There’s nothing better than starting my morning with a warm, hearty breakfast that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas. This Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole combines crispy hash browns, savory sausage, creamy country gravy, fluffy eggs, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese into one satisfying dish. The buttery cornflake topping adds the perfect crunchy finish, making this casserole an excellent choice for family breakfasts, weekend brunches, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 lb frozen southern-style diced hash browns
1 lb breakfast sausage, browned and drained
15 oz country sausage gravy
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
6 eggs, whisked
2 cups crushed corn flakes
4 tablespoon melted butter
Cooking spray
Directions
I brown the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully cooked, then drain any excess grease.
I lightly coat a 9x13-inch oven-safe or smoker-safe baking dish with cooking spray.
I combine the diced hash browns, cooked sausage, country sausage gravy, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in the prepared baking dish, stirring until everything is evenly mixed.
I pour the whisked eggs evenly over the casserole mixture.
I sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
I mix the crushed corn flakes with the melted butter in a small bowl until evenly coated.
I scatter the buttery cornflake mixture evenly across the casserole.
I bake or smoke the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the eggs are fully set.
I let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving it warm with ketchup or hot sauce if I like.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Variations
I like to switch up this casserole depending on what I have available. I sometimes replace the breakfast sausage with cooked bacon, diced ham, or spicy sausage for a different flavor. Pepper Jack cheese adds a little heat, while Monterey Jack or Colby cheese melts beautifully as well. I also enjoy mixing in diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to add extra vegetables. For a smoky flavor, I occasionally add a dash of smoked paprika or use smoked cheddar cheese.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If I want to keep the casserole longer, I wrap individual portions tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. When I'm ready to enjoy it again, I thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I warm individual servings in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or I reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. I like to assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, refrigerate it, and bake it the following morning for an easy breakfast.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes. I simply dice fresh potatoes into small pieces and partially cook them before adding them to the casserole so they become tender during baking.
Can I make this casserole without sausage gravy?
Yes. I can replace the gravy with a homemade cheese sauce or simply add a little milk or heavy cream for a lighter texture.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
I check that the eggs are completely set, the potatoes are tender, and the center reaches a safe temperature before serving.
What can I serve with this breakfast casserole?
I enjoy serving it with fresh fruit, biscuits, toast, orange juice, coffee, or a simple green salad for a complete brunch.
Conclusion
I always enjoy making this Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole because it delivers rich, comforting flavors with very little effort. The combination of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, creamy gravy, fluffy eggs, melted cheddar cheese, and crunchy buttery cornflakes creates a breakfast that everyone looks forward to. Whether I make it for a holiday brunch, a weekend breakfast, or meal prep for the week, this casserole never disappoints.
📖 Recipe:
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Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This hearty Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole combines crispy hash browns, savory breakfast sausage, creamy country gravy, fluffy eggs, cheddar cheese, and a buttery cornflake topping for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
2 lb frozen southern-style diced hash browns
1 lb breakfast sausage, browned and drained
15 oz country sausage gravy
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
6 eggs, whisked
2 cups crushed corn flakes
4 tbsp melted butter
Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or smoker to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess grease.
- Lightly coat a 9x13-inch oven-safe or smoker-safe baking dish with cooking spray.
- In the baking dish, combine the hash browns, cooked sausage, country sausage gravy, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Pour the whisked eggs evenly over the mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Mix the crushed corn flakes with the melted butter until evenly coated, then spread over the casserole.
- Bake or smoke for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the eggs are fully set.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with ketchup or hot sauce if desired.
Notes
Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake the next morning.
Substitute cooked spicy sausage for the breakfast sausage.
Try Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, Colby, or smoked cheddar cheese for different flavors.
Add diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or larger portions in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
