Hashbrown Sausage Breakfast Casserole WonkyWonderful

Why I Love This Casserole

This casserole is my favorite weekend friend. It fills the whole kitchen with a warm, happy smell. I love how it brings everyone to the table.

It is so easy to make. You just mix everything in one big bowl. I still laugh at that time I used spicy sausage by mistake. My grandson’s eyes got so wide! It was a funny surprise.

A Little Story For You

My own grandma taught me to cook. She never used a fancy timer. She would just listen to the oven. She said the food would tell you when it was done.

That is why I tell you to taste a potato piece. It is the best way to know. This matters because cooking is about feeling, not just following rules. Do you have a cooking tip from your family? I would love to hear it.

Let’s Get Cooking

First, brown your sausage in a pan. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Let it cool a little. Then grab your biggest bowl. Crack in all those eggs.

Add the sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk. Now, the fun part! Stir in the cheese, onions, peppers, sausage, and hash browns. It will look like a wonderful, colorful mess.

The Secret to a Great Bake

Pour your mixture into the dish. Now, into the oven it goes. The waiting is the hardest part. I always peek through the window.

When the edges look set, take it out. The middle should still have a little jiggle. This matters because it keeps the eggs from getting tough. Letting it rest for 5 minutes makes it slice perfectly. Which do you like more, crispy edges or a soft center?

Make It Your Own

The best thing about this recipe? You can change it. Do not like bell peppers? Leave them out. You can use bacon instead of sausage.

Try a different cheese, like pepper jack. It is your kitchen adventure. What is your favorite add-in for breakfast? Tell me your idea. I am always looking for new ones.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Ground Italian Sausage	1 pound
Eggs	8
Sour Cream	½ cup
Whole Milk	¾ cup
Salt	½ teaspoon
Ground Black Pepper	¼ teaspoon
Cheddar Cheese	2 cups	shredded
Green Onions	1/3 cup	sliced
Red Bell Pepper	½	cored and diced
Green Bell Pepper	½	cored and diced
Shredded Hash Browns	20 ounce bag	thawed

My Cozy Breakfast Casserole

Good morning, sunshine! This casserole is my favorite weekend treat. It reminds me of big family breakfasts after church. Everyone would gather in the kitchen, hungry and happy. The smell of sausage and cheese baking is pure comfort. It makes the whole house feel warm and loved.

This dish is wonderfully simple to put together. You just mix everything in one big bowl. Even my grandson can help with the stirring. I love recipes that don’t make a big mess. Let me walk you through it, step-by-step.

• Step 1: First, turn your oven on to 350°F. This gives it time to get nice and hot. Spray your casserole dish so nothing sticks. I use the blue can with the happy chef on it. (A hard-learned tip: Do this now so you don’t forget later!)
• Step 2: Now, let’s cook the sausage. Use a big skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. It should look like little crumbles. My dog, Buster, always comes running when he hears this part.
• Step 3: In a large bowl, crack all eight eggs. Add the sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Doesn’t that yellow color look sunny? This is the glue that holds our casserole together.
• Step 4: Time for the fun part! Stir in the cheese, onions, bell peppers, sausage, and hash browns. Mix it all up with a big spoon. It will be a thick, chunky mixture. What colorful veggie would you add? Share below!
• Step 5: Pour your mixture into the waiting dish. Spread it out evenly with your spoon. Now, pop it in the oven for about 45 to 55 minutes. The secret is to taste a tiny bit of potato with a fork. If it’s soft, it’s done!
• Step 6: Take it out and let it sit for five minutes. I know, the wait is the hardest part! This rest time lets everything settle. Then you can cut perfect little squares. I still laugh at the time I didn’t wait. It was a delicious mess!

Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Breakfast, Brunch

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a best friend. It’s always good, but you can dress it up for fun! I love playing with the ingredients. It feels like a new dish every time. Here are a few of my favorite ways to change it.

• The Veggie Lover: Skip the sausage. Add a cup of chopped mushrooms and spinach instead. It becomes a garden in a dish!
• The Spicy Kick: Use spicy sausage and a dash of hot sauce in the eggs. It will wake up your taste buds for sure.
• The Everything Bake: Toss in some chopped-up ham and a different cheese, like Swiss. It’s a great way to use up leftovers.

Which one would you try first? Comment below! I love reading your ideas. They give this old grandma new inspiration for my own kitchen.

Serving It Up Just Right

Now, a hot slice of casserole is a meal all by itself. But I think every plate needs a little friend. A bright, juicy orange slice adds a pop of color. Or a few fresh berries on the side. They make the plate look so pretty.

For a drink, a tall glass of cold orange juice is my go-to. The sweetness is perfect with the savory casserole. If you’re feeling fancy, a mimosa is a fun brunch treat. Just a little bubbly with your juice. Which would you choose tonight? I think I’d pick the mimosa, just for fun.

Making Breakfast Easy All Week Long

This casserole is a lifesaver for busy mornings. Let it cool completely after baking. Then cover it tightly and put it in the fridge. It will stay good for about four days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just wrap it well in foil.

To reheat, I like to warm single slices in the toaster oven. It keeps them from getting soggy. For a whole frozen casserole, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then bake at 350°F until warm. I once reheated a slice in the microwave too long. It got a bit rubbery. A little patience gives you a much better breakfast.

Batch cooking this dish saves so much time. It means a good meal is always ready for you. This matters because a calm morning is a great way to start your day. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for a Perfect Casserole

Is your casserole too wet? Squeeze the thawed hash browns in a towel. This removes extra water. I remember when I skipped this step. My casserole was a bit soupy. A dry potato makes a much better texture.

Does the middle not cook through? Your dish might be too full. Use the right size pan. A 13×9-inch dish is perfect. This matters because even cooking means every bite is delicious. Are the edges getting too brown? Cover the dish with foil halfway through baking. This stops the top from burning.

Knowing these easy fixes builds your cooking confidence. You learn to make the recipe your own. This matters because cooking should be fun, not frustrating. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Breakfast Casserole Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Just check your sausage labels to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Assemble it the night before. Keep it covered in the fridge until morning.

Q: What can I swap? A: Use any cheese or sausage you like. Fun fact: The first hash browns were made in the USA in the 1890s.

Q: Can I make a smaller portion? A: Sure. Just cut the ingredients in half. Use a 8×8-inch baking dish.

Q: Any optional tips? A: A dash of hot sauce in the egg mix adds a nice kick. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home. It has filled many happy bellies in mine. I love hearing your stories and seeing your creations.

Your version might be even better than mine. Please share your beautiful breakfast plates with everyone. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Grace Ellington.