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
Scale
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.
