Hearty Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns
Kickstart your day with this satisfying Hearty Overnight Breakfast Casserole featuring layers of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and rich cheddar cheese. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to prepare a delicious breakfast the night before, so you can enjoy a warm and hearty meal with minimal morning effort. Perfect for brunch gatherings or busy weekdays, this casserole is not only filling but packed with flavors that everyone will love. Simply prepare, refrigerate, and bake for a fantastic start to your day!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
breakfast sausage
1 lb (cooked and crumbled)
croutons
3 cups (plain or seasoned)
cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded, divided)
large eggs
10 (beaten)
milk
2 cups (whole or 2%)
dry mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
cream of potato soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (none)
milk
1/2 cup (whole or 2%)
country-style hash browns
30 ounces (frozen, thawed)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and crumbled. Ensure to drain any excess fat after cooking.
3
Evenly layer the croutons in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4
Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the croutons, followed by 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, 2 cups of milk, dry mustard, and salt until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the dish.
6
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
7
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8
In a small bowl, mix the cream of potato soup with 1/2 cup of milk until smooth. Pour this mixture over the casserole.
9
Carefully top the casserole with the thawed hash browns, spreading them evenly over the soup layer.
10
Bake the casserole uncovered for 1 hour, or until the hash browns are cooked through.
11
Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into square servings. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty breakfast!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Hash Browns?
It is a satisfying breakfast dish featuring layers of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and rich cheddar cheese that can be prepared the night before.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 8 servings.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9 x 13 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
Should the baking dish be prepared before adding ingredients?
Yes, spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How should the breakfast sausage be cooked?
The sausage should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled, then drained of excess fat.
What is the bottom layer of the casserole?
The bottom layer consists of 3 cups of plain or seasoned croutons.
How much cheese is added in the first layering step?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled over the sausage and croutons.
How many eggs are used in this casserole?
The recipe calls for 10 large beaten eggs.
What liquid ingredients are mixed with the eggs?
Two cups of whole or 2% milk are mixed with the eggs.
What spices are used in the egg mixture?
The egg mixture includes 1 teaspoon of dry mustard and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Why is the casserole refrigerated overnight?
It is refrigerated tightly covered with foil to let the flavors meld together.
What temperature should the oven be for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What is added to the casserole the morning of baking?
A mixture of cream of potato soup and 1/2 cup of milk is poured over the layers.
How much cream of potato soup is needed?
The recipe uses one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of potato soup.
What kind of hash browns should be used?
Use 30 ounces of frozen country-style hash browns that have been thawed.
When are the hash browns added to the dish?
The hash browns are spread evenly over the soup layer before baking.
How long should the casserole bake?
The casserole should bake uncovered for 1 hour.
How do you know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the hash browns are cooked through.
When do I add the remaining cheddar cheese?
Add the remaining 1 cup of cheese after the initial 1 hour of baking.
How much longer do I bake after adding the final layer of cheese?
Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, allow it to cool for a few minutes before cutting into servings.
What shape should the servings be cut into?
The casserole should be cut into square servings.
Can I use seasoned croutons?
Yes, the recipe allows for either plain or seasoned croutons.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe suggests using either whole or 2% milk.
Is the sausage added to the dish raw?
No, the sausage must be cooked and crumbled before it is layered in the dish.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for brunch gatherings.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The primary tags include breakfast, casserole, overnight recipe, and hash browns.
Can I prepare this on a weekday?
Yes, it is designed for minimal morning effort, making it great for busy weekdays.
How much total cheese is required?
A total of 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese is used, divided.
What makes this breakfast 'hearty'?
The combination of sausage, eggs, cheese, potatoes, and croutons makes it very filling and flavorful.