If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast dish, look no further than this Sausage and Potato Breakfast Bake. Perfect for weekend brunches or weekday meal prep, it combines the savory comforts of breakfast sausage with the satisfying crunch of hash browns and melted cheddar cheese.
Breakfast sausage: This is the star of the dish, providing a savory and slightly spicy kick. You can choose pork, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your preferences.
Frozen hash browns: These provide a crispy, golden base layer that absorbs the savory flavors from the sausage and veggies. No need to thaw them — straight from the freezer is perfect.
Chopped onion and bell pepper: These veggies add sweetness and a bit of crunch, balancing the richness of the sausage and cheese.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, delicious topping. Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, but feel free to use your favorite cheese.
Eggs: They bind everything together and create a custard-like texture that holds the bake together.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture. You could substitute with a non-dairy milk if needed.
Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor, with paprika adding a subtle smokiness.
This breakfast bake pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal. For a more indulgent brunch, serve it alongside buttery croissants or toast. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also complement the dish beautifully.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and take a moment to grease your 9x13 inch baking dish. A bit of butter or a non-stick spray works well here.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, and let it brown nicely. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
Spread the frozen hash browns evenly in the prepared baking dish. They’ll form a deliciously crispy base as they bake.
Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until they’re softened, about 5 minutes should do it. This step builds flavor and makes the veggies tender.
Layer the cooked sausage, onions, and peppers over the hash browns in the baking dish. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sausage and vegetable layer for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until everything is well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This cooling time helps the bake set up a bit more for easier slicing.