There’s something so comforting and crowd-pleasing about a warm, cheesy brunch bake — that’s exactly why this Brunch Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. It combines crispy hash browns, spicy sausage, and melty cheese all in one pan, making mornings feel cozy and exciting.

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

I remember the first time I whipped up this brunch casserole — the smells filling the house were incredible, and everyone dug right in without hesitation! It’s hearty, simple to prepare, and perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead.

Flavor-packed comfort: The spicy sausage paired with sweet bell peppers and cheddar creates a scrumptious bite every time.
Make-ahead magic: Prep it the night before and pop it in the oven when guests arrive or on a lazy weekend morning.
All-in-one dish: Hash browns, eggs, veggies, and cheese come together effortlessly for a balanced brunch.
Crowd-friendly: Serves 8-10, making it ideal for family get-togethers or holiday brunches.

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

Every ingredient in this brunch casserole works together to give you that perfect blend of texture and flavor. Plus, many are staples you likely already have on hand, making it easy to pull together.

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 hash browns creates a lovely crispy base without extra work.
Bulk spicy pork or breakfast sausage: Adds a kick and hearty protein that elevates the dish.
Red bell peppers: Provide sweetness and a pop of color that brightens every bite.
Green onions: Their mild onion flavor mingles beautifully in the egg mixture.
Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts perfectly to create a gooey, comforting topping.
Whole milk and eggs: Make the casserole rich, creamy, and set with the ideal consistency.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: Enhance all the savory flavors without overpowering.

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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

This brunch casserole is so adaptable — I’ve tried versions with turkey sausage for a lighter twist, and tossed in different cheeses like Gouda for extra smokiness. Don’t hesitate to add your favorite veggies or swap ingredients to match what you have on hand.

Variation: I love swapping spicy pork sausage for a milder chicken sausage when feeding kids or guests who prefer less heat — it still tastes fantastic!
Vegetarian version: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a meat-free option that’s just as hearty.
Seasonal changes: Add diced zucchini or asparagus in spring, or kale and sun-dried tomatoes in fall for a fresh seasonal flavor boost.
Spice it up: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give this dish an extra kick if you like bold flavors.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Peppers

Set your skillet to medium heat and add the bulk sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. After about 4 minutes, add the chopped red bell peppers. Cook everything together for another 4 minutes or until the sausage is fully browned and the peppers start softening. This step builds flavor — make sure the sausage gets that nice golden crust but avoid burning it.

Step 2: Combine with Potatoes and Cheese

Once the sausage and peppers are ready, remove the skillet from heat. Stir them into your thawed hash browns inside a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix in half of your shredded cheese here so it melts right into the base layer — it creates a creamy, cheesy foundation that I absolutely love.

Step 3: Whisk Together Eggs, Milk & Seasonings

Grab a bowl and whisk whole milk, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until everything looks smooth and uniform. Fold in your chopped green onions — the aroma here is amazing! Pour this mixture slowly over the potato-sausage mix so it seeps down evenly.

Step 4: Top with Remaining Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top, then slide your dish into the oven preheated to 375˚F. Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly cheese on top and firm but slightly creamy eggs inside. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in — it slices much cleaner and tastes even better once settled.

Top Tip

Having made this brunch casserole countless times, I’ve learned a few secrets that really make the difference between a good and a great bake.

Thaw hash browns fully: If your hash browns are still icy, the casserole can end up soggy — thaw completely and drain excess moisture if needed.
Don’t overmix the egg mixture: Whisk just until combined to avoid too much air, which can cause the casserole to puff and then collapse.
Allow it to rest before serving: I find waiting 10 minutes after baking lets the casserole set properly and makes slicing easier.
Use a non-stick baking dish or grease well: Prevents sticking and helps you serve every last delicious bit with ease.

How to Serve Brunch Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For a touch of brightness, I like adding freshly chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce also brings extra flavor contrast that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is pretty hearty, I usually pair it with simple sides like fresh fruit salad, a crisp green salad, or some buttery toast. If it’s a special brunch, adding a mimosa or fresh juice rounds things out beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I’ve assembled the casserole in smaller ramekins for individual servings — it feels fancy and is great for portion control. Another idea is layering colorful veggies in visible sections so you get a vibrant presentation when served.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover casserole tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and sometimes tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing

This brunch casserole freezes well — wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil once fully cooled. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge then bake at 350˚F until warmed through, usually about 25-30 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 350˚F oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the edges a bit soggy, so oven reheating is my go-to for maintaining texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Fresh diced potatoes can work, but they’ll need to be par-cooked or boiled before assembling to ensure they cook through during baking. Frozen hash browns are convenient because they’re pre-cooked and thaw quickly, saving you time.

How spicy is this brunch casserole?

The level of spice depends on the sausage you choose. Using spicy pork sausage adds a noticeable kick, but you can swap it for mild breakfast sausage if you prefer something gentler. You can also customize heat by adding hot sauce or chili flakes to the egg mix.

Can I prep this casserole the night before?

Absolutely! This is one of the great things about the recipe — you can assemble everything the night before, cover it tightly, and then bake it fresh in the morning. It’s perfect for stress-free entertaining or slow weekend mornings.

What’s the best cheese to use in this brunch casserole?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices because they melt beautifully and add rich flavor without overpowering the dish. You can also experiment with cheeses like Gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack if you’re looking to switch things up.

Final Thoughts

This Brunch Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes I turn to again and again when I want something comforting, easy, and crowd-pleasing. It strikes the perfect balance between hearty and fresh, and the best part? You can make it your own with endless variations. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s your new go-to brunch winner, I promise.