Pin this Quick Christmas Morning Hash Brown Bake is a festive, comforting breakfast casserole featuring crispy hash browns, eggs, melty cheese, and savory breakfast sausage—perfect for a joyful holiday morning. This dish brings together the best morning flavors in a warm, bubbly bake that’s sure to brighten your family’s holiday brunch.
Pin this This hash brown bake is a versatile and satisfying dish that combines savory sausage with the melty richness of cheddar cheese and the freshness of bell peppers and green onions. It's a warm, inviting meal that can be prepped ahead of time and baked to golden perfection when you’re ready to gather around the table.
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
Be sure to evenly mix the eggs and milk with the sausage and hash browns to ensure a uniform custard that sets beautifully during baking. Using thawed hash browns prevents excess moisture that could make the bake soggy. Greasing your baking dish well helps with easy slicing and serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage or substitute it with vegetarian sausage. You can also add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture. Consider using turkey sausage for a leaner alternative or experimenting with different cheeses for varied tastes.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your Quick Christmas Morning Hash Brown Bake with a dollop of sour cream or fresh salsa for a bright contrast. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a crisp green salad for a balanced brunch. Enjoy with a hot coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice to complete your holiday morning.
Pin this With its flavorful blend of ingredients and easy preparation, this hash brown bake is sure to become a holiday tradition. Whether served for Christmas morning or a special weekend brunch, it brings warmth and joy to any table while satisfying every appetite.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage or substitute with a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- → How do I ensure the hash browns bake evenly?
Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish and avoid overcrowding. Baking at 375°F until the center is set helps achieve uniform cooking.
- → What can I add for extra flavor or texture?
Try incorporating chopped spinach, mushrooms, or jalapeños to boost flavor and add contrast to the dish.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate before baking. Allow extra baking time if starting from cold.
- → Is it possible to use gluten-free ingredients?
Using gluten-free sausage and verifying cheese labels ensures this dish fits a gluten-free diet.