Brunch Casserole: Cozy, Flavor-Packed Breakfast for Everyone

Name: Brunch Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 58 min
Total time: 1 h 18 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 incredibly comforting about the mix of crispy potatoes, spicy sausage, and melted cheese all baked into one cozy dish—that's why this Brunch Casserole Recipe is an absolute favorite in my kitchen. It hits all the right notes for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or leisurely 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 absolutely love how versatile and forgiving this Brunch Casserole Recipe is—it’s one of those dishes where you can customize ingredients without losing the comforting, satisfying vibe. Plus, it always impresses guests without much fuss.

Flavor-packed: The spicy pork sausage adds a punch that wakes up your taste buds perfectly balanced with cheesy goodness.
Easy to prep ahead: You can assemble it the night before, making busy mornings a breeze.
Crowd-pleaser: This recipe is generous and perfect for feeding 8-10 hungry people, ideal for family brunch or a lazy weekend with friends.
Flexible ingredients: Whether you swap sausage or cheese, you’ll still get a deliciously satisfying casserole.

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

This recipe brings together simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully—spicy sausage for boldness, hash browns for texture, and eggs for that creamy, custard-like binding. I always recommend using fresh veggies and quality cheese to make the flavors shine.

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 before use to avoid excess water and ensure the casserole isn’t soggy.
Bulk spicy pork sausage: Adds depth and a little heat; feel free to use mild or turkey sausage if you want to tone it down.
Red bell peppers: Provide sweetness and color, balancing the richness of sausage and cheese.
Green onions: A fresh, mild onion flavor that keeps the casserole bright.
Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: I like mixing both for sharpness and creaminess; cheese melts beautifully and binds the flavors.
Whole milk: Makes for a smooth, custardy texture when combined with eggs.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Simple seasonings that enhance every layer without overpowering.
Eggs: Essential to set the casserole and give it that luscious, bake-in feel.

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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

I’m all about making recipes suit your taste and lifestyle, and this Brunch Casserole Recipe is perfect for that. I usually swap the spicy sausage for vegetarian sausage when friends come over, and it still turns out fantastic.

Vegetarian variation: Use plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini instead of pork sausage—I’ve had guests swear it’s just as tasty!
Cheese swaps: Try pepper jack for more heat or a smoky gouda for a different flavor profile.
Seasonal veggies: Swap in whatever’s fresh—spinach, kale, or even sun-dried tomatoes add an extra layer of deliciousness.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Soften the Peppers

Start by heating your skillet on medium and cooking the bulk spicy pork sausage for about 4 minutes. You'll want to break it up so it cooks evenly and gets those nice browned bits for flavor. Then add chopped red bell peppers and cook for another 4 minutes until the peppers soften and the sausage is fully browned. This step is crucial because it builds the base flavor for your casserole.

Step 2: Combine Potatoes and Cheese in Baking Dish

Remove the skillet from heat and toss the sausage and peppers with the thawed hash browns right in a 9”x13” baking dish. Stir in a cup of shredded cheese here—this little mix guarantees melty, cheesy pockets throughout.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard and Add Green Onions

Whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until everything’s uniform in color. Stir the chopped green onions into this mixture; they’ll give your casserole bursts of fresh flavor once baked.

Step 4: Pour Custard and Top with Cheese

Pour the egg mixture evenly over your potato and sausage base in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top—this will brown beautifully and create the perfect cheesy crust as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake at 375°F for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are fully set (no jiggle in the center) and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to help everything hold together.

Top Tip

After making this brunch casserole recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned some little tweaks that make a huge difference. These tips will make sure your casserole turns out perfect every time, and you’ll avoid common pitfalls like soggy or watery results.

Drain excess fat: After cooking the sausage, drain any extra grease to keep the casserole from getting oily.
Don’t over-thaw potatoes: Make sure they're just thawed—not wet—to prevent sogginess.
Use a toothpick test: Insert a toothpick in the center at the end of baking; it should come out clean to confirm it's cooked through.
Let it rest: Waiting 10 minutes before serving helps the casserole firm up and slice easily.

How to Serve Brunch Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh bite. A dollop of sour cream or a side of salsa amps up the flavor even more, especially if you’re into a little extra zest or creaminess.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. Sometimes I serve it alongside warm, buttery biscuits or a light mixed green salad for a complete brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake the casserole in colorful individual ramekins for a cute, personalized touch. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass casserole dish to show off the colorful layers of sausage, veggies, potatoes, and cheese—it’s as pretty as it is tasty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—wrapped tightly to maintain moisture. It usually keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and reheats wonderfully for a quick breakfast or snack the next few mornings.

Freezing

This brunch casserole freezes really well! I prepare it fully, then cool completely, slice into portions, and freeze in freezer-safe containers. When I want some, I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven. It’s handy for meal prepping busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheating works best in the oven at about 325°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty again—usually 15-20 minutes. The microwave is a quick fix but can make it a bit soggy; if you try the microwave, zap in short bursts and cover with a paper towel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Brunch Casserole Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative and swap whole milk for almond or oat milk. Just make sure your dairy-free milk is unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced.

How far in advance can I assemble this casserole?

You can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh in the morning for a no-fuss brunch that tastes just as good, if not better, after resting overnight.

What can I substitute for the spicy pork sausage?

If you prefer less spice or want a different protein, try breakfast sausage, turkey sausage, or even crumbled bacon. For a vegetarian option, plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables work great too.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the eggs are set with no liquid in the center and the cheese is melted and bubbly on top. A good test is inserting a toothpick or knife in the center; it should come out clean.

Final Thoughts

This Brunch Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my weekend routine because it's just so effortlessly delicious. Whether it’s a holiday, a special occasion, or just a slow morning craving something hearty, this casserole hits all the right buttons. I’m excited for you to try it out and make it your own—it’s like a warm hug from the oven in every bite.