The Ultimate Comfort Food for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dinner
If you’re searching for a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that can feed a crowd, look no further than Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole. This recipe brings together smoky kielbasa sausage, golden hashbrowns, and melty cheese, all baked into a creamy, satisfying casserole. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug — perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even as a make-ahead breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- One Pan Meal: Everything bakes together in one dish for easy prep and cleanup.
- Family Friendly: Smoky sausage, crispy potatoes, and gooey cheese — kids and adults love it!
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Add a simple salad or veggies on the side, and you’ve got a complete meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake it when you’re ready.
Ingredients 🛒
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy sausage casserole:
- 1 (14 oz) package kielbasa sausage, sliced into coins
- 1 (30–32 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns (shredded or cubed, thawed)
- 1 small onion, diced (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar & mozzarella)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (cream of mushroom also works)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the Kielbasa
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced kielbasa until browned on both sides.
- Remove and set aside. (This step adds extra flavor and prevents the sausage from being greasy in the casserole.)
3. Mix the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hashbrowns, onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. Layer the Casserole
- Spread half of the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Add a layer of browned kielbasa.
- Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat with remaining potatoes, sausage, and top with cheese.
5. Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
6. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
- Serve hot with a side salad, eggs, or steamed veggies.
Tips & Variations 💡
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Make it Breakfast-Style: Crack 4–6 eggs over the top in the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for a different flavor.
Storage & Reheating 🥡
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warm, or microwave individual portions.
Final Thoughts ✨
This Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole is comfort food at its finest. It’s rich, cheesy, and filling — perfect for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or simply a cozy dinner at home. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again because it’s just that delicious and easy.