Hissy Fit Hash Brown Casserole

Category: Morning Meals Worth Getting Out of Bed For

This hearty casserole showcases golden hash browns, spicy sausage, and a duo of Velveeta and muenster cheeses. A rich mix of whisked eggs, milk, and seasonings brings everything together before baking until set and slightly crisp. Ideal for feeding a crowd, it’s simple to prepare in advance—just refrigerate or freeze before baking. Personalize by swapping cheeses or adding veggies for extra flavor. Perfect for busy mornings, holidays, or whenever you crave a satisfying, comforting meal straight from the oven.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:27:55 GMT
A slice of a casserole with meat and cheese. Save
A slice of a casserole with meat and cheese. | lilicooks.com

Hissy Fit Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is the very definition of comfort food that also happens to feed a crowd easily. Every time I make this, the room fills with the scent of sizzling sausage and bubbling cheese, and I know I am about to make someone’s morning. This casserole captures the best parts of a party dip in breakfast form with layers of creamy hash browns, spiced sausage, and two kinds of melted cheese all tied together with soft eggs. It is honestly the dish I turn to when I need hearty food with almost no fuss.

I made this one Christmas morning when we had way too many people visiting and it has been on steady repeat since. My family literally requests this every time someone claims they are “starving” on a chilly weekend.

Ingredients

  • Hot breakfast sausage: brings necessary spice and heartiness Try to get a sausage with some fat for flavor
  • Frozen shredded hash browns: add creaminess and body Thaw before using for even cooking
  • Salt and pepper: bring out the best in each ingredient Choose kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper if possible
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: offer savory depth Always check your spices for freshness
  • Shredded muenster cheese: creates a gooey melt and mellow flavor Go for a fresh block and shred it yourself for best texture
  • Shredded Velveeta cheese: lends creaminess and classic comfort Shred it cold so it does not clump
  • Large eggs: bind everything together and make the casserole rich Use the freshest eggs you can get
  • Milk: adds softness to the eggs and a custard effect Whole milk tastes richest in this casserole
  • Worcestershire sauce: adds a subtle tang and umami flavor Always shake the bottle before measuring

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly coat a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks later
Brown the Sausage:
Cook your sausage in a large skillet over medium heat breaking it up into crumbles Continue stirring until all the pink disappears and the fat renders off Drain away any excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside This step is what brings flavor to the whole casserole
Brown the Hash Browns:
Add the thawed hash browns right into the same skillet and cook gently over medium heat Stir often and let them take on a light golden color If you need a touch of oil to prevent sticking add it here Spread these evenly in the base of your prepared pan
Layer and Top:
Scatter the cooked sausage over the hash browns Distribute both cheeses evenly on top so every bite gets melty goodness
Mix and Pour Custard:
Crack all your eggs into a mixing bowl and beat well with salt pepper garlic powder onion powder milk and Worcestershire Pour this egg mixture slowly over the casserole letting it fill all the little nooks
Bake to Perfection:
Slide the dish uncovered into the oven Bake for forty five to sixty minutes until the center barely jiggles and the top is golden Let it rest at least five minutes before slicing and serving
A slice of a casserole with meat and cheese. Save
A slice of a casserole with meat and cheese. | lilicooks.com

I get obsessed with the blend of muenster and Velveeta in this casserole You get the stretch from muenster and real diner comfort from that creamy Velveeta It is amazing how both cheeses work together

Storage Tips

This casserole keeps fresh in the fridge for up to three days Just let it cool then cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container If you want to freeze make sure the casserole is fully cooled before wrapping it well in plastic and foil and freezing for up to three months Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Do not worry if you do not have hot sausage Any breakfast sausage or even turkey sausage will do nicely Velveeta can be switched for shredded cheddar Monterey jack or gouda If you want extra veggies add sauteed peppers mushrooms or onions right before baking

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is lovely on its own but I love adding dollops of sour cream fresh chives or a side of fruit salad For a brunch feast serve it alongside a simple green salad or a big bowl of citrus slices The leftovers reheat beautifully for a quick meal any time of the day

A slice of a casserole with meat and cheese. Save
A slice of a casserole with meat and cheese. | lilicooks.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Hash brown casseroles like this are true staples in Southern kitchens especially when a big group is expected It is one of those dishes that shows up at holiday breakfasts church potlucks and family reunions My family always requested it for Christmas morning but I know many who bake it every Sunday

Recipe FAQs

→ Can this casserole be assembled ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to baking if chilled.

→ Is freezing an option for this dish?

Absolutely. Assemble, cover well, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw thoroughly before baking as usual.

→ What cheese varieties can I use?

Velveeta and muenster are suggested, but cheddar, colby-jack, gouda, or Monterey jack are great alternatives.

→ Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?

Certainly! Turkey sausage is a suitable substitute and lowers the calorie count without sacrificing flavor.

→ Do I need to thaw hash browns first?

Yes, thaw frozen hash browns before browning in the skillet to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.

→ Are additional vegetables optional?

Yes, you can add bell pepper, mushrooms, or onions to suit your taste and add extra color or nutrition.

Hissy Fit Hash Brown Casserole

Hash browns, sausage, and cheese baked into a savory casserole ideal for breakfast or brunch gatherings.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
35 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 8 Serves

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Casserole Ingredients

01 2 lb hot breakfast sausage
02 1 (30-32oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
03 1 tsp salt
04 1/2 tsp pepper
05 1/4 tsp garlic powder
06 1/4 tsp onion powder
07 1 cup shredded muenster cheese
08 1 cup shredded Velveeta cheese
09 8 large eggs
10 2 cups milk
11 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray.

Step 02

In a large skillet, cook sausage until no longer pink. Drain fat and set aside.

Step 03

Add hash browns to skillet and cook until lightly brown. (Add a little oil to the skillet if necessary.) Place hash browns in bottom of lightly greased 9x13-inch pan.

Step 04

Top with sausage and cheese.

Step 05

Whisk together eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the hash brown mixture.

Step 06

Bake, uncovered, for 45 to 60 minutes.

Tips

  1. Thaw frozen hash browns before browning them for better texture.
  2. Feel free to substitute turkey sausage for a lower-calorie option.
  3. Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for extra flavor.
  4. Substitute Velveeta with cheddar, colby-jack, mozzarella, or gouda if desired.
  5. To make in advance, refrigerate assembled casserole overnight and adjust cooking time.
  6. For freezing, assemble casserole in a baking dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking as directed.

Required Tools

  • 12-inch Non-Stick Skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, milk)
  • Contains eggs

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 345
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.5 g
  • Proteins: 16 g