Description
Hearty Midwest “Sunrise Comfort” casserole blends crispy hashbrowns with savory sausage, creamy eggs, and rich cheese for a satisfying breakfast sensation. Generous layers promise delightful morning comfort you’ll crave from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 1 (8 oz / 225 g) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 (30 oz / 850 g) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Liquid:
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Transform the sausage into crispy, golden crumbles by cooking it in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring complete browning and thorough cooking. Eliminate excess grease through careful draining.
- Integrate the cream cheese into the cooked sausage, gently melting and stirring until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Craft the liquid foundation by whisking eggs with milk, then seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Create the casserole’s base layer by evenly distributing thawed hashbrowns across the prepared baking dish. Delicately spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the potatoes, then cascade the egg mixture across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage. Crown the dish with an even blanket of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 35-40 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and completely set eggs, indicating the dish is perfectly cooked.
- Allow the casserole a brief 5-minute resting period after removing from the oven. Slice into generous portions and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Serve while still warm for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize the sausage by using turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish lighter and lower in calories.
- Replace regular hashbrowns with sweet potato hashbrowns for added nutrients and a slightly different flavor profile that brings depth to the breakfast casserole.
- Prep the casserole ahead of time by assembling everything the night before and refrigerating, then bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that saves precious morning minutes.
- Consider using lactose-free cream cheese and milk to make this dish friendly for those with dairy sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this hearty morning meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg