Description
Hobo Hash Brown Casserole is pure comfort food at its finest—hearty, cheesy, and baked until perfectly golden. This dish brings together savory breakfast sausage, tender hash browns, colorful vegetables, and a rich egg custard that bakes up soft and creamy inside while staying irresistibly crispy on top. The buttery cornflake topping creates that crave-worthy crunch you see in the photo, making every bite a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, potlucks, or an easy family dinner, this casserole is filling, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser.
🥔 Ingredients
4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed (shredded or diced, patted dry)
1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
8 large eggs
½ cup milk or evaporated milk
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Flavor Boosters
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Dash of hot sauce
Crispy Golden Topping (Highly Recommended)
2–3 cups crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or potato chips
¼ cup butter, melted
🍳 Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary, then add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about five minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage mixture, and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down slightly to create an even layer.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash brown base, gently pressing down so the liquid seeps through all layers.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top. In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to create that signature crispy crust.
Cover with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 15–25 minutes, until the eggs are fully set, the cheese is bubbling, and the top is deep golden and crispy. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for clean slices and perfect cheese pull.
🧡 Flavor & Texture
Inside, the casserole is rich, creamy, and loaded with savory sausage and gooey cheese. The hash browns soak up the egg mixture, creating a soft, satisfying bite, while the buttery topping delivers an addictive crunch that makes this dish unforgettable.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve hot with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or toast for a complete meal. It’s perfect for holidays, weekend brunch, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal effort.
⏱️ Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
Serves: 8–10