Sausage Egg Cream Cheese Bake

This hearty breakfast bake blends browned sausage, tender eggs, and softened cream cheese with shredded hash browns and cheddar cheese. Seasoned simply with salt, black pepper, garlic, and onion powder, the mixture cooks into a golden, creamy casserole that holds its shape beautifully after resting. Garnished with fresh green onions, it delivers comforting and balanced savory flavors that warm the kitchen and satisfy hunger well into the day.

I first made this for a weekend brunch when friends stopped by unexpectedly, and now it is my go to whenever I want something warm and filling without much effort.

Ingredients

• Breakfast sausage: One pound breakfast sausage to bring savory, rich flavor choose a type you enjoy for the best taste and texture
• Shredded hash browns: Thirty ounces frozen shredded hash browns for convenience and a satisfying potato element look for good quality with no added preservatives
• Eggs: Eight large eggs as the base providing structure and richness opt for fresh, high quality for best results
• Cream cheese: Eight ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature for smooth blending which creates that creamy custard base
• Cheddar cheese: One cup shredded cheddar cheese to add sharpness and melty goodness freshly shredded cheese works best for texture and flavor
• Milk: Half cup milk to thin the mixture slightly for even baking whole milk or your favorite variety works fine
• Salt: One teaspoon salt for essential seasoning
• Black pepper: Half teaspoon black pepper to add subtle heat and enhance flavors
• Garlic powder: Half teaspoon garlic powder to layer savory depth without fresh chopping
• Onion powder: Half teaspoon onion powder to complement the garlic and boost the savory notes
• Green onions: Two green onions chopped for garnish to add fresh color and a mild bite optional but highly recommended for balance and brightness

Instructions

Sauté the Sausage:

Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up carefully with a spatula. Cook until it is fully browned but avoid making it overly crisp, as you want soft texture in the final bake. Drain off any excess fat to prevent greasiness in your 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 mixture forms the rich custard that holds the casserole together.

Combine Ingredients:

Add the cooked sausage, frozen hash browns, and shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to incorporate everything evenly. Take care not to over mix, which can make the hash browns mushy and watery.

Transfer to Baking Dish:

Thoroughly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it with a spatula to create an even layer.

Bake Until Set:

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 Celsius. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is firm and the top is a nice golden brown color. This ensures the custard base is fully cooked and the flavors meld beautifully.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the casserole to cool for about five minutes before slicing so it holds together well. Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top as a fresh garnish. Serve warm for the best experience.

I really love how the cream cheese lifts the entire dish, making it feel indulgent without being overly dense. One holiday brunch my family requested this dish again after their first taste, which felt like a big compliment.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, use a microwave at medium power or warm gently in the oven to maintain moisture without drying out the casserole. You can also freeze portions wrapped tightly and thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap breakfast sausage for ground turkey or vegetarian sausage to lighten the dish or make it meat free. Cheddar can be replaced by mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a smoother, milder finish. Any milk variety works well here including non dairy options like almond or oat milk.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a crisp green salad to balance richness. A simple cup of coffee or freshly squeezed juice rounds out the meal nicely. For a heartier brunch, add sautéed greens such as spinach or kale as a side.

This breakfast bake is ideal for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy mornings. It stays flavorful after reheating and makes a satisfying, comforting meal.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ 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 fresh potatoes replace frozen hash browns?

Yes, but they should be finely shredded and drained thoroughly to prevent excess moisture, which can affect texture.

→ Why soften cream cheese before mixing?

Softening cream cheese helps it blend smoothly with eggs and milk, creating a uniform, creamy texture without lumps.

→ How can I ensure the bake sets properly?

Baking at 375°F for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is firm and the top is golden ensures a custard-like consistency that holds together well.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, mix all ingredients and refrigerate the baking dish covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Additional baking time may be needed.