Description
Comforting midwest “cheesy sausage hashbrown bake” brings hearty breakfast flavors together in one delicious casserole. Savory sausage, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying morning meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 package (12-14 ounces / 340-400 grams) kielbasa or smoked sausage, cut into chunks
Starch Base:
- 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag frozen hash browns
- 1 small onion, diced
Dairy and Sauce Components:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 (10 ounces / 283 grams) can cream of mushroom or chicken soup
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a foundational mixture by blending shredded hash browns with finely chopped onions, ensuring a uniform distribution of ingredients.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, introducing a rich, tangy element to the base layer.
- Fold in creamy sour cream and milk, which will provide moisture and enhance the overall texture of the casserole.
- Pour the cream soup into the mixture, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, binding sauce that will hold the ingredients together.
- Gently fold sausage chunks throughout the mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the creamy base.
- Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to create an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil, protecting the top from premature browning during the initial baking phase.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and heat through completely.
- Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven, continuing to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the surface turns a golden, appetizing brown and develops a slightly crispy texture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
- Serve piping hot, offering a comforting and hearty meal that combines multiple flavor profiles.
Notes
- Toast hash browns briefly before mixing to enhance their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
- Drain sausage fat completely to avoid making the dish too greasy and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
- Swap cream soup for Greek yogurt to reduce calories and create a lighter, protein-packed version that’s diet-friendly.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda to add unexpected depth and complexity to the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg