Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole with Sausage
Ingredients:
- 1 box of Hamburger Helper Cheesy Hash Browns
- 1 lb (450g) Bob Evans roll breakfast sausage
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Bob Evans roll breakfast sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease.
- Prepare the Hash Browns: In a large mixing bowl, combine the contents of the Hamburger Helper Cheesy Hash Browns box with milk, water, and the cooked breakfast sausage. Stir well to combine.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the hash brown mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Slice into squares and serve hot.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, a game-changer for breakfast made with Hamburger Helper Cheesy Hash Browns and Bob Evans roll breakfast sausage!
Here are some helpful tips to make your Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole even more delightful:
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding some diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the casserole mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Sauté them with the sausage for a few minutes before mixing them with the hash browns.
- Use Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality cheddar cheese or experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Swiss for added flavor and creaminess.
- Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the casserole mixture with salt, pepper, and any other favorite herbs or spices to enhance the overall flavor profile. A pinch of paprika or cayenne can add a nice kick.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing and serving. This will help the flavors meld together and prevent the casserole from falling apart when sliced.
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Consider adding a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or avocado slices on top of each serving for a burst of freshness and additional flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. This is perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
- Serve with Breakfast Sides: Serve the Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole with your favorite breakfast sides such as crispy bacon, sausage links, fresh fruit salad, or toast to create a complete and satisfying breakfast spread.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize the casserole by adding other ingredients like cooked diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even diced cooked potatoes for added texture and flavor.
By incorporating these tips, you can elevate the flavors and enjoyment of your Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole and make it even more delightful for yourself and your guests!
Here are some tips to help you achieve breakfast casserole perfection:
- Properly Grease the Baking Dish: Make sure to generously grease the baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Evenly Distribute Ingredients: Spread the hash brown mixture evenly in the baking dish to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients gently just until they are combined. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough texture rather than a light and fluffy one.
- Allow Ingredients to Cool: If you’re adding cooked ingredients like sausage or vegetables, allow them to cool slightly before mixing them with the hash browns. This prevents excess moisture from accumulating in the casserole.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor and texture. Freshly grated cheese will melt more evenly and provide better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the casserole mixture before baking and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that the flavors will concentrate as the casserole bakes, so it’s better to slightly under-season than over-season.
- Cover with Foil if Necessary: If the cheese begins to brown too quickly during baking, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning while the rest of the casserole finishes cooking.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to slice into neat portions.
- Serve Warm: Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. However, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave or oven for a quick and delicious breakfast throughout the week.
By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole every time!
Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole:
- Can I make Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning as directed in the recipe.
- Can I freeze Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then tightly wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap and foil or place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh ones?
- Yes, you can use frozen hash browns in this recipe. Thaw them according to the package instructions and drain any excess moisture before incorporating them into the casserole.
- Can I substitute the sausage with bacon or ham?
- Yes, you can substitute the breakfast sausage with cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even vegetarian alternatives like mushrooms or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
- How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
- The casserole is done baking when the edges are golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Swiss in place of or in addition to cheddar cheese for added flavor.
- What can I serve with Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole?
- Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole pairs well with a variety of breakfast sides such as crispy bacon, sausage links, fresh fruit salad, or toast.
- Can I make Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Cook the sausage and hash browns as directed, then transfer them to a greased slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until set.
These are some of the most commonly asked questions about Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, along with their answers to help you prepare this delicious dish with confidence!