1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Setting the Stage for Baking

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Cook the Sausage: Building a Flavorful Base

1. Brown Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
2. Drain Grease: Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and drain off any excess grease.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Adding Richness and Flavor

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, hot sauce (if using), and Worcestershire sauce.
   • Note: The recipe does not specifically call for hot sauce, but it can be a great addition for those who like a little heat.
2. Mix Well: Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined and the cream cheese is evenly distributed.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture: Creating a Custard-Like Base

1. Whisk Eggs: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs until they are well beaten and slightly frothy.
2. Add Milk: Add the whole milk to the whisked eggs.
3. Season: Season the egg mixture with salt and pepper.
4. Whisk to Combine: Whisk until the milk, salt, and pepper are fully incorporated with the eggs.

5. Combine All Ingredients: Bringing the Casserole Together

1. Add Hash Browns: Add the thawed hash browns to the bowl with the sausage and cream cheese mixture.
2. Toss to Coat: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the hash browns are evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Pour in Egg Mixture: Pour the whisked egg mixture over the combined ingredients in the bowl.
4. Mix Thoroughly: Gently mix everything together, ensuring that the egg mixture is evenly distributed and all the ingredients are well incorporated.

6. Assemble and Bake: Creating a Golden-Brown Masterpiece

1. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
   • Check for Doneness: The casserole is done when the edges are golden brown, and the center is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

7. Cool and Serve: Enjoying Your Creation

1. Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to serve.
2. Serve Warm: Cut the Crack Breakfast Casserole into squares and serve warm.