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Brown Breakfast Bake

Brown Breakfast Bake

This Brown Breakfast Bake combines crispy golden hash browns, savory sausage, tender apples, and creamy eggs into one comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole. Perfect for weekends, holidays, or meal prep — it’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to make any morning feel special.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Hash Brown Crust
  • 1 bag (20 oz) frozen hash browns thawed slightly
  • 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • to taste kosher salt for seasoning
For the Sausage & Apple Filling
  • 12 oz breakfast sausage links casings removed
  • 1 cup McIntosh apple coarsely chopped (about 1 medium apple)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil for cooking
For the Egg Custard
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • ½ cup heavy cream for richness
  • ½ cup whole milk adds creaminess
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard adds tangy flavor
  • to taste kosher salt for seasoning
  • 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese white or yellow, about 1 cup

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Hash Browns – Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Soften hash browns in the microwave, then pat dry to remove moisture for a crisp crust.
  2. Step 2: Build the Crispy Base – Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Toss hash browns with remaining oil and salt, then press firmly into skillet to form an even layer. Cook 5 minutes until golden.
  3. Step 3: Bake the Crust – Transfer skillet to oven and bake 20 minutes until edges are deep golden. Cool slightly and reduce oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Step 4: Cook the Sausage & Apples – In a medium skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned (8–10 minutes). Add chopped apples and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened around edges.
  5. Step 5: Prepare the Custard – Whisk eggs, heavy cream, milk, Dijon mustard, and salt in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Assemble the Bake – Spread sausage-apple mixture over crust. Pour custard over top and sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Step 7: Bake to Perfection – Bake 20–25 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until eggs are set and top is lightly puffed. Cool 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use firm apples like McIntosh, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. To make ahead, assemble the bake and refrigerate overnight. Swap cheese types for variety or omit sausage for a vegetarian version with mushrooms or spinach. Freezes well for up to 2 months.