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If you are searching for a truly comforting and crowd-pleasing breakfast dish, look no further than this Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe. It brings together crispy shredded hashbrowns, savory sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and melty sharp cheddar all baked to perfection beneath a fluffy egg custard. This casserole is the perfect way to start a weekend morning, celebrate a holiday brunch, or simply treat yourself to a hearty and flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role to create the perfect balance of textures and flavors in the casserole. From the crispy hashbrowns providing a golden base, to the sharp cheddar adding richness, every element shines through in this delightful dish.

20 ounces shredded hash browns (thawed): The starchy foundation that crisps up during baking to give delightful texture.
1 pound sausage (cooked, crumbled, and drained): Adds savory, meaty goodness that complements the vegetables perfectly.
¼ cup finely diced onion: Offers subtle sweetness and depth.
½ red bell pepper (diced): Brings a pop of color and a mild, fruity crunch.
½ green bell pepper (diced): Adds freshness and vibrant green hues for visual appeal.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Infuses creamy, sharp flavor and melts to a gooey perfection.
8 eggs: The rich binder that holds the casserole together with a tender custard-like texture.
12 ounces evaporated milk: Makes the egg mixture luxuriously smooth and creamy.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): Provides an aromatic herbal note that elevates the flavor.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.

How to Make Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or spray it with cooking spray. Proper preparation here ensures nothing sticks and your casserole comes out cleanly for serving.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns evenly. Cook until no pink remains, then drain excess fat. This step intensifies the sausage’s flavor and creates a savory meat base that’s hearty and satisfying.

Step 3: Combine the Hashbrowns, Sausage, and Veggies

In the prepared casserole dish, mix the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, diced onions, red and green bell peppers, and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to evenly distribute these colorful, flavorful ingredients, then spread the mixture out evenly in the pan to create the perfect layered base.

Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning until fully combined. This silky custard will soak into the hashbrowns and sausage, binding everything together with irresistible creaminess.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hashbrown layer in the casserole dish. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top to ensure a golden, bubbly finish. This final cheese layer adds a beautiful cheesy crust once baked.

Step 6: Optional Overnight Refrigeration

If you want to prepare this casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand to take the chill off, ensuring more even cooking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 55 to 65 minutes until the eggs are fully set and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible, and the casserole will have a lovely mix of crisp edges and tender egg.

How to Serve Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley on top for a burst of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness. A dollop of sour cream or your favorite salsa can also add a cooling contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad to cut through the richness, or a green leafy salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing balance. Toasted English muffins or warm biscuits make lovely accompaniments as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or brunch gathering, consider cutting the casserole into individual squares and serving on small plates with a garnish of avocado slices or a spoonful of pico de gallo. You could also elevate it with a drizzle of spicy hot sauce or a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or a quick dinner solution when reheated.

Freezing

This Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe freezes beautifully. Prepare the casserole but do not bake it, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through, or heat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes to regain that baked-from-scratch freshness.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option that works just as well in this casserole, delivering great flavor while lowering the fat content.

Do I have to use evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk adds a creamy texture to the egg custard, but you can substitute with regular milk or half-and-half for a lighter or richer variation, respectively.

Is it better to use fresh or frozen hashbrowns?

Frozen hashbrowns work wonderfully here, especially if thawed beforehand. Freshly shredded potatoes could also be used but may increase prep time and require draining excess moisture.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be great additions to enhance the veggie content and add different flavors and textures.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the eggs are completely set and no longer jiggly in the center. A golden brown top and a clean knife test from the center also indicate it is ready.

Final Thoughts

This Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe is truly one of my favorite go-to dishes for sharing with family and friends. Its blend of flavors, ease of preparation, and comforting nature make it perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making it and savor every cheesy, savory bite as much as I do. Give it a try—you might just find a new brunch staple you’ll want to serve again and again!

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