Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns: the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to whip up! Are you ready to transform humble potatoes into a breakfast (or anytime!) masterpiece? Imagine crispy, golden-brown hash browns mingling with savory sausage and a generous blanket of melted cheese. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

While the exact origins of hash browns are debated, their popularity soared in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming a staple in diners and breakfast joints across the country. Adding sausage and cheese elevates this simple dish to a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a dish that speaks to the soul, offering warmth and familiarity with every bite.

People adore cheesy sausage hash browns for a multitude of reasons. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can customize it with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, and spices. Plus, it’s a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare, making it a winner for busy weeknights. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast or a satisfying dinner, these cheesy sausage hash browns are guaranteed to hit the spot. So, let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound breakfast sausage, removed from casings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: Sour cream, for serving

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables

1. First, let’s get our sausage cooked and crumble it up nicely. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure there are no pink bits left! Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl. Don’t drain the grease just yet – we’ll use some of that to cook the veggies.
2. Now, let’s tackle the veggies. In the same skillet (with the sausage drippings – yum!), add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. This should take around 8-10 minutes. You want them to be tender and have a little bit of color. If the pan seems dry, you can add another teaspoon of olive oil.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Cook for about 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!

Cooking the Hash Browns

1. Time for the hash browns! Add the thawed shredded hash browns to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Spread them out evenly in the pan.
2. Season the hash browns with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine the seasonings with the hash browns and vegetables. Make sure everything is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
3. Now, here’s the key to getting those crispy hash browns: Cook the mixture, undisturbed, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Resist the urge to stir! This is where the magic happens. You want that nice, golden-brown crust to form.
4. Flip the hash brown mixture (you can do this in sections if it’s too difficult to flip all at once) and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown and crispy. Again, try not to stir too much during this process. Patience is key!

Assembling the Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns

1. Once the hash browns are cooked to your liking (nice and crispy!), add the cooked sausage back to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the sausage, hash browns, and vegetables.
2. Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the hash brown mixture.
3. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on it to make sure the bottom doesn’t burn. The steam from the covered skillet will help the cheese melt quickly and evenly.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Serving and Enjoying

1. Garnish the cheesy sausage hash browns with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve immediately. You can serve it directly from the skillet or transfer it to a serving platter.
3. Optional: Serve with sour cream on the side for dipping. A dollop of sour cream adds a cool and creamy contrast to the savory hash browns.
4. Enjoy your delicious and hearty cheesy sausage hash browns! This is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a comforting dinner.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the hash brown mixture for a little extra heat.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the hash brown mixture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Gruyere, or provolone.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables or use a plant-based sausage substitute.
• Add an egg: Top each serving with a fried egg for an extra protein boost.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the sausage and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Freezing: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Crispy Hash Browns Secret: The key to truly crispy hash browns is to ensure they are as dry as possible before cooking. After thawing, squeeze out any excess moisture using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This will help them brown beautifully in the skillet.
• Skillet Size Matters: Using a large enough skillet is crucial. If the hash browns are overcrowded, they will steam instead of crisping. A 12-inch skillet is ideal for this recipe. If you don’t have one that large, cook the hash browns in batches.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: As mentioned above, overcrowding the pan is a recipe for soggy hash browns. If you’re making a large batch, cook the hash browns in two separate batches to ensure they get nice and crispy.
• Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking, try to spread the hash browns out in an even layer in the skillet. This will help them brown uniformly.
• Cheese Placement: For the best cheese melt, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the entire surface of the hash browns. This will ensure that every bite is cheesy and delicious.
• Serving Suggestions: This cheesy sausage hash brown dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a main course for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Fat: 30-40g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 100-150mg
• Sodium: 800-1000mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 3-5g
• Protein: 20-25g

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns recipe isn’t just breakfast; it’s a weekend celebration on a plate! Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters, then look no further. The combination of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and savor every single bite.

But what truly elevates this recipe to “must-try” status is its versatility. While it’s fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. Feeling adventurous? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Want to sneak in some veggies? Diced bell peppers, onions, or even spinach would be delicious additions. And for the ultimate indulgence, top it all off with a fried egg – the runny yolk adds a richness that’s simply divine.

Speaking of serving suggestions, this Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns recipe is perfect for a lazy weekend brunch with friends and family. Serve it alongside a fruit salad and some mimosas for a truly memorable meal. It’s also a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Just add a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad, and you’ve got a complete and satisfying meal.

And don’t forget about variations! If you’re not a fan of sausage, you can easily substitute it with bacon, ham, or even chorizo. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage or adding some sautéed mushrooms and onions. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would be equally delicious.

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I can’t wait for you to try it! It’s simple enough for even beginner cooks to master, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The best part? It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And once you’ve tried this Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, I am here to help you succeed in the kitchen. I am confident that this will become a family favorite.