There’s just something undeniably cozy about a sizzling breakfast bake that wakes up your kitchen with hearty flavors and inviting aromas. This Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe strikes the perfect balance of savory spice, tender veggies, and melty cheese, making it a standout for any weekend brunch or holiday gathering.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times this spicy sausage and veggie casserole has made my weekend mornings brighter and my brunch guests happier. It’s not just the ease of assembling it but that cozy, flavorful punch every bite delivers that keeps me coming back.
- Simple prep: Minimal hands-on time means you can get this casserole ready and relax before it hits the oven.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd: With a yield serving 8-10, it’s great for family brunches or sharing with friends.
- Customizable spice level: Using spicy pork sausage gives it a kick, but you can easily dial it up or down.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake fresh the next morning—total game changer.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe complement one another perfectly, blending creamy, spicy, and fresh elements into one dish. When choosing your components, little details can really make a difference, so I’ll share what to look for to keep this flavorful and easy.
- Frozen hash brown potatoes: Using thawed hash browns adds a comforting starch texture and cuts down on prep time—just make sure they’re fully thawed for even baking.
- Bulk spicy pork sausage: This gives the casserole its signature kick; I love choosing a brand that’s well-seasoned but not overpowering.
- Red bell peppers: Chopped fresh peppers add a sweet crunch to balance the spice and richness of the sausage.
- Green onions: They bring a subtle sharpness and freshness, especially when stirred into the egg mixture.
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: I like mixing these cheeses for a gooey, melty top with rich flavor.
- Whole milk and eggs: This combo makes the casserole custardy and smooth—don’t skip the beaten eggs for structure and richness.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder: Simple seasonings that boost all the flavors without complicating things.
Make It Your Way
I love making this casserole my own depending on what’s in my fridge or what my guests enjoy. Don’t be afraid to swap in veggies or adjust the heat to suit your taste buds—the recipe is forgiving and flexible.
- Variation: One time, I swapped the spicy sausage for a mild breakfast sausage and added a handful of chopped jalapeños for extra heat—worked like a charm and was a hit for spice lovers.
- Vegetarian twist: Try using plant-based sausage and load up with mushrooms or zucchini for a meat-free brunch option.
- Cheese swaps: Feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a little extra zing or add mozzarella for a creamier melt.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Peppers
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your spicy pork sausage. Cook it for about 4 minutes until it begins to brown, then toss in the chopped red bell peppers. Cook everything together for another 4 minutes or until the sausage is nicely browned. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it! Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 2: Layer the Base
Transfer the cooked sausage and peppers to a 9”x13” baking dish and mix in the thawed hash brown potatoes. Stir everything together with 1 cup of the cheese so it’s evenly distributed. This layer is what’ll give you that delicious, melty, cheesy base.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk the whole milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and eggs until the mixture looks smooth and uniform. Fold in the chopped green onions last—they add a fresh bite throughout the casserole. Pour this lovely custard evenly over the potato and sausage mixture in your dish.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Pop your baking dish in the oven preheated to 375°F and bake for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the eggs are set—not jiggly. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it together nicely.
Top Tip
After making this casserole several times, I’ve learned a few key tricks that help it turn out perfect every time. They might seem small, but they really make a difference in flavor, texture, and ease of baking.
- Thaw Potatoes Completely: Leaving the hash browns frozen or partially frozen can cause your casserole to be watery or unevenly cooked—take the time to thaw fully and pat dry if needed.
- Cook Sausage Thoroughly: Browning the sausage well before mixing helps build richer flavor and reduces excess grease in the final dish.
- Even Egg Pour: Pour your egg mixture slowly and evenly to avoid uneven cooking and ensure every bite is creamy and custardy.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it firm up and slice cleanly—no messy plates here!
How to Serve Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I swear by a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving—it adds a vibrant pop of color and a hint of freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side also amps up the richness and spice.
Side Dishes
This casseroles pairs beautifully with a bright mixed green salad or some roasted tomatoes. For drinks, a classic mimosa or fresh fruit juice complements the spice and savory flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins—makes for cute single servings and pretty presentation. You can also top with sliced avocado or a scattering of crispy bacon bits to impress your guests even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover leftovers well with foil or transfer them to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The casserole holds up nicely and actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have melded even more.
Freezing
Freezing this brunch casserole works great if you wrap it tightly or freeze individual portions. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings when you want a homemade brunch without the fuss.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes covered with foil to keep it moist and prevent the cheese from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method keeps the texture much better.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can swap spicy pork sausage for mild sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based option depending on your preference. Just adjust seasoning if needed to maintain flavor balance.
You can assemble the entire casserole the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake in the morning for fresh, hot brunch—this make-ahead step really helps save time on busy days.
Definitely! Feel free to throw in veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just be mindful of moisture content—pat watery veggies dry to avoid a soggy casserole.
The best way is in a moderate oven at 350°F for around 15-20 minutes, covered to keep moisture in. Microwaving works for convenience but tends to make the casserole a bit rubbery.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe has a special place in my brunch rotation because it’s just so darn dependable and delicious. I love serving it up with friends and hearing those “oh wow” moments as everyone digs in. Trust me, once you try making this, it’ll become your go-to when you want to impress without stressing. Can't wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do!
Print
Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 58 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty brunch casserole combines spicy pork sausage, hash brown potatoes, bell peppers, green onions, and cheese baked in a creamy egg and milk mixture. Perfect for a make-ahead brunch, it offers a flavorful, satisfying dish that serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 11 oz frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook sausage and peppers: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bulk spicy pork sausage. Cook the sausage for 4 minutes, then add the chopped red bell peppers and continue to cook for another 4 minutes until the sausage is browned and peppers have softened.
- Combine with potatoes and cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the sausage and pepper mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add the thawed hash brown potatoes and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly throughout the mixture.
- Mix egg and milk base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is uniform in color. Stir in the chopped green onions.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the egg and milk mixture over the sausage and potato mixture in the baking dish. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the eggs are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving. It can be enjoyed fresh or assembled the night before and baked the next day.
Notes
- Use turkey sausage as a lower-fat substitution.
- For a milder flavor, substitute sweet sausage instead of spicy pork sausage.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate; bake it the following morning for a stress-free brunch.
- If preferred, use reduced-fat cheese and milk for a lighter dish.
- Ensure hash browns are fully thawed to allow even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
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