1. Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven to the right temperature before baking ensures the dish cooks evenly.
- Grease a 9Ă13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a thin layer of butter. This prevents sticking and makes for easy serving.
2. Combine the Hash Browns Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire 32-ounce bag of frozen hash browns, 1 diced onion, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add œ cup sour cream, œ cup milk, and 1 can (10 oz) of cream of mushroom or chicken soup. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Add the Sausage
- Stir in the sausage chunks, making sure theyâre evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This way, every bite has a bit of sausage goodness.
4. Transfer to the Baking Dish
- Pour the hash brown and sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring a consistent layer for uniform baking.
5. Cover and Bake
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the hash browns cook through.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6. Uncover and Finish Baking
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly and makes slicing easier.
- Serve warm and garnish with extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Helpful Tips
1. Choose your sausage wisely:Â Use a high-quality smoked sausage or kielbasa for the best flavor. If you prefer spiciness, try an andouille sausage.
2. Thaw the hash browns (optional):Â If you want a softer texture, thaw the hash browns before mixing. If you prefer a firmer bake, use them straight from the freezer.
3. Mix in extra veggies:Â For added flavor and nutrition, stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some chopped broccoli.
4. Try different cheese blends:Â Cheddar is classic, but a combination of cheddar, pepper jack, and mozzarella will give a complex, melty finish.
5. Adjust the seasonings:Â Add garlic powder, paprika, or even a dash of hot sauce to the mix for extra depth and spice.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing:Â Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:Â This bake freezes well! Portion it out into individual servings and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per serving until warmed through.
