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 wonderfully comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole filling your kitchen with aroma on a slow weekend morning. This Brunch Casserole Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s hearty, packed with flavors, and can feed a crowd with zero fuss. Let me share why it’s such a keeper.

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 honestly can’t say enough good things about this brunch casserole because it hits all the marks—it’s flavorful, easy to put together, and leaves everyone happy and full. I’ve made it countless times for casual get-togethers and even for holidays when I need something reliable yet impressive.

Simple Prep: It all comes together quickly, letting you enjoy time with guests instead of fussing in the kitchen.
Flavor Packed: Spicy pork sausage adds a satisfying kick balanced by creamy cheese and tender potatoes.
Feeds a Crowd: This recipe generously serves 8-10, perfect for family brunches or weekend gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it fresh the next morning — total game changer.

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

Every ingredient in this Brunch Casserole Recipe plays a part in building layers of texture and flavor. From the crispy hash browns to the spicy sausage and melty cheese, it’s a balance that makes each bite a delight. Here’s a quick look at why each element is so important:

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, they provide a crispy yet tender base without any peeling or chopping—big time saver.
Spicy pork sausage: Adds a punch of smoky heat and savory depth—feel free to swap with mild sausage to adjust the kick.
Red bell peppers: They bring sweetness and a little color contrast, brightening the dish visually and in flavor.
Green onions: Freshness and mild onion flavor that blends beautifully into the egg mixture.
Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Creamy and melty, helping to bind everything together and create that irresistible golden crust.
Whole milk: Keeps the egg custard silky and tender, avoiding dryness.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Just the right seasoning to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
Eggs: The star that holds the casserole together, creating a rich, fluffy texture that's a must for any brunch bake.

📝

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

The beautiful thing about this Brunch Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. I personally like to add mushrooms or swap in some mild Italian sausage when I want a different flavor profile. You can make it vegan-friendly or toss in your favorite veggies—feel free to get creative!

Variation: I once made this with crumbled chorizo instead of spicy pork for a smoky, southwestern twist that wowed the family.
Diet-Friendly: Swap the hash browns for sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack for extra heat or a sharp white cheddar for more tang.

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

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage and Peppers

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding the bulk spicy pork sausage. After about 4 minutes of cooking, toss in the chopped red bell peppers and let everything cook together for another 4 minutes, until the sausage is fully browned and the peppers soften just right. This step infuses the whole casserole with incredible flavor—and a bit of that irresistible sausage aroma you’ll love waking up to.

Step 2: Mix and Layer Your Base

Once your sausage-pepper mixture is done, remove it from heat and combine it with those thawed hash browns inside a 9"x13" baking dish. Stir in one cup of shredded cheese here to start layering in that creamy goodness. This creates a solid, flavorful foundation for your casserole.

Step 3: Whisk and Pour the Egg Mixture

Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the color is uniform. Fold in the chopped green onions to scatter that fresh, mild bite throughout. Pour this custardy mixture evenly over your potato and sausage base. Don’t skip stirring the eggs well—that ensures every bite has a perfect texture.

Step 4: Top and Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top—this is going to bake into a golden, melty crust that makes this casserole so irresistible. Bake in your preheated 375˚F oven for 40-50 minutes. You’re looking for the eggs to be set and the cheese to bubble and brown slightly. I usually poke the center to make sure it's not jiggly anymore—you want the eggs cooked through but still moist.

Top Tip

Having made this brunch casserole more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks that turn out the best results—and I’m happy to share them so you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did!

Let sausage drain just a bit: After browning, I use a paper towel to blot some of the grease so the casserole doesn’t get soggy.
Don’t skip thawing hash browns: Frozen-clumped potatoes can cause uneven cooking and sogginess, so spread them out to thaw fully before assembling.
Use whole milk, not skim: It makes the egg custard creamy and keeps the casserole moist instead of rubbery.
Test for doneness: Inserting a knife in the center should come out clean without wet egg, but the casserole should still feel soft, not dry.

How to Serve Brunch Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a bit of freshly chopped parsley or chives to add that pop of color and fresh aroma. Sometimes I drizzle a little hot sauce on individual servings for friends who like some extra heat—it's a game changer!

Side Dishes

Some crisp fruit salad or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully to balance the richness of the casserole. For a heartier spread, I also serve warm biscuits or crusty bread with butter—it rounds out the brunch perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve assembled this casserole in individual ramekins. It makes serving elegant and personal—and it’s such a fun twist when you have guests over. You can also layer it in a cast iron skillet for rustic charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always try to cool the casserole completely before covering to avoid condensation making the topping soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before by wrapping it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It might lose a little crispness on top but tastes just as comforting.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350˚F, covered loosely with foil, for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the texture nicer than the microwave, which can sometimes make it a bit rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage in this brunch casserole?

Absolutely! I've swapped spicy pork sausage for mild breakfast sausage, turkey sausage, and even vegetarian sausage crumbles. Each variation changes the flavor slightly but the casserole remains delicious. Just adjust seasoning accordingly.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes! One of my favorite things about this brunch casserole recipe is that it can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. In the morning, just bake it for the recommended time—super convenient for busy mornings or entertaining.

What can I substitute for hash brown potatoes?

You can substitute with shredded sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and more nutrients. Cauliflower rice is another great low-carb option, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid sogginess.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the eggs have set completely and the top is golden and bubbly. Insert a knife or toothpick in the center—it should come out clean without wet egg. The texture should be soft but not jiggly.

Final Thoughts

This Brunch Casserole Recipe has truly become my go-to for lazy weekend mornings and feeding a crowd effortlessly. It’s the kind of dish you can put together with little stress but still impress everyone with layers of hearty flavor and perfect texture. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.