Save The Quick Christmas Morning Hash Brown Bake is the ultimate cozy casserole to start your holiday with warmth and flavor. Crispy hash browns mingle effortlessly with savory breakfast sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and springy green onions, all enveloped in a rich blend of melted cheddar and eggs. This festive dish not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also brings smiles around the table, making your Christmas morning truly special.
Save Beyond its inviting taste, this bake works well for any holiday or weekend brunch. Use wholesome whole milk and fresh eggs for a wholesome start, and feel free to customize with your preferred sausage or extra veggies to make it your own.
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
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with olive oil or melted butter.
- 2. Cook the sausage
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- 3. Combine main ingredients
- 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. Whisk egg mixture
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until fully combined.
- 5. Combine mixtures
- Pour the egg mixture over the hash brown mixture and stir to evenly coat.
- 6. Assemble in baking dish
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese.
- 7. Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- 8. Cool and serve
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure your hash browns are fully thawed to prevent excess moisture. Browning the sausage thoroughly adds a deeper, savory flavor, and draining the fat keeps the casserole from becoming greasy. For a crispier top, consider broiling for the last 1–2 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage or substitute with vegetarian sausage alternatives. Feel free to add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or jalapeños to enhance the flavor and add some greens or spice. Use gluten-free sausage to keep the dish gluten-free.
Serviervorschläge
Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite salsa for a fresh contrast. Pair with fresh fruit or a light green salad to complete your festive breakfast table.
Save This Quick Christmas Morning Hash Brown Bake is a delightful holiday tradition in the making. Easy to prepare ahead, satisfying to the last bite, and sure to bring a festive spirit to your breakfast table season after season.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage, or opt for a vegetarian alternative for a meat-free version.
- → How do I ensure the hash browns stay crispy?
Using thawed, well-drained shredded hash browns and baking at the proper temperature helps maintain a crisp texture on the edges.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the following morning for best results.
- → What can I add to boost the flavor?
Diced bell peppers, green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika enrich the dish with vibrant, savory notes.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
If you use gluten-free sausage and check all ingredients for gluten content, this casserole can be gluten-free friendly.