Name: Spicy Sausage and Veggie Brunch Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 58 min
Total time: 1 h 18 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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

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: 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.

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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 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

spicy sausage casserole - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use a different type of sausage in this casserole?

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.

How far ahead can I assemble this casserole?

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.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

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.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

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!