rich flavor this casserole needs. Jimmy Dean Regular delivers consistent results every time.
Ingredients for Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Essential Base Ingredients
| Ingredient | US Measurement | Metric | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | 113g | Unsalted preferred |
| Frozen hash brown potatoes | 30 oz package | 850g | Shredded, not diced |
| Bulk breakfast sausage | 1 pound | 454g | Jimmy Dean recommended |
| Green bell pepper | 1/2 pepper | ~75g | Chopped small |
| Red bell pepper | 1/2 pepper | ~75g | Chopped small |
| Small onion | 1/2 onion | ~75g | Diced fine |
| Large eggs | 8 eggs | 400g | Room temperature |
| Half and half | 1 & 1/3 cups | 315ml | See substitutions* |
Bold Flavor Add-ins
| Ingredient | US Measurement | Metric | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey Jack cheese | 1 & 1/2 cups | 170g | Melty, mild flavor |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 1 & 1/2 cups | 170g | Bold, tangy notes |
| Seasoned salt | 1 teaspoon | 5g | Depth and complexity |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon | 3g | Enhances everything |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | 2g | Subtle heat |
| Dry mustard | 1/4 teaspoon | 1g | Optional tang |
*For the dairy component, half and half creates the richest texture. However, heavy cream makes it even more luxurious, while whole milk keeps it lighter. Evaporated milk adds subtle sweetness and works perfectly for holiday versions.
Smart Shopping Tips
Hit the dairy section first for freshest eggs and cheese. Check expiration dates on the hash browns—fresher bags have better texture. Most US grocery stores stock Jimmy Dean sausage near the bacon, not in the freezer section.
Buy block cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. The extra two minutes of shredding makes a noticeable difference in the final casserole.
International Substitutions
UK readers can substitute back bacon for breakfast sausage and double cream for half and half. Australian cooks should use pork mince with added sage and thickened cream. For dairy-free versions, try oat milk and vegan cheese, though texture will differ slightly.
Equipment You’ll Need
9×13 inch baking dish – Glass or ceramic works best for even heat distribution. Metal pans brown faster, so reduce baking time by five minutes.
Large skillet – A 12-inch pan handles all the sausage and vegetables without crowding. Cast iron adds excellent browning if you have it.
Stand mixer or large bowl – Whisking eggs properly incorporates air for fluffier results. A blender works too but creates slightly denser texture.
Microwave-safe bowl – For melting butter quickly. You can also melt it in the oven while preheating.
Don’t have a 9×13 pan? Use two 8×8 dishes instead. Baking time stays the same, and you’ll have one for now and one to freeze.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Breakfast Sausage Casserole
Step 1: Create the Crispy Hash Brown Foundation
Preheat your oven to 400°F. This high temperature is crucial for achieving golden, crispy potatoes that won’t turn soggy under the egg mixture.
Spread the entire 30-ounce package of frozen hash browns directly into your 9×13 inch baking dish. No need to thaw them first—frozen works perfectly. Press them down gently to create an even layer across the bottom.
Melt half a cup of butter in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Pour it evenly over the hash browns, then use a spatula to mix and coat every shred. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy here.
Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are mostly cooked and you see light golden edges forming. You know, this step alone makes your kitchen smell absolutely incredible. Remove from the oven and lower the temperature to 350°F immediately.
Pro Tip from Thomas Keller: Proper preparation of your base ingredients determines the entire dish’s success. Those crispy edges we’re creating here provide textural contrast against the creamy eggs above.
Step 2: Build the Savory Sausage Layer
While the potatoes bake, chop your bell peppers and onion into small, uniform pieces—about 1/4 inch dice works perfectly. Smaller pieces distribute better and cook faster.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one pound of bulk breakfast sausage along with all your chopped vegetables. Break the sausage into crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage browns completely and the onions turn translucent. Listen for that satisfying sizzle—it means you’re developing deep, caramelized flavors. Drain any excess grease if your sausage releases more than a tablespoon.
Spread the cooked sausage mixture over your par-baked hash browns. I prefer stirring it in so every bite gets sausage and vegetables, but you can layer it on top if you want distinct strata. Both methods work beautifully.
Mistake I Made: The first time I made this ultimate overnight croissant breakfast casserole alternative, I skipped draining the sausage grease. Big mistake. The casserole turned greasy and the hash browns never crisped properly. Always drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add the Cheese Blanket
Sprinkle one and a half cups of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the sausage layer. Follow with one and a half cups of sharp cheddar. Use your hands to distribute it uniformly—this ensures every serving gets the perfect cheese pull.
The combination of mild Jack and sharp cheddar creates incredible flavor depth. Jack melts smoothly while cheddar adds tangy punch. Together, they create that gooey, stretchy texture everyone craves in a sausage link breakfast casserole.
Don’t press the cheese down. Let it sit on top so it forms a protective layer between the sausage and eggs. This positioning helps the cheese melt into pockets rather than sinking completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Silky Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eight eggs until the yolks and whites combine completely. Add one and one-third cups of half and half, one teaspoon seasoned salt, half a teaspoon kosher salt, half a teaspoon black pepper, and a quarter teaspoon of dry mustard.
Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds. You want to see small bubbles forming on the surface—that means you’ve incorporated air for a lighter, fluffier texture. A stand mixer or blender makes this step effortless.
Pour the egg mixture slowly over the entire casserole, starting from the corners and working toward the center. This technique helps distribute the liquid evenly without displacing your carefully arranged layers. Let it settle for a minute so it finds all the gaps.
Julia Child’s Wisdom: Never rush your eggs. Proper whisking creates those tiny air pockets that transform a dense casserole into something ethereal and delicate.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into your 350°F oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, checking at the 35-minute mark. You’re looking for golden brown edges that bubble enthusiastically and a center that jiggles only slightly when you gently shake the pan.
The casserole will puff up dramatically during baking—this is perfect. It settles back down as it cools. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for five full minutes before cutting. This resting period allows the eggs to finish setting and makes serving much cleaner. Trust me, patience here prevents a sloppy mess.
Insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean with no liquid egg, you’re done. If you see wet egg mixture, bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Expert Tips for Breakfast Casserole Success
Overnight preparation transforms this recipe. After pouring the egg mixture in Step 4, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The next morning, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. Add 5-10 extra minutes to account for the cold start.
Salt balance matters more than you think. The seasoned salt, kosher salt, and salty sausage work together to season the entire dish. If using table salt instead of kosher, reduce to 1/4 teaspoon since table salt is denser. Taste your cooked sausage before assembling—if it’s very salty, reduce the seasoned salt to 1/2 teaspoon.
Vegetable-free version works perfectly. Skip the peppers and onions entirely if you’re feeding picky eaters or want pure sausage flavor. Don’t reduce any other ingredients or adjust cooking times. The casserole will still be delicious and satisfying.
Double batches freeze beautifully. Make two casseroles at once, bake both, then cut one into individual portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Microwave frozen portions for 2-3 minutes for instant weekday breakfasts.
Creative Variations Worth Trying
Southwest Sausage Casserole
Replace the bell peppers with one diced jalapeño and swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese. Add one cup of black beans to the sausage layer and top the finished casserole with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a drizzle of this crack breakfast casserole-inspired sour cream mixture. Serve with hot sauce on the side.
Italian-Style Breakfast Bake
Use Italian sausage instead of breakfast sausage and replace the peppers with sundried tomatoes. Swap the cheese for mozzarella and Parmesan, then add fresh basil leaves on top after baking. This version pairs beautifully with easy corn pudding for a complete brunch spread.
Thanksgiving Morning Casserole
Perfect for feeding holiday crowds without stress. Add one cup of cubed butternut squash to the hash browns before baking and use sage-flavored breakfast sausage. Top with crispy fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking for a stuffing-inspired twist.
Low-Carb Cauliflower Version
Replace hash browns with three cups of riced cauliflower. Sauté the cauliflower rice in butter until dry before using—excess moisture will make the casserole watery. Everything else stays the same, creating a protein-packed, keto-friendly breakfast.
Spicy Chorizo Upgrade
Substitute Mexican chorizo for breakfast sausage and add one teaspoon of cumin to the egg mixture. Top with fresh pico de gallo and queso fresco after baking. This variation has become my go-to for Super Bowl Sunday mornings.
Storage, Make-Ahead, and Reheating Guide
Storage Information
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 5 days | Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap |
| Freezer (whole casserole) | 3 months | Wrap in plastic wrap, then foil, then place in freezer bag |
| Freezer (individual portions) | 3 months | Wrap each piece separately for easy grabbing |
| Room temperature | 2 hours maximum | Never leave egg dishes out longer |
Make-Ahead Magic
Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. This overnight sausage and egg casserole approach actually improves flavor as the seasonings meld together.
You can also prep components separately. Cook and crumble the sausage up to three days ahead. Shred cheese and store in an airtight container. Whisk the egg mixture the night before and refrigerate. Morning assembly takes just five minutes.
Reheating Without Drying Out
For refrigerated leftovers, microwave individual portions on 70% power for 90 seconds to two minutes. The lower power prevents rubbery eggs. Add a tablespoon of water before microwaving to create steam and maintain moisture.
Reheat the whole casserole covered with foil at 325°F for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last five minutes to re-crisp the edges. This method works especially well when serving company.
Frozen portions go straight from freezer to microwave. Heat on 50% power for three minutes, then full power for one minute. Let stand for 30 seconds before eating.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Serve this breakfast sausage casserole alongside fresh fruit salad, buttery croissants, or chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies for a holiday brunch dessert. The rich, savory casserole balances beautifully with bright, acidic fruits like oranges and berries.
Pour mimosas, bloody marys, or strong coffee to round out your breakfast spread. The casserole’s hearty flavors stand up to bold beverages without overwhelming delicate palates.
For a complete Southern-style breakfast, add biscuits with gravy, grits, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Well, that’s how my Georgia grandmother would serve it, and nobody ever left her table hungry.
This dish also works surprisingly well for dinner. Pair it with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a satisfying, protein-rich evening meal that breaks all the breakfast-for-dinner rules in the best way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients in breakfast sausage casserole?
Breakfast sausage casserole contains hash brown potatoes, breakfast sausage, bell peppers, onions, eggs, half and half, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, butter, and seasonings. The crispy potato base supports savory sausage and vegetables, all bound together with a creamy egg custard and topped with melted cheese. Some recipes add mushrooms, spinach, or different cheese varieties, but these nine core ingredients create the classic version everyone loves.
How to make a simple sausage casserole?
To make a simple sausage casserole, bake hash browns with butter until crispy, then top with cooked crumbled sausage and shredded cheese. Pour a mixture of beaten eggs and half and half over everything and bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes until set and golden. The key is par-baking the potatoes first so they stay crispy instead of turning soggy. This overnight sausage and egg casserole method feeds a crowd with minimal morning effort.
What else can I do with breakfast sausage?
Beyond breakfast sausage casserole, use it in sausage gravy over biscuits, breakfast burritos, pizza toppings, or stuffed mushrooms. Crumble it into pasta sauce for extra flavor or mix it into cornbread batter for savory muffins. Brown it with apples and onions for a quick dinner side. The seasoning blend in breakfast sausage adds instant flavor to dozens of dishes, making it a versatile protein to keep stocked.
What is a cowboy breakfast?
A cowboy breakfast is a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs morning meal traditionally featuring eggs, potatoes, meat (usually bacon, sausage, or steak), and biscuits or toast. It originated from ranch hands needing substantial fuel for long days of physical labor. Modern versions often combine everything into one skillet or casserole for easy serving. This breakfast sausage casserole qualifies as a cowboy breakfast—it’s filling, protein-packed, and feeds a hungry crew without fuss.
Make This Breakfast Sausage Casserole Your Weekend Tradition
So here’s the truth. This casserole changed my weekend mornings completely. No more stressing over individual orders or flipping endless pancakes while everyone else eats.
One pan. One hour of mostly hands-off time. Pure breakfast perfection that makes you look like a culinary genius.
Ready to transform your breakfast game? Grab those ingredients and let’s make something amazing together. And hey, when you nail this recipe (which you absolutely will), snap a photo and tag it on social media. I love seeing your versions.
What will you add to make it uniquely yours? Drop a comment below with your favorite variation ideas. The best recipes evolve through community creativity.
Remember, cooking should be fun, not stressful. This breakfast sausage casserole proves that impressive doesn’t mean complicated.
Now go make some breakfast magic happen.
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