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Crispy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Peppers

crispy hash brown breakfast casserole - featured image

A quick and easy breakfast casserole featuring crispy hash browns, savory Italian sausage, and sweet bell peppers, bound together with eggs and cheese for a hearty morning meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (600g) frozen shredded hash browns
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled
  • 2 medium bell peppers, thinly sliced (mixed colors)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1.5 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns with the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (about ¾ cup or 85g).
  6. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the hash brown mixture evenly in the dish.
  7. Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the hash browns, pressing gently to submerge the mixture.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the casserole is set and golden on top. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Use shredded hash browns for better crispiness. If using fresh potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture to avoid sogginess. Press the egg mixture into the hash browns to ensure even cooking. Watch baking time closely to avoid runny or dry casserole. Let rest before slicing for cleaner cuts. Sausage fat should be drained to prevent sogginess. Variations include using plant-based sausage for vegetarian, spicy sausage for heat, or swapping cheeses.

Nutrition

Keywords: hash brown casserole, breakfast casserole, sausage and peppers, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, crispy hash browns