Sausage Hashbrown Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Sausage Hashbrown Casserole: the ultimate comfort food that’s about to revolutionize your breakfast, brunch, or even dinner routine! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of savory sausage mingling with cheesy potatoes, all baked to golden-brown perfection. This isn’t just a casserole; it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate, guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

While the exact origins of the Sausage Hashbrown Casserole are a bit hazy, its roots are firmly planted in the American tradition of resourceful home cooking. Casseroles, in general, gained popularity as a way to stretch ingredients and create hearty, family-friendly meals. This particular variation, with its combination of breakfast staples, has become a beloved dish across the country, especially in the South, where it’s often served at potlucks and holiday gatherings.

What makes this casserole so universally loved? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden-brown hashbrowns provide a delightful crunch, while the creamy cheese sauce and savory sausage create a rich and satisfying base. It’s incredibly easy to customize, too! Add your favorite vegetables, swap out the cheese, or use different types of sausage to create your own signature version. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you’re entertaining a crowd. Get ready to experience the magic of this classic comfort food!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (I prefer Jimmy Dean regular)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes (optional, for topping)

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is cook our sausage. I like to use a regular breakfast sausage, but feel free to experiment with different flavors like maple or hot. It’s all about what you enjoy!

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the breakfast sausage. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. You want it to be cooked through and no longer pink. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
2. Drain the Excess Grease: Once the sausage is cooked, drain off any excess grease. I usually tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop out the grease. You don’t want a greasy casserole!
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. They should be tender and slightly translucent. This step adds a lot of flavor to the casserole, so don’t skip it!

Making the Creamy Sauce:

Now for the creamy, dreamy sauce that brings everything together. This is where the magic happens!

1. Combine the Soups: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the condensed cream of chicken soup. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. Add Sour Cream and Spices: Stir in the sour cream, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese (remember to save the other cup for topping!), garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. The sour cream adds a lovely tanginess that balances the richness of the soups.

Assembling the Casserole:

Time to put it all together! This is the easiest part, I promise.

1. Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture to the bowl with the creamy sauce. Also, add the thawed shredded hash browns. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to break up the hash browns too much.
2. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray to grease the dish, but you can also use butter or oil. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
3. Top with Cheese and Cornflakes (Optional): Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you’re using the crushed cornflakes, sprinkle them over the cheese. The cornflakes add a nice crunch to the topping.
4. Drizzle with Melted Butter (Optional): Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cheese and cornflakes (if using). This helps the topping to brown nicely and adds a little extra richness.

Baking the Casserole:

Almost there! Now we just need to bake it until it’s bubbly and golden brown.

1. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should be golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
2. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up a bit and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to make this casserole your own:

• Different Sausage: As I mentioned before, you can use different types of sausage. Italian sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage would work well.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole. Mushrooms, onions, red bell peppers, or even spinach would be great additions.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Cream Cheese Addition: For an extra creamy texture, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the sauce mixture.
• Hash Brown Variety: While I prefer shredded hash browns, you can also use diced hash browns. Just make sure they are thawed before adding them to the casserole.
• Egg Addition: For a more breakfast-y casserole, whisk 4-6 eggs into the sauce mixture before adding the other ingredients. This will make the casserole more like a breakfast bake.

Serving Suggestions:

This sausage hash brown casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve it with a side of fresh fruit.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or chives.
• Serve it with a side of toast or biscuits.
• Make it a complete breakfast by serving it with scrambled eggs and bacon.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a family favorite and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you need a comforting and delicious meal.

Conclusion:

This Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing experience that you absolutely must try. Seriously, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to throw together, satisfyingly delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next brunch or potluck, look no further. The combination of savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, creamy cheese, and that perfectly seasoned egg custard creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

But what truly elevates this casserole to must-try status is its versatility. While it’s fantastic as is, there are endless ways to customize it to your liking. Feeling adventurous? Add a layer of sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavor and texture. Want to kick up the heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick. For a vegetarian option, simply swap out the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or add in some extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.

Serving suggestions are just as flexible. This casserole is perfect on its own for a hearty breakfast or brunch. But it also pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or even some crispy bacon (because, why not?). For a more elegant presentation, you can bake it in individual ramekins instead of a large casserole dish. And don’t forget the toppings! A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chives, or a drizzle of hot sauce are all fantastic additions.

Beyond breakfast, this casserole makes a surprisingly satisfying dinner. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete and comforting meal. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked sausage or vegetables.

I know you might be thinking, “Another casserole recipe? What’s so special about this one?” And I get it. But trust me, this Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is different. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and comforting, and it’s so easy to make that even a novice cook can pull it off. Plus, the variations are endless, so you can truly make it your own.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the deliciousness that is this Sausage Hashbrown Casserole. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! I am confident that this recipe will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, from a casual weekend brunch to a festive holiday gathering. The ease of preparation and the incredible flavor make it a winner every time. Don’t hesitate, give this Sausage Hashbrown Casserole a try today!