- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild, spicy, or maple)
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns (or 1 large bag tater tots)
- 1 cup cream cheese, cubed (or softened)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional add-ins:
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ cup spinach or mushrooms
🍳 Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish .
Brown the sausage
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Layer the casserole
- Spread frozen hashbrowns evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle with browned sausage .
- Dot with cream cheese cubes .
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese .
- Top with bell pepper and onion (if using) .
Make the egg mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour over the layers
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole.
- Gently press down with a spatula to help the liquid soak in.
Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes .
- Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheddar , and bake 15–20 more minutes , until eggs are set and top is golden.
Rest & serve
- Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce .
Tips for the Best Casserole
🔥 Don’t thaw the hashbrowns — frozen works better for texture
🔥 Use tater tots for extra crunch — just press them into the egg mix
🔥 Make it ahead — assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning!
🔥 Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — for extra golden top (watch closely!)
🔥 Double the recipe — it freezes beautifully and feeds a crowd
Ways to Customize Your Casserole
Love the base? Try these fun twists:
- 🍳 Ham & Cheese Version – Swap sausage for diced ham
- 🌶️ Spicy Kick – Use hot sausage and add jalapeños
- 🥓 Bacon Lovers – Replace sausage with crispy bacon
- 🍳 Vegetarian Option – Skip meat, add mushrooms and spinach
- 🍳 Breakfast Potatoes – Use seasoned frozen potatoes instead of plain hashbrowns
- 🍳 Crustless Quiche Style – Add Dijon mustard or spinach for a gourmet twist
What to Serve With Sausage & Egg Casserole
This dish is a complete breakfast , but here are some great pairings:
- A crisp green salad or fruit salad
- Fresh fruit or yogurt
- Buttered toast or biscuits
- Orange juice or coffee
Perfect for:
- Holiday mornings (Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving)
- Brunch spreads
- Meal prep breakfasts
- Freezing for future meals
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use frozen tater tots?
Yes! Just layer them on top or press them into the egg mixture — they’ll crisp up beautifully.
❓ Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to bake time.
❓ Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Cool completely and freeze in slices for up to 3 months . Reheat in the oven or microwave.
❓ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — if you use gluten-free sausage and check labels on all ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Sausage, Egg & Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and hearty — a dish that’s easy to love and even easier to make .
With its fluffy eggs, crispy potatoes, and melty cheese , it’s no wonder this recipe is a family favorite and holiday staple .
So next time you need a big-batch breakfast that feeds a crowd and reheats like a dream — bake a pan of this golden, comforting casserole .
Because sometimes, the best mornings start the night before.
