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 bake fresh from the oven, which is exactly what makes this Brunch Casserole Recipe a total showstopper. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or your hungry family on a relaxing weekend morning.

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

This brunch casserole has been a game-changer in my weekend routine—I love how little prep it takes, yet it delivers big on taste. It’s a welcome crowd-pleaser, whether for holiday mornings or casual family gatherings.

Simple One-Dish Meal: Everything cooks up together in one dish, which means less cleaning and more time enjoying company.
Flavor-Packed: The mix of spicy pork sausage, sharp cheese, and fresh veggies creates irresistible layers of flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh the next day—hello, stress-free brunch!
Customizable: This recipe is a foundation you can tweak easily to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

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 recipe plays a part in building a balanced, hearty dish. From crispy potatoes to juicy sausage, every bite brings something special to the table. Here are some quick tips as you shop:

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: Using thawed frozen hash browns gives you great texture and saves tons of prep, no peeling or dicing needed.
Spicy Pork Sausage: I love the bite that spicy sausage adds, but mild works wonders too if you want to keep things mellow.
Red Bell Peppers: Fresh and crisp, they add a lovely sweetness and pop of color.
Green Onions: Their subtle sharpness brightens the whole casserole without overwhelming the other flavors.
Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: Both melt beautifully and bring rich creaminess, so pick whichever you prefer or even mix them up.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create that perfectly set custard consistency.
Eggs: The eggs are the glue that ties it all together, creating a tender, fluffy texture once baked.
Salt, Pepper & Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other ingredients without stealing the spotlight.

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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 adapt. I often throw in whatever veggies are in season or swap out the sausage for bacon or even a veggie sausage for a different spin. You could even add mushrooms or spinach if you want to sneak in some greens.

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve switched the sausage for sautéed mushrooms and added some feta—it was surprisingly satisfying and just as festive.
Lower Fat Option: Try turkey sausage or a reduced-fat cheese to lighten the dish while keeping all the flavor.
Extra Cheesy: For cheese lovers, doubling the cheese on top creates a golden, bubbly crust that's irresistible.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Peppers

Start by heating up your skillet over medium heat, then add the bulk spicy pork sausage. I like to break it up with a spatula so it browns evenly. After about 4 minutes, toss in the chopped red bell peppers and cook for another 4 minutes until the sausage is nicely browned and the peppers are a bit tender. This step builds that incredible savory base for your casserole.

Step 2: Combine with Potatoes and Cheese

Once your sausage and peppers are ready, pour the mixture over the thawed hash browns in a 9"x13" baking dish. Mix in half of the shredded cheese—this helps bind everything and adds gooey richness right from the start.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture and Pour

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and consistent in color. Stir the chopped green onions into this mixture and then pour everything evenly over your potato and sausage layer in the baking dish.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and slide the casserole into your preheated 375˚F oven. Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the egg custard is set but still moist. It’s okay to give the center a gentle poke; it should spring back slightly.

Top Tip

From my experience whipping up this brunch casserole quite a few times, I’ve picked up a few key tips that really help the dish come together and shine every time.

Thaw the Potatoes Properly: Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed and drained of any excess water to avoid a soggy casserole.
Don’t Overcook the Sausage: Browning the sausage just right means it stays juicy inside without drying out, which keeps every bite flavorful.
Even Pouring: When pouring the egg mixture, pour slowly and use a spatula to spread it evenly so it seeps through all the layers.
Give it Time to Rest: Let your casserole sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to settle—it makes slicing neater and flavors meld even better.

How to Serve Brunch Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my slices with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce really elevates it, especially if you’ve gone with the spicy sausage version.

Side Dishes

Pairing this casserole with fresh fruit salad and a crisp green salad balances the richness perfectly. I’ve also loved serving it alongside toasted sourdough or a basket of warm biscuits for mopping up every delicious bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I’ve turned this into mini individual casseroles baked in ramekins—super cute and makes serving easy. You can even layer it with colorful veggies for a rainbow effect that truly impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate them. They keep well for about 3 to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, so I don’t mind second-day brunch at all!

Freezing

This brunch casserole freezes beautifully. Just wrap individual portions tightly or freeze the whole dish before baking. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding extra time if still partially frozen.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350˚F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15-20 minutes. It revives the casserole’s texture without drying it out, which I much prefer over microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Brunch Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Make sure your sausage is gluten-free and double-check any seasoning blends. The rest of the ingredients like potatoes, eggs, and cheese are naturally gluten-free.

How far ahead can I assemble the casserole?

You can prepare the entire casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, just pop it into the oven in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.

Can I substitute the sausage with other proteins?

Definitely! Try cooked bacon, ham, or even plant-based sausage alternatives. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly since some substitutes can be milder.

What’s the best way to ensure the casserole isn't watery?

Thaw and drain your frozen hash browns well to remove excess moisture. Also, don’t skip browning the sausage properly to evaporate any released liquid. These steps help keep your casserole nice and firm.

Final Thoughts

This brunch casserole recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for gathering around the table with family or friends. It’s forgiving, delicious, and offers so much room for tweaking to your liking. I’m confident you’ll love how it brings everyone together over a satisfying meal — give it a try next time you want to treat yourself without fuss!