Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">750g frozen hashbrowns, thawed</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons olive oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, finely diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red bell pepper, diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">350g breakfast sausage, casings removed (or vegetarian sausage)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">8 large eggs</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml whole milk</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml double cream</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon dried thyme</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250g cheddar cheese, grated</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">75g mozzarella cheese, grated</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3 spring onions, sliced (for garnish)</li> </ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Large frying pan</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowls</li> </ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish generously. Place the thawed hashbrowns in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible – this crucial step ensures your hashbrowns will crisp up beautifully rather than turning soggy. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. The slight caramelization of these vegetables adds depth of flavor to your casserole. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add the breakfast sausage to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. The fat rendered from the sausage will coat the vegetables, infusing them with savory flavor. Drain excess fat if needed. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, garlic powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. The addition of cream creates a silky, rich texture in the egg mixture that will bind everything together beautifully. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Layer half of the hashbrowns in the prepared baking dish, pressing them down gently to create an even base. Sprinkle with half of the sausage mixture and one-third of the combined cheeses. The layers help ensure that every bite contains all the delicious components. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Repeat with remaining hashbrowns and sausage mixture, then pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, allowing it to seep down through the layers. The liquid should just barely come to the top of the solid ingredients – if it's overflowing, you may have too many ingredients in your dish. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a blanket that will melt into a golden crust. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, being careful not to let the foil touch the cheese (it will stick!). </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) to ensure the eggs are fully cooked. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving – this resting time is essential as it allows the casserole to set properly, making it easier to cut clean portions. Garnish with sliced spring onions for a fresh flavor contrast and pop of color. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> For make-ahead preparation, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover and refrigerate, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold. The flavors actually improve with a bit of time for the ingredients to meld together! </li> </ol>