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.
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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.
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.
- 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Brunch Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Brunch Casserole combines savory spicy pork sausage, tender hash brown potatoes, fresh bell peppers, and green onions all baked together with a cheesy egg custard. Perfect for a satisfying brunch that can be prepared ahead and baked fresh.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 11 oz frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Sausage and Peppers: In a skillet over medium heat, add the sausage and cook for 4 minutes. Then add the chopped red bell peppers and continue cooking for another 4 minutes until the sausage is nicely browned and the peppers soften.
- Combine Sausage Mixture with Potatoes: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the sausage and pepper mixture into a 9"x13" baking dish. Add the thawed hash brown potatoes and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese to evenly distribute.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color. Stir in the chopped green onions.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the sausage, potato, and cheese layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly and the eggs are fully set.
- Serve or Store: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. For convenience, you can assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate it uncovered, then bake it fresh the next day for brunch.
Notes
- You can substitute spicy pork sausage with breakfast sausage or even a vegetarian sausage alternative for a different flavor.
- If preferred, use low-fat milk to reduce fat content, though whole milk improves creaminess.
- Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a blend for a milder taste.
- This casserole can be refrigerated overnight before baking, making it ideal for a stress-free brunch preparation.
- Add herbs like parsley or chives on top after baking for a fresh garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
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