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Our family has enjoyed this filling breakfast bake with hash browns for years on weekends. The mix of crunchy potatoes, flavorful sausage, and gooey cheese makes a warm morning dish that gets everyone excited to eat together. It's easy to throw together but still looks fancy enough for special days.
The first time I whipped this up was when my in-laws came over for Christmas morning. Amazing smells filled the house while we unwrapped presents, and now we can't have holidays without it. Even my super picky nephew always asks for more!
Ingredients
- Frozen hash browns: Make sure they're fully thawed for that perfect crunchy bottom layer
- Maple-flavored pork sausage: Brings a light sweetness that works great with the other savory stuff
- Fresh diced onion: Adds tasty flavor throughout the whole dish
- Large eggs: They hold everything together just right
- Milk: Mixes with eggs to make everything nice and creamy
- Onion and garlic powders: Pack in extra taste without changing the texture
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Grab a nice sharp one for the best flavor punch
- Salt and pepper: These basics make all the other flavors pop
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Get your oven hot at 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish really well. Spread out your thawed hash browns evenly on the bottom. Push them down gently so they cook the same all over.
- Brown the Sausage Mixture:
- Cook your sausage and chopped onion in a big skillet over medium heat, breaking the meat into little pieces as you go. This takes about 10 minutes until sausage isn't pink anymore and onions look clear. Drain off the fat so your dish won't turn out greasy.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a big bowl, beat together eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything's mixed up and looks a bit foamy. The air you whip in helps make your finished dish lighter.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Pour your egg mix over the potatoes, covering everything evenly. Sprinkle half your cheese on top, then spread your sausage mix all over. Top it off with the rest of your cheese to make a nice layer that'll turn golden later.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Cover your dish tightly with foil and stick it in the oven for 1 hour. This lets the eggs cook without the cheese getting too brown. Take the foil off and cook about 10 more minutes until you can stick a knife in the middle and it comes out clean with a gold-colored top.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before cutting. This helps everything set up so slices stay together nicely on plates.
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The maple-flavored sausage is my hidden trick in this dish. I found it by accident when my store ran out of regular breakfast sausage years ago. That touch of sweetness works so well with the eggs and potatoes, making flavors that guests always notice but can't quite figure out.
Made Earlier Magic
This dish really shines when you need a quick morning fix. Just put everything together up to the baking part, wrap it tight with plastic, and stick it in the fridge overnight. When morning comes, take it out while your oven heats up, then bake it as normal, adding about 10 more minutes since it starts cold. The taste actually gets better this way as all the flavors mix together overnight.
Ways To Switch It Up
Think of this as your starting point that you can change any way you want. Skip the meat and toss in cooked mushrooms, peppers, or spinach if you don't eat meat. Want some heat? Throw in chopped jalapeños or swap the cheddar for pepper jack. Love bacon? Use crispy bacon bits instead of sausage. Looking for something lighter? Go with turkey sausage and low-fat cheese. You can really make this fit whatever you like or whatever's in your fridge.
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What To Eat With It
This breakfast bake tastes great by itself, but it's even better with some fresh fruit on the side to balance things out. For brunch with friends, try serving it with a simple green salad that has a lemony dressing to cut through the richness. If you're hosting something fancy, put warm maple syrup on the table for people to drizzle over their piece. The mix of savory casserole and sweet syrup tastes just like having a full breakfast of pancakes and sausage all in one bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out the sausage?
Totally! Choose chicken, turkey, or veggie sausage to fit your taste and needs.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! Put it together the night before, cover well, and chill. Bake it in the morning when needed.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Switch to gluten-free sausage, and make sure your hash browns and seasonings don’t contain gluten.
- → What other cheeses work well?
Try shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses if you want to change it up.
- → How can I make it spicy?
Spice it up with jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sausage for an added kick.