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If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, comforting dish that can serve as the star of a brunch spread or as a cozy weeknight dinner, look no further than the Sausage Hashbrown Casserole. This dish brings together savory breakfast sausage, crispy hashbrowns, creamy cheese, and a few simple seasonings to create a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare and utterly delicious. With minimal prep time and a short list of ingredients, it’s the perfect recipe to make ahead and bake whenever you’re ready to enjoy a hot, satisfying meal.

Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is ideal for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or as a simple dinner solution when you want something filling and flavorful. It can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences by adding vegetables, using different types of sausage, or switching up the cheese varieties. This recipe has all the components of a comforting meal – crispy potatoes, savory meat, and gooey cheese – making it one that’s sure to be a family favorite.

In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about making the perfect Sausage Hashbrown Casserole, from ingredient selection and preparation tips to variations and serving suggestions. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Prep: With just 15 minutes of preparation time, this casserole comes together quickly and can be baked right away or stored for later.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate overnight for an effortless breakfast or brunch the next day.
Versatile: Add your favorite vegetables, switch up the meat, or try different types of cheese to create your own version of this classic dish.
Perfect for Any Meal: This casserole works just as well for breakfast or brunch as it does for a filling dinner. Pair it with a side salad or some roasted veggies to complete the meal.
Feeds a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a brunch or need a dish for a potluck, this recipe serves a large group, making it an excellent choice for gatherings.

Ingredient Selection

The key to a delicious Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is using high-quality ingredients that complement each other well. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Hashbrowns: You can use frozen shredded hashbrowns for convenience, or shred fresh potatoes if you prefer. Make sure to thaw and drain frozen hashbrowns to remove excess moisture.
Breakfast Sausage: Use ground breakfast sausage or sausage links with the casings removed. You can opt for spicy, mild, or maple-flavored sausage depending on your taste.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this casserole, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and richness to the casserole. For a homemade version, you can make your own white sauce using butter, flour, and milk.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and moisture to the dish. Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative.
Onion and Garlic: Finely chopped onions and minced garlic add flavor and depth to the dish.
Butter: A bit of melted butter adds richness and helps to create a golden, crispy topping.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a little extra kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Thaw and drain the frozen hashbrowns if using, and set them aside. Dice the onion and garlic, and measure out all your ingredients to make assembly easier.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and drain any excess fat. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, chopped onions, minced garlic, 2 cups of shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top for a gooey, cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden and bubbly around the edges. The cheese should be melted, and the top should be slightly crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sausage Hashbrown Casserole

Thaw and Drain Hashbrowns Thoroughly: If using frozen hashbrowns, make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture. Too much water will result in a soggy casserole.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best texture, use freshly grated cheese.
Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to add more spices like paprika, cayenne, or even a dash of hot sauce to kick up the flavor.
Make It Meatless: To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge for an easy, make-ahead meal.

Variations

Vegetarian Hashbrown Casserole: Swap the sausage for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
Spicy Hashbrown Casserole: Use spicy breakfast sausage and add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Southwestern Style: Add corn, black beans, and diced green chiles to the mix. Use a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
Ham and Cheese Casserole: Replace the sausage with diced ham and add a mix of cheeses like Swiss and cheddar.
Bacon Lover’s Casserole: Replace half of the sausage with cooked, crumbled bacon for an extra smoky, savory flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides or as a stand-alone meal. Here are some serving ideas:

With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a fruit salad or sliced fresh fruit for a lighter, refreshing contrast.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance out the richness of the casserole.
With Eggs: Add scrambled or poached eggs on the side for an extra protein boost.
As a Dinner Entrée: Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

This casserole is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead and frozen for future use:

Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole as directed and store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing Instructions: To freeze, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

While Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is undeniably a comfort food, it also offers some nutritional benefits:

High in Protein: The sausage and cheese provide a good amount of protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Calcium and Vitamin D: The cheese and cream of chicken soup contribute calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health.
Energy-Packed Carbohydrates: Hashbrowns are a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy to start your day or fuel your evening activities.

For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

Conclusion

Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday brunch, feeding a crowd, or just want to indulge in a satisfying meal, this recipe will deliver every time. With its versatility and make-ahead convenience, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Try out the classic version or experiment with one of the suggested variations – either way, you’re in for a treat!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your Sausage Hashbrown Casserole!