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Cozy Loaded Breakfast Casserole

cozy loaded breakfast casserole - featured image

A comforting and easy-to-prep breakfast casserole perfect for Easter brunch or any cozy weekend morning, featuring layers of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, sautéed veggies, and melty cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 oz (680 g) frozen shredded hash browns
  • 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or 2%
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium diced onion (white or yellow)
  • 1 medium bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound (450 g) breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-9 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside, draining excess fat if needed.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced onion (1 medium) and bell pepper (1 medium). Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs and 1 cup (240 ml) milk until fully combined and slightly frothy. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Spray or butter a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Spread the frozen hash browns evenly on the bottom—no need to thaw.
  6. Scatter the cooked sausage evenly over the potatoes, followed by the sautéed onion and bell pepper.
  7. Sprinkle 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the layers.
  8. Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture over the casserole, making sure it seeps into all the layers.
  9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. The center should jiggle slightly but not be runny.
  10. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for garnish.

Notes

Do not thaw the hash browns before baking to achieve crispy edges. If edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Let casserole rest before slicing for neat pieces. For dairy-free, use almond or oat milk and vegan cheese. For vegetarian, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and diced tomatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, Easter brunch, loaded casserole, sausage casserole, hash browns, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, cheesy casserole