Sausage Egg and Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake

I think any dad would love waking up to this sausage, egg, and cream cheese breakfast bake on Father’s Day. It is hearty, comforting, and full of all the flavors that make breakfast feel a little extra special. This would also pair really well with the refrigerator bran muffin recipe I shared, making it easy to put together a full breakfast or brunch spread.

What makes this casserole so delicious is that it brings together several classic breakfast favorites in one dish. You have savory sausage, eggs, and hash browns all layered together for a breakfast bake that is filling and satisfying. On top of that, there is plenty of cheese worked in too. Sharp cheddar adds a rich, cheesy flavor both in the middle and over the top, while the cream cheese mixed into the hash brown layer creates little pockets of creamy tanginess throughout the casserole.

It is the kind of recipe that feels comforting and familiar, but the cream cheese gives it something a little extra that makes it stand out. Every bite has a great mix of savory sausage, tender potatoes, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese. It is a wonderful option for Father’s Day breakfast, holiday mornings, or any time you want a make-ahead breakfast that feeds the family.

Ingredients for Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake

• FROZEN SHREDDED HASH BROWNS – Hash browns make up the hearty potato base of this breakfast bake. Using frozen shredded hash browns keeps the recipe easy and gives the casserole great texture.
• CREAM CHEESE – Cream cheese adds little pockets of creamy, tangy richness throughout the casserole. It blends especially well with the potatoes and helps make the dish feel extra comforting.
• SALT – Salt helps season the casserole and brings out the flavor of the sausage, eggs, potatoes, and cheese. It is simple, but it makes a big difference in the overall taste.
• PEPPER – Pepper adds a little warmth and extra savory flavor. It helps balance the richness of the eggs, sausage, and cheese.
• SAUSAGE – Sausage adds plenty of savory flavor to the breakfast bake, making it nice and hearty. It is one of the main ingredients that makes this casserole so filling and satisfying.
• SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE – Sharp cheddar adds bold, cheesy flavor to the casserole. It is layered into the dish and on top, giving you plenty of melty cheese in every bite.
• EGGS – Eggs help hold everything together and create the casserole’s soft, fluffy texture. They are the key ingredient that turns all the layers into a true breakfast bake.
• MILK – Milk is mixed with the eggs to create a smoother, creamier egg mixture. It helps lighten the texture a bit and keeps the casserole from feeling too dense.
• FLOUR – A little flour helps give the egg mixture more structure as it bakes. It also helps the casserole set up nicely so it slices and serves more easily.

Ingredients for Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Breakfast Bake

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease and set the sausage aside.

In a large bowl, combine the hash browns with the salt and pepper. Add the cream cheese cubes and gently mix everything together until the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.

Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the top, then add half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

In a separate bowl, add the flour and slowly whisk in the milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Once all of the milk is incorporated, whisk in the eggs until everything is well combined. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.

Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this breakfast casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. This makes it a great option for holidays, brunch, or busy mornings.

Do I have to thaw the hash browns first?
Yes. Thawed hash browns work best because they mix more evenly with the cream cheese and bake more consistently in the casserole.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes. Sharp cheddar gives the casserole great flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend would also work well.

Can I use a different breakfast meat?
Yes. You can swap the sausage for bacon, ham, or even turkey sausage if you prefer. Just make sure it is cooked before adding it to the casserole.

What does the flour do in the egg mixture?
The flour helps give the egg mixture a little more structure as it bakes. It helps the casserole set up nicely so it slices more easily.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the center is set, and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. The top should also be lightly golden.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. You can freeze it after baking and cooling. Wrap it well and freeze, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or green onions would all be good additions. Just be sure not to add too much extra moisture.

What can I serve with this breakfast bake?
It pairs well with muffins, fruit, toast, or a light green salad for brunch. It is also great alongside your refrigerator bran muffins for a more complete breakfast spread.

Tips and Tricks

• Thaw the hash browns first. This helps them mix better with the cream cheese and bake more evenly in the casserole.
• Cut the cream cheese into small cubes. That helps it distribute throughout the hash browns so you get little creamy pockets in every bite.
• Cook and drain the sausage well. Removing excess grease keeps the casserole from becoming too oily.
• Whisk the flour and milk together until smooth before adding the eggs. This helps prevent lumps and gives the egg mixture a smoother texture.
• Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving. That helps it set up a little more and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Easy Breakfast Bake
• Velveeta Breakfast Casserole
• Simple Breakfast Bake
• Hashbrown, Ham, and Egg Casserole

This recipe is adapted from The Pinning Mama.