It’s always nice to have a good brunch casserole recipe to prepare when guests are staying at your home. The following Slow Cooker All-in-One Brunch Bake is not only scrumptious, but parts of it can be done ahead, and it can cook while you and your guests are sleeping. The only accompaniments needed are toast, muffins, or biscuits, so this is very easy on the hostess.

The new programmable slow cookers are ideal for this dish, since they can be programmed to start during the night, so that the dish is done when you’re ready. If you are lucky enough to own one of the newer multi-cookers, the sausage and onions can be browned right in the crock, saving a step and eliminating the need to wash a skillet. Even if your slow cooker is one of the old fashioned ones, it can be plugged into a timer (the inexpensive kind that are used for Christmas lights) and set to start when needed. This casserole has all the components that everyone likes for brunch: sausage, ham, hash browns, red and green peppers, and cheese. It makes a large batch, so there will be plenty for everyone. Even if there are leftovers, they reheat beautifully, so there will be enough for several breakfasts. If necessary, leftovers can also be frozen for a month or so.

18 Servings

1 pound hot Italian Sausages
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 to 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced, (optional)
1/2 pound lean ham, diced
2 pounds southern style hash browns

3 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided

12 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. In a large skillet, brown the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces. When it is almost cooked through, add the onions and cook until they are translucent (this can be done a day or two ahead).
2. Transfer the mixture to a 6-8 quart slow cooker.
3. Add the peppers, ham, and hash browns; toss to mix and stir in 2 cups of the cheese.
4. Whiz the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender (or whisk by hand).
5. Pour over the mixture in the slow cooker.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese evenly over the casserole.
7. Cover, set the slow cooker to low, and let cook 4-6 hours or until set.
8. Tilt the lid during the last hour of cooking to evaporate any excess liquid.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 314 Calories from Fat 192
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 61% Protein 20% Carb. 19%

Nutrient Amount per Serving:

Total Fat 21 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Cholesterol 187 mg
Sodium 844 mg
Total Carbohydrate 15 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 16 g

Vitamin A 14% Vitamin C 31% Calcium 0% Iron 8%