Sausage Egg Cream Cheese Dish

This hearty sausage egg cream cheese casserole is the perfect make ahead breakfast that brings together browned sausage tender eggs and softened cream cheese with shredded hash browns and sharp cheddar cheese. Its rich creamy texture and balanced savory flavors warm the table and satisfy appetites making it a comforting dish for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.

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 best flavor and texture
• Thirty ounces frozen shredded hash browns: store well and add 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: layers 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

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 a 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 the 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 is 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.

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.

This make ahead casserole is perfect for busy mornings and feeds a crowd with minimal effort. Serve warm and garnish with green onions for a bright finish.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What type of sausage works best for this bake?

Breakfast sausage with mild to medium seasoning complements the creamy and cheesy elements well without overpowering the dish.

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

Fresh potatoes should be shredded finely and drained thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the bake soggy.

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

Softened cream cheese blends smoothly, creating a creamy texture and avoiding lumps in the mixture. Cold cream cheese may cause unevenness.

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

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is firm and the top is golden for the ideal custard-like consistency.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, mix all ingredients and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This can enhance flavors but may require slightly longer bake time.