Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake

### Instructions for Making Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake

#### Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by **preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)**. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

#### Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, **cook the sausage** over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, **drain any excess fat** and set the sausage aside.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, **whisk the eggs** and then add in the **cream cheese**, **milk**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and a pinch of **salt and pepper**. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and the cream cheese is fully incorporated. Stir in the **shredded cheddar cheese** for extra cheesy goodness.

#### Step 4: Assemble the Bake
In your prepared baking dish, spread the **frozen hash browns** (or fresh ones) evenly across the bottom. Then, add the cooked **sausage** on top of the hash browns, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the sausage and hash browns, making sure everything is covered evenly.

#### Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about **30-35 minutes** or until the eggs are fully set and the edges are slightly golden. The casserole should puff up and turn golden brown on top. You can insert a toothpick or knife into the center to check for doneness—it should come out clean when the casserole is ready.

#### Step 6: Add the Topping
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the **mozzarella cheese** evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional **5 minutes** to melt the cheese and create a delicious cheesy crust on top.

#### Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the mozzarella is melted and bubbly, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. **Garnish with fresh parsley** if desired, and slice into squares. Serve it warm for a deliciously hearty breakfast!

### Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake

– **Make It Spicy**: If you love a little heat, consider using **spicy sausage** or adding some chopped **jalapeños** to the egg mixture.
– **Use Fresh Hash Browns**: If you don’t have frozen hash browns on hand, you can use fresh grated potatoes. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the bake.
– **Vegetarian Option**: For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. You could even add some mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
– **Make It Ahead**: This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and simply pop it in the oven the next morning. This is a great option for busy mornings or holiday breakfasts.
– **Use Different Cheeses**: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese—**monterey jack**, **pepper jack**, or **Colby** are all great choices.

### Healthier Variations

If you’re looking to make this breakfast bake a bit lighter or accommodate specific dietary preferences, here are some modifications:
– **Low-Carb/Keto**: Swap the hash browns with **shredded cauliflower** for a low-carb version. You can also use **almond milk** instead of regular milk for fewer carbs.
– **Dairy-Free**: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and replace the cream cheese and milk with **coconut milk** or another non-dairy substitute.
– **Gluten-Free**: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your sausage doesn’t contain any gluten additives. Most breakfast sausages are gluten-free, but it’s always worth checking the label.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– **Quick and Easy**: This Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake is simple to prepare and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
– **Perfect for a Crowd**: With its generous serving size, this dish is ideal for feeding a large group or family. It’s great for brunches, holidays, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
– **Customizable**: The recipe is versatile, so you can tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs. Add veggies, adjust the spices, or swap the sausage for a different protein—you can make it your own!

### Final Thoughts

The **Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake** is an indulgent, satisfying dish that brings together all the best flavors of breakfast in one convenient, easy-to-make recipe. It’s perfect for busy mornings, special occasions, or a cozy weekend brunch with family and friends. Whether you stick with the original ingredients or get creative with your own additions, this dish is sure to be a hit at your breakfast table.

So, why not try it out for your next breakfast or brunch? With its perfect balance of savory sausage, cheesy goodness, and fluffy eggs, this Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake will quickly become a new favorite in your recipe collection!