Hearty, cheesy breakfast for busy mornings

Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole is a savory, crowd-pleasing breakfast that combines fluffy eggs, crispy hashbrowns, and flavorful sausage with creamy pockets of cream cheese. This dish is perfect for holiday brunches, weekend breakfasts, or make-ahead meals that reheat beautifully throughout the week.

The combination of textures—golden hashbrowns, melty cheese, and tender sausage—makes every bite satisfying. Cream cheese adds richness and a slight tang, balancing the savory flavors of eggs and sausage.

Why This Breakfast Casserole Works

Casseroles are popular for a reason: they simplify preparation, feed multiple people, and can often be prepared ahead of time. Using frozen hashbrowns reduces prep work while still achieving a crispy edge. Cream cheese provides moisture and a silky texture without being overpowering.

This recipe is flexible: swap out sausage for bacon, use a mix of cheeses, or add vegetables like peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.

Ingredients

1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
4 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Sausage
Brown sausage in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
Mix Cream Cheese Layer
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble Casserole
Spread thawed hashbrowns evenly in the prepared dish. Layer cooked sausage on top, then pour egg and cream cheese mixture over everything. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly on top.
Bake
Bake 45–50 minutes, until casserole is set in the center and top is golden brown.
Serve
Let casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Hashbrown Casserole

Thaw hashbrowns: Prevents excess water in the casserole.
Use full-fat cream cheese: Adds richness and prevents curdling.
Add extra vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work well.
Make ahead: Assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.

Variations and Flavor Boosts

Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Cheese Blend: Mix cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella for extra melty goodness.
Sausage Swap: Use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Mini Casseroles: Divide into muffin tins for individual servings.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole combines convenience, flavor, and texture in one dish. It’s hearty enough to satisfy breakfast or brunch crowds, versatile enough for swaps and customizations, and easy enough for make-ahead mornings.