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 incredibly cozy about a warm, cheesy casserole fresh from the oven, and this Brunch Casserole Recipe is just that kind of comfort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, making weekend mornings extra special.

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’ve made this brunch casserole more times than I can count, and every time it disappears fast—sometimes before I even get a second helping! It’s the perfect blend of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and melty cheese baked into one irresistible dish.

Hearty & Satisfying: Loads of chunky ingredients mean it’s a meal on its own, perfect to power through the day ahead.
Easy to Assemble Ahead: I love making this the night before, which means your brunch day is totally stress-free.
Flavorful Layers: The mix of spicy sausage with bell peppers and green onions adds brightness and a satisfying kick.
Flexible & Crowd-Friendly: Whether overnight guests or a family feast, this casserole scales easily and feeds a crowd.

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 its part, creating the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. A few shopping tips will make your assembly easier and the final casserole even tastier.

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: Thawing them first prevents sogginess and ensures they crisp slightly while baking.
Bulk Spicy Pork Sausage: Choose one you love. I prefer something with a little heat for extra depth, but mild works if you’re feeding kids.
Red Bell Peppers: Freshly chopped to add a hint of sweetness and color contrast.
Green Onions: Add brightness and a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: Both melt beautifully; I sometimes use a mix for creaminess and sharp bite.
Whole Milk: Helps keep the egg mixture silky and tender—don’t substitute low-fat unless you want a firmer texture.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder round out the flavors without any fuss.
Eggs: The binder that holds everything together perfectly.

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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 tweak to your liking. Personally, I like to experiment by swapping ingredients or adding extras to suit seasons or taste buds.

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve swapped out sausage for sautéed mushrooms and spinach, and guests loved the hearty, earthy flavor.
Cheese Choices: Sometimes I swap cheddar for pepper jack to add a subtle spice, or sprinkle in some feta for tang.
Seasonal Add-Ins: Roasted tomatoes or fresh herbs like thyme make it pop with fresh summer vibes.
Mild to Spicy: Adjust the sausage or add a pinch of cayenne if you want it to pack more heat.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Soften the Peppers

I start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the sausage for about 4 minutes. This gets it nicely browned and releases all those delicious flavors. I then toss in the chopped red bell peppers and cook for another 4 minutes. This softens the peppers just right without losing their vibrant color and crunch. Pro tip: Drain excess grease so the casserole won’t feel too oily.

Step 2: Mix the Sausage, Peppers & Potatoes

Once the sausage and peppers are ready, I combine them with thawed hash browns in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Stir in half the cheese at this point—this way, the cheese gets cozy with the warm ingredients, adding a creamy richness throughout the casserole.

Step 3: Whisk Your Egg Mixture & Add Green Onions

In a bowl, I whisk together eggs, whole milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the color is even and the mixture feels smooth. Next, I fold in the chopped green onions. These little bursts of flavor make the casserole feel lighter and more balanced.

Step 4: Pour, Top & Bake

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage-potato combo, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. I bake this at 375˚F for 40-50 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden, and the eggs are fully set. Keep an eye on it towards the end—if the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to avoid burning.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things from making this brunch casserole recipe over and over, and I want you to get the best results right away. A little patience and a couple of tricks can make your casserole absolutely perfect.

Don’t skip thawing the potatoes: It might seem like an extra step, but thawing prevents watery sogginess and helps the edges get nicely crisp.
Keep an eye on the heat when browning sausage: Medium heat lets it brown evenly without burning, locking in flavor.
Let the casserole rest before slicing: It firms up nicely and makes serving easier, plus all those layers get to mingle.
Make it the night before: Assembling ahead lets flavors meld and saves tons of time on busy mornings.

How to Serve Brunch Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this casserole, I love topping it with a handful of fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and a mild, fresh onion note. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of salsa is also a nice touch if folks want to jazz it up a bit.

Side Dishes

This brunch casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or some fresh fruit salad to lighten things up. Coffee and fresh orange juice make the meal feel complete and celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake it in individual ramekins instead of one big dish—each guest gets their own personal servings, which feels fun and festive. Another trick I love is adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before baking, for a subtle smoky aroma that gets everyone asking what’s in it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay delicious for up to 3 days. Just cover tightly to keep in moisture and prevent the casserole from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual portions wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven. Just avoid freezing the casserole whole, as it can become watery upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices into a 350˚F oven for about 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying while warming through completely. Microwaving works in a pinch, but oven reheating keeps the texture better.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Brunch Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the sausage for hearty vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Adding more cheese or even some crumbled tofu can help keep it protein-packed and satisfying.

How far ahead can I assemble this brunch casserole?

You can assemble it the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s very cold from the fridge.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, pre-shredded cheese will work just fine for convenience. Keep in mind it sometimes has anti-caking agents which can affect melting slightly, but the difference is usually minimal.

What’s the best way to avoid a soggy casserole?

Make sure to thoroughly thaw and drain your frozen potatoes before baking. Also, cooking off excess grease from the sausage before mixing helps keep the casserole from being greasy or soggy.

Final Thoughts

This brunch casserole recipe has been my go-to for lazy weekend mornings and special family gatherings alike. There’s something so rewarding about digging into a warm, cheesy dish that you can prep ahead and then simply enjoy with your loved ones. I hope you’ll try making it and find, just like I did, that it becomes your trusted staple for effortless, delicious brunches.