Name: Beef Egg Cream Cheese Hash Brown Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound bulk beef sausage; 1 dozen large eggs; 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon onion powder; 1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

Sausage, Egg ; Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Oh, that glorious symphony of flavors and textures! If you’re anything like me, the mere thought of a hearty, comforting breakfast can turn any morning into something to look forward to. And when it comes to ultimate breakfast indulgence, this Sausage, Egg ; Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole reigns supreme. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug with every single bite, making those early mornings feel less like a chore and more like a decadent treat. What’s not to love? We’re talking savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and that undeniably creamy, tangy richness of cream cheese all married together with crispy, golden hash browns. It’s a textural marvel, a flavor explosion, and incredibly satisfying. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an event, a weekend ritual, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds!

Ingredients:

1 pound bulk pork sausage
1 dozen large eggs
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1 (30 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

Preparation Steps

Preheating and Sausage Browning

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature to bake the casserole evenly. Next, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bulk pork sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and no pink remains. This process typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain off any excess grease. This is a crucial step to prevent the casserole from becoming overly greasy and to ensure a delightful texture. You can use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining oil.

Egg and Cream Cheese Mixture Assembly

While the sausage is draining, let’s prepare the creamy egg mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the large eggs, softened cream cheese, milk, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The softened cream cheese is key here, as it will melt and create a rich, velvety base for the casserole. If your cream cheese is still quite firm, you can gently microwave it for about 15-20 seconds to soften it more easily. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.

Incorporating the Hash Browns and Cheese

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the thawed shredded hash browns to the large bowl with the egg mixture. Gently fold them in until they are evenly coated. Don’t overmix; we want to maintain some texture in the hash browns. Next, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup). Reserve the remaining cheddar cheese for topping later. The hash browns will absorb some of the liquid from the egg mixture, which is exactly what we want for a cohesive casserole.

Combining All Elements

Add the browned and drained sausage to the bowl with the hash brown and egg mixture. Stir gently to distribute the sausage evenly throughout the casserole ingredients. Ensure all the components are well-integrated but avoid mashing the hash browns. This careful incorporation will guarantee that every bite of your Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Baking the Casserole

Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful golden-brown, cheesy crust as it bakes. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Finishing and Resting

After 45 minutes, remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is set, golden brown, and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting period is essential; it allows the casserole to set up properly, making it easier to slice and serve without it falling apart. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying breakfast!

Conclusion:

There you have it! Your ultimate guide to creating a truly spectacular Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace, a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. The rich, creamy texture from the cream cheese, combined with savory sausage and fluffy eggs, all nestled within crispy hash browns, makes for an unforgettable breakfast experience. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a weekend brunch with loved ones, a holiday gathering, or even just a well-deserved treat for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sausage or add in some finely diced bell peppers for an extra pop of color and flavor. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful casserole as much as I do. Embrace the simplicity and the deliciousness!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is an excellent make-ahead option. You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through completely. This makes those busy mornings so much easier!

What other ingredients can I add to this casserole?

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to add your favorite breakfast additions. Cooked and crumbled bacon is a popular choice, or you could incorporate sautéed onions, mushrooms, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Some people also enjoy adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy crust.