Name: Brunch Casserole with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar 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 so comforting about a hot, cheesy bake filled with a little kick — that’s why I’m excited to share this Brunch Casserole with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe with you. It’s the perfect mix of hearty, spicy, and melty that makes any brunch feel unforgettable.

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 with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Brunch Casserole with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Brunch Casserole with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this brunch casserole is one of those recipes I come back to because it feels fancy without being complicated. The spicy sausage wakes up your taste buds, the sweet crunch of bell peppers adds freshness, and the cheddar makes everything gooey perfection.

Bold Flavor Combo: The spicy sausage and sweet peppers balance beautifully for a flavor that keeps everyone asking for seconds.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the night before, so your morning feels relaxed, not rushed.
Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves 8-10 people — ideal for family brunches or casual gatherings.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, making it an easy go-to recipe.

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

These ingredients come together in harmony — the frozen hash browns give structure and texture, the spicy sausage adds heat and protein, and the cheddar melts beautifully to tie it all together. Pro tip: freshly chopped green onions really brighten up the richness.

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: Thawing them before baking ensures they become crispy without sogginess.
Spicy pork sausage or breakfast sausage: Use good-quality sausage for the best flavor — spicy is key to keep this casserole lively.
Red bell peppers: Adding a sweet crunch, they balance the sausage’s heat perfectly.
Green onions: Fresh and slightly sharp, they add a pop of color and taste that I can’t resist.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly and brings that classic, comforting cheesiness.
Whole milk: Helps create a creamy egg custard that holds everything together.
Salt, pepper, garlic powder: Simple seasonings that round out the flavors without overpowering them.
Eggs: They’re the binder that gives this casserole a rich, fluffy texture.

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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 the things I love most about this brunch casserole with spicy sausage, peppers, and cheddar recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you like or have on hand. I often swap out the cheese or add veggies to switch things up.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the spicy sausage for a milder breakfast sausage if kids are joining us — it still tastes great but with less heat.
Add veggies: Toss in mushrooms or spinach for extra color and nutrients without changing the base flavor drastically.
Dairy-free version: Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives and keep an eye on cook time to avoid drying out.
Extra spice: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes if you want to dial up the heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brunch Casserole with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage and Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F. I throw the bulk spicy sausage into a skillet over medium heat and cook it for about 4 minutes until it starts browning. Then, toss in the chopped red bell peppers right on top — it only needs another 4 minutes so the peppers stay slightly crisp and vibrant. This step fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Combine with Hash Browns and Cheese

Once the sausage is nicely browned and peppers softened, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the mixture into a 9”x13” baking dish with the thawed hash brown potatoes. Stir in half of the shredded cheese — I always use a good sharp cheddar, but Monterey Jack works beautifully if you prefer a milder melt.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Egg Custard

In a bowl, whisk the eggs with whole milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the color is uniform. Then stir in the chopped green onions — they add that fresh pop. Pour this custard over the potato and sausage mixture in the baking dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed so every bite cooks perfectly.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and pop the whole dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the eggs are fully set. Keep a close eye near the end to avoid overbaking — you want a golden top and fluffy interior, not dry.

Top Tip

Over time, I learned that letting the frozen hash browns thaw completely before mixing is an absolute game changer — it helps avoid a soggy casserole, especially under the custard.

Thaw the Potatoes Well: I sometimes pat them dry with a paper towel if they seem wet to get a better bake.
Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the sausage first brings out deeper flavor and avoids excess grease in your casserole.
Even Pouring: Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly for consistent rising and texture.
Check Early: Set a timer around 40 minutes and peek in to prevent overcooking — the eggs can toughen quickly if left too long.

How to Serve Brunch Casserole with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the casserole with fresh chopped parsley or extra green onions — they add vibrant color and a bit of brightness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce goes on the side for those who want an extra kick.

Side Dishes

Because this casserole is so filling, I keep sides simple. A fresh fruit salad or some roasted asparagus pairs wonderfully. For something heartier, a side of crusty toast or warm biscuits rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins for perfect personal portions — it’s a crowd-pleaser and looks charming on the brunch table. Another fun twist is layering the casserole in a clear glass dish to show off the colorful layers of sausage, peppers, and cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, I let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Stored in the fridge, leftovers last up to 3 days and still taste fantastic warmed up the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well. I wrap it tightly in foil and a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture just right.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350˚F for about 15-20 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning. This way, the casserole stays moist and delicious instead of drying out like in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this brunch casserole vegetarian?

If you want to make it vegetarian, you can substitute the spicy sausage with plant-based sausage or a mix of mushrooms and seasoned tofu. It won’t have quite the same kick, but the peppers and cheese will still make it tasty.

What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out?

Make sure not to overbake your casserole. Check for doneness around 40 minutes, and keep the egg custard moist by using whole milk. Covering the casserole loosely with foil during reheating also helps retain moisture.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You absolutely can, but you’ll need to parboil and partially cook the fresh potatoes first. Frozen hash browns save time and give a consistent texture, which is why I prefer them for this recipe.

How spicy is the casserole?

The level of spice depends on the sausage you choose. Using bulk spicy pork sausage will add a pleasant heat that’s noticeable but not overwhelming — perfect to wake up your taste buds without burning your mouth. You can adjust by choosing milder sausage or adding more heat with chili flakes if you like.

Final Thoughts

This Brunch Casserole with Spicy Sausage, Peppers, and Cheddar Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it's easy to make and always impresses guests with its cozy flavors and satisfying textures. If you’re looking to add a little spice and something cheesy to your next brunch, give this one a try. I think you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how quickly it disappears from the table.