Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting and filling dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With layers of tender potatoes, savory breakfast sausage, melted cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this casserole is a family favorite that everyone will enjoy.
The creamy filling and crispy golden topping make this casserole a perfect addition to any family gathering, holiday morning, or weekend brunch. Enjoy!
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 people
- Equipment: 9×13 inch baking dish, large mixing bowl
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This savory bake brings together hearty, comforting ingredients like refrigerated hashbrown potatoes, breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese in a creamy, flavorful base. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it the ultimate hassle-free morning meal. Plus, the buttery breadcrumb topping adds the perfect satisfying crunch to every bite!
Ingredients for Sausage Hashbrown Casserole
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated hashbrown potatoes
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
How to Make Sausage Hashbrown Casserole
1. Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the refrigerated hashbrown potatoes, cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Spread in Baking Dish
Spread the hashbrown mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer.
4. Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated and resemble wet sand.
5. Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbling at the edges, and the top is golden brown and crispy.
6. Cool and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy filling to set up perfectly for slicing.
Pro Tips for the Best Hashbrown Casserole
- Thaw the Hashbrowns: If using frozen hashbrowns instead of refrigerated, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
- Drain the Sausage: Make sure to drain any excess grease from your cooked breakfast sausage before adding it to the mixing bowl. This keeps the casserole from turning out greasy.
- Customize the Cheese: While sharp cheddar is classic, you can mix it up by using Pepper Jack for a little kick, or a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in a handful of diced bell peppers or frozen corn to add extra flavor and texture.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds. To reheat the whole dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole before baking! Assemble it, wrap it tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the breadcrumb topping, and bake as directed.
Sausage Hashbrown Casserole FAQ
Can I make this casserole the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. In the morning, add the buttered breadcrumbs and bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the cold fridge.
Can I use frozen hashbrowns instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw them completely first and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before mixing.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, simply swap the cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs (or crushed gluten-free crackers) for the topping.
Ready to try this recipe?
This Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of breakfast flavors into one delicious meal. If you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and comment below! Don’t forget to check out our other easy breakfast and brunch recipes.