1-First Step: Prepare the oven and pan Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with non-stick cooking spray so the potato crust releases easily after baking. This small step matters because the cheese and potatoes can stick if the pan is not well coated.

2-Second Step: Build the hash brown crust Place the 3 cups of raw shredded potatoes in a large bowl. Add the 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, then season with salt and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate to form a crust. The more even the layer, the better the crust will bake.

3-Third Step: Bake the crust until golden Bake the crust at 425°F for 25 minutes. This first bake helps drive out moisture from the potatoes and gives you that crisp base everyone loves in a Hash Brown Crusted Quiche. If you like an extra golden edge, let it go a minute or two longer, but watch closely so it does not brown too fast.

4-Fourth Step: Cook the sausage While the crust bakes, place the 8 ounces of seasoned Italian pork sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until no pink remains. Once it is done, set it aside to cool slightly. Cooling helps keep the egg mixture from cooking too early when you stir everything together.

5-Fifth Step: Mix the filling Lower the oven temperature to 375°F. In the same bowl you used for the potatoes, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese, and 2 finely chopped scallions. Season again with salt and pepper. Add the cooked sausage and stir until everything is evenly mixed. If you want to add vegetables, this is the moment to fold them in. Quick-cooking options like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, baby spinach, or kale work well. If you use greens, sauté them with the sausage for 3 to 5 minutes so they soften before baking.

6-Sixth Step: Fill and bake the quiche Pour the sausage and egg mixture over the baked hash brown crust. Spread it out evenly so the filling reaches all edges of the pan. Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top looks lightly golden. A small jiggle in the center is fine, but the middle should not look wet.

7-Final Step: Rest, slice, and serve Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing. This short rest helps the filling firm up and makes it easier to cut neat wedges. Serve warm for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It pairs well with fruit, a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple bread side.