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
Scale
Main 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
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
