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Creamy Overnight Breakfast Casserole: Easy Sausage & Hash Browns Recipe

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This creamy overnight breakfast casserole combines savory sausage, golden hash browns, and a rich, cheesy egg mixture for a comforting, make-ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches. Prep it the night before and wake up to a warm, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 oz frozen shredded hash browns
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
  • Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add diced onion and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until translucent. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Layer frozen hash browns evenly in the bottom. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Spread the browned sausage and onion evenly over the hash browns. If using bell peppers or other veggies, sprinkle them on now.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
  5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and hash browns. Gently shake the pan to help the liquid settle. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
  6. Cover tightly with foil or wrap. Chill overnight (at least 8 hours, up to 24).
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temp for 20 minutes. Bake, covered, for 40 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and bake another 20-25 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Top with chopped parsley or chives for freshness. Serve warm.

Notes

Letting the casserole rest overnight is key for a creamy, cohesive texture. For gluten-free, double-check sausage and hash browns. Vegetarian option: swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Dairy-free: use almond milk and dairy-free cheese. For extra crispy top, add a handful of cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, overnight casserole, sausage hash brown casserole, make-ahead breakfast, brunch recipe, creamy casserole, easy breakfast, comfort food