Overnight Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole
Wake up to the delightful aroma of a hearty breakfast with this Overnight Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole. Perfect for lazy Sundays, festive holidays, or hosting family and friends, this deliciously satisfying dish cooks while you sleep. With creamy eggs, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese nestled among crispy hash browns, it’s a great way to start your day. Customize it with your favorite add-ins like sourdough bread chunks, diced chilies, or fresh green onions for an extra flavor boost. Serve it with chilled orange juice and crispy toast for a complete breakfast experience!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen hash browns
26 ounces (No preparation needed, spread directly in the crock pot.)
Eggs
12 (Crack into a bowl and whisk together.)
Milk
1/2 cup (Add to the egg mixture.)
Ground mustard
1 tablespoon (Mix into the egg mixture.)
Sausage
16 ounces (Cook and crumble in a skillet.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Add to the egg mixture.)
Shredded cheddar cheese
16 ounces (Add directly on top of the casserole.)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced.)
Onion
1 large (Sliced.)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Add to the egg mixture.)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Add to the egg mixture.)
Instructions
1
First, spray the inner pot of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray or grease it lightly with butter.
2
Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the crock pot to create a base layer.
3
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 12 eggs and whisk them gently until well blended.
4
Add the milk, ground mustard, salt, nutmeg, and pepper to the eggs. Mix everything thoroughly.
5
Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
6
In the same skillet, using the retained fat, sauté the minced garlic and sliced onions until they are softened and translucent.
7
Layer the cooked sausage, sautéed garlic, and onions over the hash brown base, distributing them evenly.
8
Add the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sausage mixture—don't hold back on the cheese, as it enhances the flavor.
9
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole, making sure it covers all ingredients evenly.
10
Use a wooden spoon to gently press down any ingredients that may be floating, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
11
Cover the crock pot with its lid, set it to low heat, and let it cook for 5 to 7 hours. Adjust the cooking time based on your specific crock pot's heat settings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Overnight Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole?
It is a hearty, slow-cooked breakfast dish made with frozen hash browns, eggs, sausage, and melted cheese, designed to cook while you sleep.
How many eggs do I need for this recipe?
You will need 12 large eggs for this casserole.
What type of hash browns should I use?
The recipe calls for 26 ounces of frozen hash browns.
Do I need to thaw the hash browns before cooking?
No, you can spread the frozen hash browns directly across the bottom of the crock pot without thawing.
What kind of meat is included in this casserole?
This recipe uses 16 ounces of sausage, which is cooked and crumbled before being added.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 16 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long does the casserole take to cook in a crock pot?
It should cook on low heat for approximately 5 to 7 hours.
Can I add vegetables to the breakfast casserole?
Yes, you can customize it with diced chilies, fresh green onions, or other favorite add-ins.
Is there a specific way to prepare the eggs?
Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk them gently until well blended with milk and spices.
What spices are used to season the egg mixture?
The seasonings include ground mustard, salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg.
How should I prepare the crock pot to prevent sticking?
Spray the inner pot with non-stick cooking spray or grease it lightly with butter before adding ingredients.
Do I need to cook the sausage before putting it in the crock pot?
Yes, the sausage should be browned in a skillet and drained of excess fat before layering into the casserole.
How do I prepare the onions and garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic and sliced onions in the skillet until they are softened and translucent.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Can I add bread to this casserole?
Yes, adding sourdough bread chunks is a recommended way to customize the flavor and texture.
Why do I need to press down the ingredients with a wooden spoon?
This ensures that any floating ingredients are submerged and well-incorporated into the egg mixture.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with chilled orange juice and crispy toast.
Can I use a different type of milk?
While the recipe calls for standard milk, you can likely substitute with your preferred variety, though it may slightly change the texture.
What setting should my slow cooker be on?
Set the crock pot to low heat for the best results.
Is it okay to use more than 16 ounces of cheese?
Yes, the recipe encourages not holding back on the cheese as it enhances the flavor.
Can I make this recipe for a holiday morning?
Absolutely, its overnight cooking method makes it perfect for festive holidays or hosting family.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Start with hash browns, followed by the sausage/garlic/onion mixture, then cheese, and finally the egg mixture.
What if I don't have ground mustard?
While it adds a distinct flavor, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of prepared mustard.
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Yes, turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative for this casserole.
Is the nutmeg necessary?
The nutmeg provides a subtle warmth that complements the savory ingredients, but it can be omitted if preferred.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can this be made in a smaller crock pot?
This recipe is designed for a standard large crock pot; if using a smaller one, you may need to halve the ingredients.
Should the onion be chopped or sliced?
The recipe suggests using one large sliced onion.
What is the amount of salt and pepper needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick breakfast the next day.