There’s something so comforting about waking up to a warm, cheesy bake that combines all the best flavors of breakfast in one dish. This Brunch Casserole Recipe is exactly that—easy to prep, packed with sausage, peppers, and plenty of cheese, and always a crowd-pleaser when friends or family gather around the table.

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 Recipe quickly became a weekend staple around my house because it hits all the right notes—easy to make ahead, bursting with flavor, and perfectly customizable to what you have on hand. Plus, it feeds a crowd without any fuss.

Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready, which means less stress on busy mornings.
Easy to Customize: Whether you swap veggies, cheese, or sausage, this recipe adapts beautifully to your tastes and pantry.
Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: It’s hearty and filling, making it ideal for brunch parties or family gatherings of all sizes.
Simple Ingredients: No complicated steps or exotic items here, so it's approachable even if you're new to breakfast casseroles.

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 an important role in building layers of flavor and texture. Choosing the right components will help you nail this dish every time.

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 saves time and adds a crispy, hearty base that absorbs all the savory juices.
Bulk spicy pork sausage or breakfast sausage: This brings a flavorful, slightly spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the mild potatoes and creamy eggs.
Red bell peppers: They add a pop of color and gentle sweetness, balancing the richness of the sausage.
Green onions: Fresh and mild, they provide a nice bite and vibrant garnish mixed into the eggs.
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: I love a mix of both for sharpness and melting quality—using half inside and half on top gives you that golden crust.
Whole milk: It keeps the eggs tender and luscious without making the casserole too dense.
Eggs: They’re the binder that holds everything together, creating that satisfying custardy texture.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder): Simple but key to boosting all the flavors.

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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 love swapping in different veggies or cheeses depending on what’s in season or in my fridge. This brunch casserole is totally forgiving and a perfect playground for your creativity.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is to add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an earthy note—I bet you’ll find your own go-to twist pretty quickly.
Vegetarian version: Simply swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or add extra veggies and beans for protein.
Make it milder: If you prefer less heat, go for a mild pork sausage or turkey sausage and skip the garlic powder if you want just a subtle flavor.
Cheese options: Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or even feta for different flavor profiles.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage & Sauté Peppers

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add the bulk spicy pork sausage and let it cook for about 4 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. This step is key to developing that savory, crispy texture that makes the casserole so satisfying. Then, toss in the chopped red bell peppers and cook for another 4 minutes until the sausage is fully browned and the peppers have softened slightly. The aroma at this stage is one of my favorite parts of the whole process—it really wakes up the appetite!

Step 2: Combine with Potatoes and Cheese

Take the skillet off the heat and stir the sausage-pepper mixture together with the thawed hash browns in a large 9”x13” baking dish. Then, fold in half of the shredded cheese right here. This creates pockets of melty cheese throughout your casserole and helps everything meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture and Bake

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Stir in the chopped green onions for that fresh zing. Pour this custardy mixture evenly over the potato-sausage base in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, then pop the whole thing in your preheated 375˚F oven.

Bake for 40-50 minutes until the casserole is bubbly, the eggs are set (no liquid jiggle!), and the cheese is beautifully golden and melted. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges pull away slightly from the dish and the top is lightly browned.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Brunch Casserole Recipe dozens of times, and these tips really changed the game for me. They helped me get consistent results and avoid some rookie mistakes I made early on.

Use fully thawed potatoes: If they’re still icy, your casserole can turn out watery—give them time to defrost and pat dry if needed.
Don’t overmix the egg mixture: Stir gently so you keep lightness in the eggs; overmixing can make it dense.
Let it rest after baking: Waiting 10-15 minutes before slicing helps it set and makes serving much easier.
Watch your oven temperature: oven temps vary, so start checking at 40 minutes to prevent overcooking and drying out your casserole.

How to Serve Brunch Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce is also wonderful for adding an extra layer of flavor – especially if you like it spicy like I do!

Side Dishes

This goes great with light sides like a crisp green salad, fresh fruit platter, or even some crusty bread to scoop up any cheesy goodness left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I’ve served individual portions of this casserole in ramekins – it looks charming and feels a bit more elegant. Layered with some avocado slices or edible flowers on top, it really wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftover casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds surprisingly well and often tastes even better the next day when flavors have mingled.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. I flash-freeze individual portions on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. When you want some prepared brunch magic, just defrost overnight and reheat—it’s a great time-saver.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 350˚F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to keep that lovely crispy top. Microwave works in a pinch but can make it a bit soggy, so the oven is my go-to.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Brunch Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making the night before. Simply assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, bake it fresh for brunch—your efforts will be rewarded with amazing flavor and texture.

What type of sausage works best in this casserole?

I find bulk spicy pork sausage adds a nice kick and savory depth, but breakfast sausage or even turkey sausage work well too. You can customize based on how spicy or mild you like your flavors.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You can, but it takes some extra prep. You’ll want to parboil or shred and pre-cook the fresh potatoes so they’re tender before baking. Frozen hash browns save time and ensure a consistent texture.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

Look for set, firm eggs with no liquid jiggle in the middle, a bubbly cheese topping, and lightly browned edges. A toothpick or knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

Final Thoughts

This Brunch Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because of how effortlessly it brings people together around the table. It’s one of those dishes where the simple ingredients blend into something truly comforting and delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself turning to it again and again, whether for a lazy weekend or an easy meal with friends. Give it a go—you can’t go wrong!