Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole

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### 🥄 Instructions

#### **Step 1: Cook the Sausage**
Start by browning the **sausage** in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through, about **7–10 minutes**. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.

#### **Step 2: Prepare the Hashbrowns**
If using frozen **hashbrowns**, let them thaw slightly while you prepare the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the hashbrowns with **1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder** and **1/2 teaspoon of onion powder**. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

#### **Step 3: Make the Creamy Egg Mixture**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the **eggs** and **milk**. Add the **cream cheese** to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth. If you find the cream cheese a bit difficult to mix, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it even more, or use a hand mixer for a quicker, smoother consistency.

#### **Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with **butter**. Start by spreading the **hashbrowns** evenly on the bottom of the dish. Next, layer the cooked **sausage** on top of the hashbrowns.

Pour the **egg and cream cheese mixture** over the sausage and hashbrowns, ensuring the eggs are evenly distributed.

#### **Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake**
Top the casserole with the **shredded cheddar cheese**. This will melt into the eggs and create a gooey, cheesy layer that’s absolutely delicious.

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for **45-50 minutes**, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when the casserole is done.

#### **Step 6: Cool and Serve**
Once your casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Optionally, garnish with some freshly chopped herbs like **parsley** or **chives** for added flavor and a pop of color.

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### 💡 Tips and Variations

– **Use different proteins**: Swap out the sausage for **bacon**, **ham**, or even **vegetarian sausage** for a different flavor profile.
– **Add veggies**: If you like a bit of extra color and nutrition, consider adding some sautéed **onions**, **peppers**, or **spinach** to the casserole. Just sauté the veggies first to release any excess moisture before layering them into the dish.
– **Make it spicy**: Add a kick of heat by using **spicy sausage** or sprinkling **red pepper flakes** into the egg mixture.
– **Cheese options**: While **cheddar** is the classic choice, you can mix things up by adding other cheeses like **mozzarella**, **Monterey Jack**, or even **cream cheese** for extra creaminess.
– **Meal prep**: This casserole can be made in advance! Prepare it the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it in the morning for an easy, no-fuss breakfast.

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### 🌟 Why This Recipe Works

This **Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole** is a perfect balance of **savory flavors**, **rich creaminess**, and **crispy texture**. The combination of **sausage**, **eggs**, and **hashbrowns** is always a winner, and the addition of **cream cheese** takes it to a whole new level of indulgence. The casserole is filling, comforting, and easy to make, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner on busy days.

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### 🥳 Final Thoughts

This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a **crowd-pleasing** masterpiece that brings people together around the breakfast table. Whether you’re hosting a brunch with friends, feeding the family on a weekend morning, or meal prepping for the week ahead, the **Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole** is the perfect dish to add to your recipe repertoire.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a rich, flavorful, and satisfying casserole that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

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**Ready to dig in?** Try this **Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole** today and make your next breakfast a memorable one!