Sausage Egg Cream Cheese Dish

This sausage egg cream cheese casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast that brings together hearty sausage, creamy eggs, and melty cheeses in one satisfying dish. It’s great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week without much fuss.

I first made this for a weekend brunch when friends dropped by unexpectedly and now it is a go-to whenever I want something warm and filling without a lot of effort.

Ingredients

• One pound breakfast sausage: choose your favorite type for the best flavor and texture
• Thirty ounces frozen shredded hash browns: stores well and adds satisfying potato to the mix
• Eight large eggs: the base of the casserole providing structure and richness
• Eight ounces cream cheese that is softened: makes the casserole creamy and smooth, so take extra care to let it come to room temperature
• One cup shredded cheddar cheese: sharpness enhances the overall taste freshly shredded works best
• Half cup milk: thins the mixture slightly for even baking
• One teaspoon salt: essential for seasoning
• Half teaspoon black pepper: adds subtle heat
• Half teaspoon garlic powder: layering flavors without chopping fresh garlic
• Half teaspoon onion powder: complements the garlic powder and boosts savory notes
• Two green onions chopped for garnish: optional but adds fresh color and a mild bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Sausage:

Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up carefully with a spatula until it is fully browned but not overly crisp. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to avoid greasy casserole.

Mix the Creamy Base:

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and softened cream cheese with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the cream cheese is fully blended to avoid lumps. This forms the rich custard that binds all the ingredients.

Combine Ingredients:

Add the cooked sausage, frozen hash browns, and shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated but avoid over-mixing which can make hash browns mushy.

Transfer to Baking Dish:

Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Pour the combined mixture into the dish and smooth down with a spatula so it spreads evenly.

Bake Until Set:

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 Celsius. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The center should be firm and the top nicely golden brown when it’s done.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes so it firms up for clean slices. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top as a fresh garnish. Serve warm for best taste.

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I really love how the cream cheese lifts the entire dish, making it feel so indulgent without being overly dense. One time my family asked for this at a holiday brunch, which was a big compliment since it was their first taste.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain moistness. You can also freeze leftovers in portions wrapped tightly to enjoy later by thawing overnight before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap breakfast sausage for ground turkey or vegetarian sausage for a lighter or meat-free option. You can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a milder, creamier finish. Whole milk can be replaced with any milk you prefer even non-dairy varieties work well here.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs perfectly with fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, or even a side of sautéed greens for a hearty brunch. A simple cup of coffee or freshly squeezed juice rounds out the meal nicely.

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Cultural Context

Breakfast casseroles like this one are staples in American weekend brunches, famous for their ability to feed many with minimal last-minute work. Combining eggs with various mix-ins goes back decades as a popular tradition to create comforting and flexible meal solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of sausage works best for this bake?

Breakfast sausage with a mild to medium seasoning blend is ideal, as it complements the creamy and cheesy elements well without overpowering them.

→ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Fresh potatoes should be shredded finely and drained to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the bake’s texture and cause sogginess.

→ How important is it to soften the cream cheese beforehand?

Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with the eggs and milk, creating a uniform, creamy texture in the bake. Cold cream cheese can cause lumps.

→ What’s the best way to ensure the bake sets properly?

Baking at 375°F for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is firm and the surface is golden ensures the custard-like consistency and structure hold well.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate the baking dish covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This can enhance flavor but may require additional baking time.