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Crispy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Easy Cheesy Golden Crust Recipe

crispy hash brown breakfast casserole - featured image

A comforting and easy breakfast casserole featuring crispy hash browns, a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and savory sausage, baked to a golden, cheesy crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (about 450g) frozen shredded hash browns
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 1½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (113g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (150g) cooked sausage, crumbled (pork or turkey, optional)
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste (about 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper)
  • 2 tbsp (30g) melted butter
  • Optional: 1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook 1 cup (150g) of sausage until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving a little grease in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion (½ cup) and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs and 1 cup (240ml) milk until fully blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the frozen hash browns, cooked sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, and shredded cheeses (1½ cups cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella) into the egg mixture. Fold gently until everything is evenly combined. Stir in herbs if using.
  6. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the mixture in and spread evenly.
  7. Brush the top with 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter to encourage a crispy golden crust.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and the top is golden and crispy. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean and the edges should be bubbling.
  9. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Do not thaw the hash browns before mixing to prevent sogginess. Brush the top with melted butter for a crispy crust. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Let the casserole rest before slicing to help it hold together. The recipe is flexible for substitutions like vegetarian sausage, dairy-free milk, or alternative cheeses.

Nutrition

Keywords: hash brown casserole, breakfast casserole, cheesy breakfast, sausage casserole, easy breakfast recipe, crispy crust, brunch recipe