Save to Pinterest Quick Christmas Morning Hash Brown Bake is the ultimate comfort breakfast casserole that brings warmth and joy to your holiday table. Featuring crispy hash browns, savory breakfast sausage, melty cheddar cheese, and festive hints of red bell pepper and green onions, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with loved ones on a cozy winter morning.
Save to Pinterest This casserole not only tastes delicious but also looks beautiful with its golden-brown top and festive colors. The perfect dish to make ahead or whip up fresh, it keeps everyone full and happy, leaving more time to enjoy the holiday spirit.
Ingredients
- 1 (24 oz / 680 g) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), casing removed
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (60 g) diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup (60 g) diced green onions
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 6 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with olive oil or melted butter.
- 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- 3. In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, diced red bell pepper, green onions, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until fully combined.
- 5. Pour the egg mixture over the hash brown mixture and stir to evenly coat.
- 6. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese.
- 7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- 8. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For best results, ensure your hash browns are fully thawed before mixing to avoid excess moisture. Browning the sausage well adds depth of flavor. If you prefer, swap olive oil for melted butter to grease your dish—it adds a lovely richness. You can prepare the casserole the night before; just refrigerate uncovered and bake fresh in the morning.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the sausage or using a vegetarian sausage alternative. Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or jalapeños for extra texture and flavor. Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick or omit it if you prefer milder tastes. For gluten-free diets, ensure your sausage is gluten-free.
Serviervorschläge
Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite salsa for a fresh finishing touch. This bake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a light green salad to balance its richness. Ideal for holiday brunch gatherings or special weekend breakfasts.
Save to Pinterest With its balance of crispy edges, savory sausage, and creamy cheese, this Quick Christmas Morning Hash Brown Bake promises to be a standout on your holiday breakfast table year after year. Enjoy every bite and the warm memories it helps create.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this bake vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage or substitute with a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- → How do I ensure the bake is gluten-free?
Use gluten-free sausage and verify that all other ingredients, especially spices and cheese, are free from gluten-containing additives.
- → What can I add for extra flavor?
Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or jalapeños can be incorporated to enhance taste and texture.
- → How do I prevent the bake from being soggy?
Make sure to drain any excess fat from the cooked sausage and use thawed, well-drained hash browns before mixing.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day, then bake just before serving.