🥘 Easy Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns

Posted on December 4, 2025

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Table of Contents: Easy Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns

Mornings are easier when breakfast practically makes itself — and that’s exactly what this easy wake up breakfast casserole with sausage & hashbrowns does. Packed with crispy potatoes, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, this one-pan wonder is a comforting and satisfying way to start your day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning a holiday brunch, or simply craving a warm, hearty breakfast, this breakfast casserole delivers every time.

🌞 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of a sausage hashbrown casserole baking in the oven. It’s not only easy to prepare, but it’s also the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience.

Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Quick prep: Ready for the oven in just 15 minutes.
Feeds a crowd: Makes 8–10 hearty servings.
Customizable: Easily add your favorite ingredients.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
Freezer-safe: Great for meal prepping or busy mornings.

If you love quick morning recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy the Easy Breakfast Casserole — another crowd-favorite that’s ideal for busy weekdays or family brunches.

And for a twist on traditional breakfast flavors, don’t miss the Easy Breakfast Enchiladas — they’re cheesy, hearty, and bring a little Tex-Mex fun to your morning table.

🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the perfect breakfast bake starts with a few simple staples. Most of these are pantry or freezer essentials, making this an ideal last-minute recipe.

🧂 The Essentials:

2 pounds breakfast sausage — choose mild, spicy, or turkey.
2 pounds frozen hashbrowns — shredded or cubed, thawed slightly.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese — or your favorite blend.
8 large eggs — farm-fresh if possible.
2 cups milk — whole, 2%, or unsweetened almond milk.
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder

🥬 Optional Add-Ins:

1 small onion, diced
1 green or red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup cooked bacon or diced ham
1 small can of diced green chilies for heat
Fresh herbs like chives or parsley for garnish

💡 Pro tip: For an even crispier base, check out these Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes — they make a great side or layer addition to boost the crunch factor.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

This casserole is as easy as mix, layer, and bake. Follow these steps for a no-fuss breakfast that’s ready in under an hour.

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.

3. Brown the Hashbrowns

In the same pan, add a drizzle of oil and cook the hashbrowns until lightly golden and crispy. This step adds texture and keeps your casserole from getting soggy.

4. Layer It Up

In your prepared baking dish:

Spread hashbrowns evenly on the bottom.
Top with cooked sausage.
Sprinkle shredded cheese.
Add optional chilies or vegetables.

5. Mix the Eggs

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.

6. Pour & Bake

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

7. Cool & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to firm up for perfect servings.

❄️ Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips

One of the best things about this easy breakfast casserole is how flexible it is for busy mornings.

Overnight Prep: Assemble everything, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
Freezer Storage: Bake the casserole first, let it cool, then cut into portions and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave single servings for 1–2 minutes.

If you love make-ahead breakfasts, try the handheld Easy-to-Make Breakfast Egg Rolls — they’re crispy, portable, and full of morning flavor.

🧈 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 480
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fat: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 1516mg
Calcium: 21% DV
Iron: 14% DV

🥚 Health Tip: Swap sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat and calories while keeping the flavor.

🌈 Flavor Variations to Try

Breakfast casseroles are endlessly adaptable. Here are a few creative ways to make yours stand out:

🥦 Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole

Skip the sausage and load it with mushrooms, spinach, and diced tomatoes. Add a sprinkle of feta for a Mediterranean twist.

🌶 Southwestern Style

Add black beans, jalapeños, corn, and pepper jack cheese for a Tex-Mex kick. Serve with salsa or avocado slices.

🥓 Meaty Delight

Combine sausage with crispy bacon or diced ham for a protein-packed morning treat.

🧀 Cheesy Heaven

Mix cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheese for an ultra-melty result. You can even try Gruyère for a gourmet touch.

🥔 Low-Carb Version

Replace hashbrowns with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly breakfast casserole. For more inspiration, check out the Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Casserole — it’s another low-carb favorite.

💡 Expert Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Drain the sausage well to prevent greasiness.
Don’t overmix the eggs — whisk just until combined.
Pre-bake the hashbrowns for 5–7 minutes for extra crispiness.
Add a topping layer of cheese in the last 10 minutes for a bubbly golden crust.
Let it rest before serving — this ensures perfect slices.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Pair your easy wake up breakfast casserole with:

Fresh fruit or mixed berries
Whole-grain toast or English muffins
A refreshing smoothie
Coffee or iced tea

For a balanced brunch, pair it with something lighter like the Fall Harvest Bowl with Chicken — a colorful, protein-packed dish that complements this casserole beautifully.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe can go wrong without a few key tips. Avoid these common pitfalls:

Using frozen hashbrowns without thawing — they’ll water down your casserole.
Not greasing the pan — this causes sticking.
Skipping the resting time — it’ll crumble when you slice it.
Overbaking — dries out the eggs.
Using pre-shredded cheese — it doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this the night before?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

Q2: Can I substitute milk with almond milk?
Absolutely. Unsweetened almond milk works great and keeps it creamy.

Q3: How do I know when it’s done baking?
The center should be set and not jiggly. A thermometer should read 160°F.

Q4: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q5: What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, but you can mix in Swiss or Monterey Jack for variety.

🥗 More Casseroles You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of hearty, oven-baked meals, you’ll love exploring these recipes too:

🧀 Easy Breakfast Casserole — a simpler version for weekday mornings.
🌮 Easy Breakfast Enchiladas — for a fun Mexican-style brunch.
🍝 Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole — perfect for dinner nights.
🥦 Cheesy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Casserole — a low-carb comfort food winner.

🧊 Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Freezing

Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.

Reheating for Best Results

Cover with foil to retain moisture, and sprinkle a bit of cheese on top before reheating for that just-baked flavor.

🥄 Final Thoughts

The Easy Wake Up Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Hashbrowns is everything a make-ahead breakfast should be — comforting, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether it’s for family brunch, a holiday spread, or just meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

And the best part? It’s flexible enough to make your own. Swap, mix, and match — there’s no wrong way to enjoy this easy breakfast bake.

If you want to keep your breakfast game strong, explore FreshPlatez’s full collection of easy morning recipes — from Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes to Easy Breakfast Enchiladas — and never run out of delicious ways to start your day.

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