If you’re anything like me, you know that breakfast casseroles are the ultimate comfort food—especially when they come packed with bold flavors and that perfect combo of melty cheese and crispy edges. This Spicy Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is hands down one of my all-time favorites to whip up for a weekend brunch or a cozy family gathering. It’s hearty, zesty, and just the right kind of indulgent without being complicated. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, Spicy Flavor: The spicy sausage brings just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overpowering the dish.
- Super Easy to Prep: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for busy mornings or brunch hosting.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble it the night before, so your morning is stress-free and delicious.
- Feeds a Crowd: This casserole serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in the Spicy Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe has a role to make this dish irresistible. From the spicy pork sausage that adds flavor depth to the creamy cheese that binds everything together, here’s what you’ll want to know before shopping.
- Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes: I like using thawed frozen hash browns because they save time but still crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Bulk Spicy Pork Sausage: This is key to getting that signature kick. If you prefer less heat, you can go mild or mix in some sweet sausage.
- Red Bell Peppers: They add a sweet crunch and a bright pop of color that keeps the dish lively.
- Green Onions: Fresh green onions bring a subtle sharpness and freshness to balance the richness.
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: I love a sharp cheddar for tang, but Monterey Jack melts beautifully and keeps the casserole creamy.
- Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps create that custardy egg mixture.
- Eggs: These bind all the ingredients together and form the silky texture you want in a breakfast casserole.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder): Simple but essential — don’t skip these because they amplify all the other flavors.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Spicy Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it depending on the season or what I have in the fridge — and honestly, the results are always delicious!
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the spicy sausage for sautéed mushrooms and smoked paprika, and you won’t miss the meat.
- Add extra veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach or zucchini to up the nutritional game without sacrificing flavor.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to mix in pepper jack for an extra kick or go with a milder cheese if you prefer.
- Mild instead of spicy: If heat isn’t your thing, mild breakfast sausage works just as well and still tastes great.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage and Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your spicy pork sausage. I like to break it up with a wooden spoon so it cooks evenly and browns nicely—that’s where a lot of flavor lives. After about 4 minutes, toss in the chopped red bell peppers. Cooking them together for another 4 minutes softens the peppers just enough to complement the sausage without turning mushy. Once the sausage is browned and the peppers are fragrant, remove the pan from heat.
Step 2: Combine with Hash Browns and Cheese
In a 9”x13” baking dish, mix your thawed hash brown potatoes with the sausage and pepper mixture. This is where it all starts coming together! Stir in half of the shredded cheese (that’s 1 cup). This helps bind everything and starts building those pockets of melty goodness that’ll make you swoon.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Milk, Then Pour
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the color is uniform and the mixture is slightly frothy. This egg mixture is the magic custard that binds the casserole. Stir in the chopped green onions to add freshness throughout the dish. Gently pour this over the sausage-potato-cheese layer, letting the mixture settle evenly.
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the top. Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The casserole should be bubbly, golden on top, and firm to the touch (not wobbly in the center). If you have a food thermometer, aim for about 160˚F in the middle. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to let everything set — this will help it slice nicely.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Skip Thawing the Hash Browns: Using thawed potatoes prevents extra water from making the casserole soggy.
- Brown Sausage Well: Cooking the sausage until nicely browned deepens the flavor, so don’t rush this step.
- Even Layering: When adding the egg mixture, pour slowly and spread gently so everything cooks evenly and concepts don’t separate.
- Let It Rest Before Cutting: Allow the casserole to cool at least 5 minutes after baking; otherwise, it’ll fall apart when sliced.
How to Serve Spicy Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a bright, herby finish that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of chunky salsa to amp up the flavor and add some creaminess. And of course, a few thinly sliced green onions on top for that fresh crunch never hurts!
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with fresh fruit salad or roasted tomatoes on the side for a little brightness. A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette also complements it nicely if you want a lighter balance. And of course, hot coffee or fresh orange juice makes the meal complete.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve hosted brunches, I’ve served this casserole in the baking dish but also tried plating individual portions with a drizzle of homemade hot sauce for guests who like a little extra kick. For holidays, I add colorful diced bell peppers of multiple colors in the mix for a festive look. You can also serve with mini avocado halves or sliced tomatoes on the side for a beautiful, Instagram-worthy spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and reheating slices throughout the week never disappoints. The flavors actually seem to develop a bit overnight!
Freezing
If I want to prep for busy mornings, I assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake the next day as directed. Freezing doesn’t affect the taste or texture much, and it’s a lifesaver for meal prep.
Reheating
I prefer reheating in the oven at 350˚F for about 15-20 minutes to keep the edges crispy and the inside warm and custardy. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make it a bit soggy. A quick sprinkle of extra cheese on top before reheating is a little trick I use for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! You can shred fresh potatoes, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery casserole. Also, pre-cook or parboil them slightly so they’re tender by the time the casserole finishes baking.
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How spicy is the casserole? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe has a mild to moderate spicy kick from the pork sausage; however, you can easily control the heat by choosing mild sausage or adjusting the amount of spicy sausage used. You can also add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want to bump up the spiciness.
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Can I prepare this casserole for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe serves about 8-10 people, making it perfect for holiday brunches or weekend gatherings. You can double the recipe and bake in two dishes or a larger casserole pan.
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Is it okay to assemble the casserole the night before?
Definitely. Assembling it the night before and baking the next morning is a major time-saver. Just keep it covered and refrigerated overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — comforting, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or treating just a few loved ones, it hits all the right notes and reminds me why simple, homey recipes never go out of style. I’m confident you’ll find it just as easy to make and hard to resist. Get this on your brunch menu ASAP — you’ll thank me later!
Print
Spicy Sausage & Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful brunch casserole featuring spicy sausage, tender hash brown potatoes, bell peppers, and green onions baked with a rich egg and cheese custard, perfect for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Main 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
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage and peppers: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the sausage. Cook for 4 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Add the chopped red bell peppers and cook for an additional 4 minutes until the sausage is fully browned and peppers are tender.
- Combine with potatoes and cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the cooked sausage and pepper mixture into a 9”x13” baking dish. Add the thawed hash brown potatoes and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese to evenly incorporate.
- Mix egg custard: In a bowl, whisk together the whole milk, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color. Stir in the chopped green onions.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the sausage and potato mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 375˚F. Bake the casserole for 50 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the eggs are set through the center. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.
- Optional make-ahead: The casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. Bake it the next day fresh for a convenient brunch option.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, substitute the spicy pork sausage with mild breakfast sausage or turkey sausage.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger cheese flavor or Monterey Jack for a milder option.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for quick meals.
- To make gluten free, verify that the sausage contains no gluten additives and use gluten free certified frozen hash browns.
