Print

Crispy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Gruyere

crispy hash brown breakfast casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, crispy, and comforting breakfast casserole featuring frozen hash browns, savory sausage, and creamy Gruyere cheese. Perfect for busy mornings or cozy brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 ounces (680 grams) frozen shredded hash browns
  • 1 pound (450 grams) sweet or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole or 2%, or almond milk as substitute)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter your 9×13-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
  3. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 eggs, 1 cup of milk, salt, black pepper, and chopped thyme if using. Beat until smooth and slightly frothy.
  5. Add the frozen hash browns (no need to thaw), cooked sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, and 6 ounces (about 170 grams) of shredded Gruyere to the egg mixture. Stir gently until evenly combined.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 2 ounces (about 55 grams) of Gruyere cheese evenly on top.
  7. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use frozen hash browns straight from the bag without thawing for best texture. Thoroughly cook sausage to avoid greasy pockets. Butter the baking dish well to prevent sticking. Let casserole rest before slicing to set. For less moisture, press thawed hash browns in a towel before mixing. Variations include vegetarian substitutions, spicy chorizo, cheese swaps, and low-carb cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: hash brown casserole, breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, Gruyere cheese, crispy breakfast, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, comfort food

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crispy-hash-brown-breakfast-casserole-with-sausage-and-gruyere-easy-recipe-for-a-perfect-morning-meal/