Name: Brunch Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 11 oz frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed; 1 1/2 lbs bulk spicy pork sausage or breakfast sausage; 2 medium red bell peppers, chopped; 7 medium green onions, chopped; 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, divided; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 6 eggs, beaten

There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy brunch that brings everyone to the table with a smile. This Brunch Casserole Recipe is just that — hearty, spicy, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for a busy week. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your brunch rotation.

A close-up of a single square slice of casserole on a white plate with soft mashed potato layer at the bottom mixed with small bits of green and red vegetables, topped by a textured, golden-yellow baked cheese layer with small browned spots, and mixed in browned ground meat and scattered red peppers, with a metal fork resting on the plate partly under the casserole; behind the plate, a larger glass baking dish filled with the same casserole is slightly out of focus, all set on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth in the background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Brunch Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Brunch Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Brunch Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I brought this brunch casserole to a family gathering. It disappeared before I could even grab a second plate! What’s so special here is the perfect blend of spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy egg custard that holds everything together — it’s pure comfort food done right.

Easy to make ahead: You can assemble it the night before, making busy mornings a breeze.
Feeds a crowd: With generous servings, this brunch casserole recipe is great for family or friends.
Customizable: Whether you want more veggies or a different cheese, it adapts easily.
Comforting and flavorful: The juicy sausage mixed with cheesy goodness hits all the right notes.

The image shows a square glass baking dish filled with a baked casserole that has a golden-brown cheesy top layer. The top layer is melted cheese with patches of browned spots and small pieces of red bell pepper and browned bits of meat visible throughout. Below the glass sides, the casserole reveals a dense texture with mixed ingredients. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a red cloth underneath the baking dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this brunch casserole brings something essential to the table. The combination of spicy pork sausage and soft hash browns creates a solid base, while milk and eggs turn it into a creamy, sliceable casserole. Here’s a quick breakdown so you know why they’re so important.

Flat lay of thawed frozen hash brown potatoes in a neat pile, spicy pork sausage broken into small browned chunks, bright chopped red bell peppers scattered artfully, fresh chopped green onions with vibrant green stalks, a generous heap of shredded cheddar cheese showcasing its rich orange color, whole milk poured into a small clear glass container, raw beaten eggs with their warm yellow hue swirled gently, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Frozen hash brown potatoes: They soak up all those flavors wonderfully and provide a tender texture without the fuss of peeling and shredding fresh potatoes.
Bulk spicy pork sausage: Adds bold, savory heat; I love using spicy sausage here to keep the dish lively but you can swap with your favorite breakfast sausage.
Red bell peppers: Bring a slightly sweet crunch and beautiful pops of color to brighten things up.
Green onions: Fresh and mild, green onions add a subtle zing that balances the richness.
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Provides melty, gooey goodness — start with sharp cheddar for depth or Monterey Jack for a milder touch.
Whole milk: Keeps the custard creamy and smooth without being too heavy.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.
Eggs: The binder that holds everything together and delivers that nice fluffy texture you crave.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this brunch casserole recipe is how easy it is to switch up ingredients depending on what you have on hand or your mood. I like to add some chopped spinach or swap out the peppers for mushrooms when I’m feeling fancy — it all works!

Vegetarian variation: Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite veggies — it stays just as delicious.
Dairy-free option: Use almond or oat milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative; just keep the texture creamy enough.
Milder flavor: Switch spicy sausage for a milder breakfast sausage or turkey sausage if you prefer less heat.
Extra cheesy: Sprinkle additional cheese on top in the last 5 minutes of baking for a golden, bubbly crust.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brunch Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Peppers

I start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the bulk spicy pork sausage for about 4 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Then I toss in the chopped red bell peppers and cook for another 4 minutes until the sausage is fully browned and the peppers soften. This combo already smells amazing and sets the dish’s savory, spicy foundation.

Step 2: Combine with Potatoes and Cheese

Next, I transfer the sausage and pepper mixture into a 9”x13” baking dish along with the thawed hash browns. Stirring in half the shredded cheese right here melts it into those early layers, locking in gooey flavor throughout.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard and Pour Over

In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until perfectly combined. Stir in the green onions for that fresh bite, then pour this custard evenly over the potato and sausage mixture. This step is where everything begins to come together into that creamy texture we love.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake

Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the casserole. Bake in a preheated 375˚F oven for 40-50 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by the end!

Top Tip

After making this brunch casserole recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference when it comes to flavor and texture. Here are my top tips to help you nail it every time.

Don’t skip thawing the hash browns: Working with fully thawed and drained hash browns prevents excess water from making your casserole soggy.
Cook the sausage thoroughly before adding: Browning the sausage first ensures you get great caramelization and that spicy flavor fully develops.
Whisk eggs and milk really well: Achieving a uniform custard helps the casserole bake evenly without pockets of egg or milk.
Let the casserole rest before slicing: Waiting 10-15 minutes out of the oven allows it to firm up and slice cleaner.

How to Serve Brunch Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing mine with freshly chopped parsley or extra green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce brings a nice tang and a little kick that balances the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with light sides like fresh fruit salad or sliced avocado. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the heaviness if you’re serving brunch for a crowd, and some crusty toast rounds it out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I’ve layered this, topped with mini bell peppers sliced into rings to create a colorful mosaic pattern, or baked it in individual ramekins for a personal touch. It always feels extra festive that way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool leftovers completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, this casserole keeps wonderfully for up to 4 days without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

Freezing works well too — just wrap the entire unbaked assembled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. I’ve found it holds up great, making it a fantastic recipe for prepping ahead of busy weekends.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350˚F for 15-20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to keep the top from drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch but the oven maintains the casserole’s texture and crisp cheese topping best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns in this brunch casserole recipe?

You can, but it requires a bit more prep — peel and shred the potatoes, then squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly before layering. Frozen hash browns are a major time-saver and provide consistent texture.

Is it possible to make this brunch casserole recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the sausage and add a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or any veggies you prefer. For extra protein, consider adding cooked lentils or tofu crumbles.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, that’s one of the best parts! Assemble everything in your baking dish, cover, and store in the fridge overnight. In the morning, pop it in the oven, adding about 10 extra minutes to baking time since it’s cold.

What’s the best cheese to use in this brunch casserole recipe?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack work beautifully for their meltiness and flavor. Sharp cheddar adds more punch, while Monterey Jack is creamier and milder. Feel free to experiment with a blend or add pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Final Thoughts

This brunch casserole recipe has become one of my absolute favorite dishes because it’s so reliable, packed with flavor, and brings everyone together around the table. Whether it’s a weekend family brunch or a make-ahead meal for busy mornings, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. You’ll enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite — I promise!