Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Bake

Introduction

Welcome to our delicious recipe for Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Bake! This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. The combination of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and gooey cheese will surely satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is a winner.

Ingredients

For the Hash Browns:

• 4 cups frozen hash browns
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sausage Mixture:

• 1 pound ground sausage
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Hash Browns

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened.

Add the frozen hash browns to the skillet, and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage Mixture

In the same skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture becomes bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the crispy hash browns evenly across the bottom. Next, layer the cooked sausage mixture on top. Pour the cheese sauce over the sausage layer, spreading it evenly. Finally, top with the remaining crispy hash browns.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Variations

This Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Bake can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

Vegetarian Option:

Instead of using ground sausage, substitute it with your favorite vegetarian sausage or crumbled tofu seasoned with spices like fennel, sage, and paprika.

Meat Lover’s Delight:

If you want an extra meaty dish, add cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham to the sausage mixture.

Spicy Twist:

If you enjoy a kick of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapenos to the sausage mixture.

Herb Infusion:

Experiment with different herbs to enhance the flavors of the dish. Fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil can be added to the hash browns or sausage mixture.

Tips

• For extra crispy hash browns, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
• Feel free to use your favorite type of sausage, such as Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or chorizo, to give this dish a unique flavor.
• If you’re short on time, you can prepare the hash browns, sausage mixture, and cheese sauce in advance. Simply assemble the casserole when you’re ready to bake.
• This recipe is also great for meal prep. Make a larger batch and divide it into individual portions to enjoy throughout the week.

Conclusion

Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Bake is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the irresistible flavors of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and gooey cheese. With a few simple steps, you can create a satisfying and delicious meal that will surely become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress!

FAQs

Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh hash browns, you can grate peeled potatoes and squeeze out any excess moisture before cooking them in the skillet.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure it heats through.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Bake!