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easy breakfast casserole featured
Avatar photoJohnson Maya

Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This easy breakfast casserole layers savory sausage, fluffy eggs, crispy hash browns, and melty cheddar into a make-ahead American brunch essential. Perfectly custardy with crispy edges, it's a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss dish for holidays or busy mornings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • FOR THE MAIN DISH:
  • 1 pound (450g) breakfast sausage
  • 12 large eggs
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 (30 oz/850g) bag frozen hash browns, thawed and drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 diced bell pepper, 1/2 onion

Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. easy breakfast casserole recipeCard1
  2. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound sausage until crumbled and cooked through, 8-10 minutes; drain fat. Sauté optional veggies 4 minutes. Visual cue: No pink remains. Set aside.
  3. Step 2: Whisk 12 eggs, 2 cups milk, salt, pepper, and 1 cup cheese until frothy, 1-2 minutes. This binds layers custardy. Room-temp eggs ensure smoothness.
  4. Step 3: Layer hash browns in greased 9x13 dish, top with sausage, pour egg mix, add remaining cheese. Cover, chill overnight. Bake at 350°F covered 30 min, uncovered 15-20 min till 160°F and golden. Rest 10 min.

Nutrition

Calories: 450 | Carbohydrates: 20 | Protein: 25 | Fat: 32 | Fiber: 2 | Sugar: 3

Notes

STORAGE: Refrigerate airtight up to 4 days at 40°F. Reheat oven 325°F 10-15 min or microwave covered. Freeze portions 2 months, thaw overnight.
MAKE AHEAD: Assemble 24 hours ahead, chill covered.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Turkey sausage for leaner; almond milk for dairy-free; sweet potatoes for hash browns.
PRO TIPS: Drain hash browns well to prevent sogginess. Overnight chill melds flavors. Broil end for crisp top.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Slice squares, top with salsa/sour cream. Sides: fruit salad, biscuits. Family-style for brunch.
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