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 just something comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling away in the oven — that’s exactly why I adore this Brunch Casserole Recipe. It combines spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and fluffy eggs in a way that feels like a morning hug. Trust me, it’s worth making for your next weekend brunch!

A square piece of baked casserole with three visible layers sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of light-colored shredded potatoes mixed with small bits of green herbs and red bell peppers. The middle layer is a mix of cooked ground meat and more shredded potatoes with some green herbs. The top layer is a golden-yellow melted cheese with slightly browned spots, creating a bubbly texture. A silver fork rests on the plate, holding a portion of the casserole. In the blurred background, a clear glass baking dish filled with the same casserole rests on a red and white checkered cloth. 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 remember the first time I made this brunch casserole — the whole house smelled amazing! What really hooked me was how simple it was to prep but how impressive it looked and tasted when it came out of the oven. It's one of those dishes everyone asks for again and again.

Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of spicy sausage and roasted bell peppers packs a punch that wakes up your taste buds.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the night before, which is a lifesaver when you want to enjoy your brunch instead of cooking all morning.
Comfort in Every Bite: The melty cheese and creamy egg custard make it feel indulgent without being complicated.
Feeds a Crowd Easily: Perfect for family gatherings or brunch parties — this recipe serves 8-10 people without breaking a sweat.

The image shows a square glass baking dish filled with a baked casserole that has a golden brown, slightly uneven melted cheese layer on top. Beneath the cheese are small pieces of browned meat and bits of red bell pepper scattered evenly throughout the dish. The edges of the casserole show some bubbling cheese that is slightly darker. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a red patterned cloth underneath the baking dish. The photo is taken at a close angle, highlighting the texture and colors of the cheesy baked top layer clearly, with a shallow depth of field focusing on the front portion of the casserole. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this brunch casserole plays a starring role, balancing flavors and textures while keeping prep straightforward. I always recommend fresh bell peppers and quality sausages to boost flavor without needing complex seasoning.

Flat lay of thawed golden hash brown potatoes, crumbled spicy pork sausage browned to perfection, bright chopped red bell peppers, fresh sliced green onions with vibrant green tops, shredded sharp cheddar cheese in small piles, creamy whole milk in a glass jar, and whole eggs with smooth shells, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Frozen hash brown potatoes: Thawed for easy layering and they soak up all the delicious flavors.
Spicy pork sausage or breakfast sausage: Adds savory richness and a nice kick that livens up the dish.
Red bell peppers: For sweetness and color that brighten the casserole.
Green onions: Bring freshness and a mild onion flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.
Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: I love how they melt beautifully and give a creamy, gooey texture.
Whole milk: Makes the egg mixture smooth and tender when baked.
Salt, pepper, garlic powder: Simple seasonings that highlight the other ingredients without overpowering.
Eggs: The binder that creates a fluffy, custardy texture to hold everything together.

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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 personalize. I’ve made it with different cheeses, added mushrooms, and even swapped sausage for turkey to suit various tastes.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms and spinach—I found it just as hearty and satisfying when friends who don’t eat meat visited.
Cheese Swap: Pepper Jack adds a nice spicy twist, while a blend of mozzarella and cheddar makes it extra melty.
Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to toss in chopped zucchini or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra freshness when in season.
Mild Version: Use mild breakfast sausage to keep it family-friendly and still delicious.

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

Step 1: Browning the sausage and softening the peppers

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the bulk sausage. As it cooks for about 4 minutes, break it up with a spatula so it browns evenly. Then toss in the chopped red bell peppers and cook for another 4 minutes. This step ensures both flavors mingle beautifully and everything softens just right — one key to a truly tasty brunch casserole!

Step 2: Layering your base

Remove the sausage and pepper mix from heat and combine it with the thawed hash browns in your 9x13-inch baking dish. Stir in half of the cheese here, which begins layering flavors from the bottom up. Spreading the ingredients evenly ensures every bite has that perfect balance of crispy potatoes and melty cheese.

Step 3: Mixing the custard and adding green onions

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until it’s smooth and uniform in color. Fold in the chopped green onions last—for that fresh zing. Pour this mixture evenly over the potato and sausage base, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. This creamy egg custard is what gives the casserole that fluffy, custardy texture we all love.

Step 4: Baking to golden perfection

Bake at 375˚F for 40-50 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and the egg custard is fully set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Waiting for it to cool just a bit helps it slice cleanly, so don’t rush this part or you’ll get a messy cut.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can make your brunch casserole come out even better — things I wish I’d known when I first tried this recipe.

Don’t skip thawing the hash browns: Using fully thawed potatoes keeps the casserole from being watery.
Use a kitchen timer: It’s easy to get distracted, but precise baking timing ensures the eggs stay tender and the top crisps just right.
Get a good non-stick skillet: It helps brown the sausage evenly without sticking, saving cleanup time.
Let the casserole rest: Waiting 10 minutes after baking makes it slice cleaner and flavors settle nicely.

How to Serve Brunch Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce—both add a nice tang that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

This brunch casserole pairs beautifully with simple mixed greens dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or a side of fresh fruit to keep the meal bright and balanced. For a heartier spread, crispy bacon or toasted artisan bread are always winners in my book.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in smaller ramekins for individual portions—everyone loves how personalized that feels! You can also sprinkle some microgreens or edible flowers on top to wow your guests visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying my brunch, I let leftover casserole cool completely before covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and reheats beautifully—just cover loosely while warming to prevent drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, wrapping it tightly, then baking it directly from frozen with an extra 10-15 minutes baking time. It’s a great way to have an easy brunch ready when life gets busy.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the oven at 350˚F for about 20 minutes to keep the texture intact rather than microwaving, which can make it rubbery. A quick check to see it’s warmed through and bubbly is all you need.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this brunch casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, or plant-based sausage alternatives. Just cook the veggies first until tender to get the best flavor.

How far ahead can I assemble this brunch casserole?

You can assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Then bake it in the morning for a fresh, warm brunch with minimal prep time when hungry guests arrive.

Can I substitute other cheeses?

Yes! Cheddar and Monterey Jack work beautifully, but feel free to try pepper jack for a bit of heat, mozzarella for extra meltiness, or even a Swiss-cheese blend for nuttier flavors.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Oven reheating at 350°F for about 20 minutes keeps the casserole moist and flavorful without drying out. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the top from burning while warming evenly.

Final Thoughts

This brunch casserole recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it delivers on flavor, ease, and that warm, satisfying feeling only a good homemade breakfast can give. I can’t wait for you to try it and maybe even put your own spin on it. It’s the kind of dish that makes mornings a little brighter—like a tasty little celebration every time you serve it.