The ultimate weekend brunch comfort dish! As you can see in image_31ad0b.jpg, this spectacular breakfast bake turns simple ingredients into delicious, golden-brown individual mounds. It features a rich blend of savory sausage, melted cream cheese, and crispy shredded hash browns, all topped with bubbly cheddar cheese, crisp bacon bits, and fresh herbs.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 package (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (for topping)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork sausage and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up into fine crumbles with a wooden spoon, until it is entirely browned. Drain excess grease thoroughly.
Step 2: Make it Creamy
Turn the heat down to low. Stir the softened cream cheese directly into the warm sausage. Mix continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and evenly coats the meat. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Base
In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and frothy.
Step 4: Mix the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. To the bowl with the egg mixture, add the thawed shredded hash browns, the creamy sausage mixture, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Fold everything together gently until well incorporated.
Step 5: Arrange and Layer
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. To achieve the beautiful, rounded individual portions shown in image_31ad0b.jpg, scoop the mixture into distinct, slightly mounded piles rather than smoothing it completely flat. Top the casserole evenly with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon pieces.
Step 6: Bake and Garnish
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are completely set and the cheese on top has melted into a deep, bubbly golden-brown crust as seen in image_31ad0b.jpg. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.