Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. This will create a creamy layer in the casserole.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Layer Hashbrowns: Spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Sausage: Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the hashbrowns.
- Add Cream Cheese Mixture: Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the sausage layer, spreading it gently to cover as much surface area as possible.
- Add Eggs and Milk: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the entire casserole.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
5. Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to cut into squares.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Customize the Meat: Feel free to use different types of sausage, such as spicy sausage for an extra kick or a meatless sausage for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before. Just cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, remove it from the fridge while preheating the oven, and then bake as directed.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Health Considerations
- Balanced Breakfast: While this casserole is hearty and delicious, enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced breakfast.
- Healthier Alternatives: For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and a leaner sausage option, and consider adding more vegetables.
Conclusion
Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast lovers. With its hearty ingredients and satisfying flavors, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or a casual family breakfast, this casserole will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delightful breakfast that will leave you and your loved ones happily satisfied!
