Can you freeze hash brown breakfast casserole?

Yes, this breakfast casserole can be prepared but not baked, well wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before baking.

How do you thaw frozen hash browns for casserole?

To thaw frozen hash browns, place the bag in the refrigerator overnight. They can also be thawed by leaving the bag at room temperature for around 45 minutes. I wouldn’t recommend leaving them at room temperature any longer. As long as they separate and don’t form clumps, you’re good to go for this recipe. Drain off any excess liquid the forms in the bag after thawing.

Hash Brown & Sausage Egg Casserole - A Well-Seasoned Kitchen

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon basil (or regular) extra virgin olive oil
1 pound bulk pork sausage with sage (see Note)
1 large red or green bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
1 to 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
Kosher salt, to taste
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf (Italian) parsley
10 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 cups Italian Blend shredded cheese (provolone, Parmesan, Asiago and Fontina)
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen seasoned shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter or oil a 3-quart baking dish (9 by 13 by 2-inch rectangular or 9 1/2 by 3-inch round).
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until no longer pink, stirring and breaking up into small pieces.
Stir in the bell pepper, shallots and garlic and season with kosher salt. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are soft, around another 5 minutes. Stir in parsley and remove from heat. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs until yolks and whites are combined. Whisk in milk, sour cream and mustard (sour cream will be a bit lumpy but that’s okay). Stir in shredded cheese; season with ground pepper.
Place hash brown potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Stir in sausage mixture. Spread evenly in prepared baking dish. Spoon egg-cheese mixture over the top. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the egg mixture to soak in.
Bake for around 45 minutes (5 to 10 minutes longer if in round pan) or until the top is golden brown and set (casserole doesn’t jiggle when moved). Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Gluten free: use gluten-free sausage and frozen hash browns.

Make ahead: Casserole can be prepared but not baked up to 24 hours in advance, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking. Can also be baked ahead of time and reheated.

Note about sausage: if you can’t find pork sausage with sage, purchase regular pork sausage, and when cooking, sprinkle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried sage.

Author: Lee Clayton Roper
Category: Breakfast and brunch, gluten free, easy entertaining