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Easy Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

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This easy breakfast casserole features crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and melty cheddar cheese for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for holiday mornings or lazy weekends. Prep it the night before for a stress-free brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage (Jimmy Dean regular or spicy recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and patted dry
  • 8 large eggs (room temperature preferred)
  • 1 cup whole milk (2% works in a pinch)
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (half if using table salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (from a block)
  • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breakfast sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate using a slotted spoon, leaving about a tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Prepare the hash browns: Wrap the thawed hash browns in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
  5. Layer the base: Spread the squeezed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Top with the cooked sausage, then the sautéed vegetables. Spread into an even layer.
  6. Make the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cottage cheese, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.
  7. Add the cheese: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar and all of the Monterey Jack over the sausage and vegetables. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar for the top.
  8. Pour the egg mixture: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over everything in the dish. Gently shake the dish or use a spatula to ensure the liquid reaches all corners. Press down lightly to help the egg mixture settle.
  9. Top with remaining cheese and panko: Sprinkle the reserved cheddar over the top. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.
  10. Bake: If baking immediately, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. If making ahead, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when baking from cold.
  11. Check for doneness: The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. The edges should be golden brown and pulling away from the sides. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  12. Rest before serving: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after coming out of the oven. Sprinkle with fresh chives or green onions before serving.

Notes

The hash brown squeeze is not optional—excess moisture makes the casserole watery. Let the eggs come to room temperature if possible for even baking. Don’t overmix the egg mixture to avoid a rubbery texture. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices. For a make-ahead option, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, hash brown casserole, easy breakfast, holiday brunch, make-ahead breakfast

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-sausage-and-cheddar-breakfast-casserole-best-recipe/