Sausage Egg Cream Cheese Hashbrowns

This creamy sausage egg and cream cheese hashbrown casserole became my favorite brunch treat the first time I tried it The combination of hearty breakfast sausage melty cheddar and a cloudlike egg base turns even a busy morning into something special The crisp hashbrowns at the bottom soak up all the savory goodness so every bite is comforting

This casserole first came together when I needed something hands off for visiting family Now it is my most requested weekend breakfast and I look forward to making it whenever we gather

Ingredients

• Breakfast sausage: brings savory richness and big flavor Look for highquality sausage without fillers for best results
• Frozen hashbrowns: form the crispy base They bake up golden so go for shredded or country style
• Cream cheese: ensures a creamy decadent texture and helps bind everything together I always use fullfat for extra flavor
• Eggs: provide structure and their richness is the backbone of this casserole Choose farm fresh if you can
• Milk: thins out the mixture for a custardy result Whole milk works best
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melts lusciously and adds sharpness Buy block cheddar and shred it yourself if possible for ultimate melt
• Salt and pepper: wake up all the other flavors Use flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper for best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Sausage:

Brown your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat Break it up as it cooks so there are no large chunks Continue until fully cooked and a bit crispy along the edges for maximum flavor

Prepare the Hashbrowns:

Spread your frozen hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish Do not thaw ahead of time as the oven will crisp them up perfectly

Mix the Creamy Egg Base:

In a big bowl whisk together the softened cream cheese eggs milk salt and pepper until everything is smooth A hand mixer works wonders to make it extra creamy

Combine Sausage and Cheese:

Fold the cooked sausage into the cream cheese mixture along with half the shredded cheddar This ensures sausage pieces and cheese are distributed through every bite

Assemble and Layer:

Pour the egg sausage mixture all over the hashbrowns Use a spatula to spread it evenly and make sure every corner is covered Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar evenly over the top

Bake to Set:

Put the baking dish into a hot oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit Bake for thirty five to forty minutes Watch for bubbling cheese and a slightly puffed golden top That means it is ready

Rest and Slice:

Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes to set before cutting This makes clean slices and keeps the cheesy layers intact Enjoy warm for the best experience

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My favorite ingredient is the cream cheese It makes every bite incredibly velvety My kids always fight for the crispy golden corner pieces and it becomes a little tradition to let the youngest pick first

Storage Tips

This casserole stores well tightly covered in the fridge for up to four days Wrap individual pieces for quick grab and go breakfasts It also freezes well Just cut into portions wrap and freeze for up to two months Pop right in the microwave or oven to reheat making busy mornings a breeze

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap turkey sausage or spicy chorizo if you like things lighter or with a kick I sometimes use pepper jack for part of the cheddar for a little heat For extra veggies add bell peppers spinach or onions into the sausage as it cooks Dairy alternatives like almond milk and dairy free cream cheese will also work but go for unsweetened

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Serving Suggestions

I love serving this casserole for brunch alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of fresh strawberries For a breakfast spread add some toast and orange juice It is also perfect for holidays when you want a filling meal before the festivities

History of the Dish

Breakfast casseroles like this one are classic in American kitchens especially for weekends or special occasions The combination of eggs cheese sausage and potatoes has roots in farmhouse recipes meant to fuel a hardworking day Over time modern versions like this one keep the spirit alive with minimal prep and big flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh shredded potatoes work well. Simply drain excess moisture before layering them for a consistent bake.

→ Will turkey sausage change the flavor?

Turkey sausage makes a lighter version and retains great taste, although pork sausage adds richer, classic notes.

→ How can I add extra vegetables?

Diced peppers, onions, or spinach can be sautéed with the sausage before mixing for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ Does this dish reheat well?

Yes, leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick, hearty breakfast.

→ Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight to bake fresh in the morning.