Crack Breakfast Casserole

There’s something truly irresistible about a dish that brings together all your favorite breakfast flavors in one glorious bake. This Crack Breakfast Casserole is exactly that—a crowd-pleasing medley of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and crispy hash browns, all crowned with gooey cheddar cheese and smoky bacon. From the very first bite, you’ll be greeted by layers of texture and taste: tender potatoes giving way to juicy bits of sausage, and a rich custard-like egg base tying everything together. It’s like the ultimate breakfast hug, warming you from the inside out and turning any morning into a celebration.

I still remember the first time I whipped this up for a lazy Sunday brunch with friends. We laughed around the table, passing plates piled high, and before we knew it, the casserole was almost gone—proof that this recipe has serious staying power! Despite its decadent feel, it’s actually a beginner-level recipe that takes about 20 minutes of hands-on prep, an hour of baking, and a quick 10-minute rest. At roughly 400 calories per serving, it’s hearty enough to fuel weekend warriors but simple enough to make on busy weekdays. Whether you’re hosting a holiday morning feast or just craving a comfort-food boost, this dish delivers every time.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRACK BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s highlight the stars of our casserole. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building those crave-worthy layers of flavor and texture.

• Breakfast sausage

This savory protein brings bold, well-seasoned flavor and a touch of spice. Browning it first releases delicious drippings that infuse the entire casserole with meaty depth.

• Eggs

Acting as the binding agent, eggs create a fluffy, custard-like base that holds all the ingredients together and gives the casserole its rich creaminess.

• Milk

Adding milk to the eggs ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It lightens the custard and prevents the eggs from turning rubbery.

• Salt

A simple but essential seasoning, salt heightens all the other flavors and prevents the dish from tasting flat.

• Black pepper

Just a hint of freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the egg mixture.

• Frozen shredded hash browns

These provide the crispy-soft potato layer that’s essential for texture contrast. Thawing them first ensures they bake evenly without excess water.

• Shredded cheddar cheese

Cheddar melts into gooey perfection, lending a sharp, tangy note that pairs beautifully with the sausage and potatoes.

• Cooked crumbled bacon

Sprinkled on top, crispy bacon adds smoky crunch and an extra layer of indulgence.

• Chopped green onions

These vibrant rings bring a fresh, oniony pop of color and mild bite, balancing out the richness.

HOW TO MAKE CRACK BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Let’s roll up our sleeves and assemble this mouthwatering casserole. With straightforward steps and basic techniques, you’ll have this show-stopping breakfast ready in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning the rack in the center for even baking.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s nicely browned and crumbled. Drain the rendered fat and transfer the sausage to a plate.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the thawed shredded hash browns in an even layer across the bottom.

5. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the hash brown layer, ensuring every bite gets that savory goodness.

6. Pour the egg-milk mixture gently over the sausage and potatoes, letting it seep into every nook and cranny.

7. Top the casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, covering every inch.

8. Scatter the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the cheese for an extra pop of flavor and color.

9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the center is firm.

10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, allowing the cheese to become golden and bubbly.

11. Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRACK BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

When it’s time to share this heartwarming bake, presentation and accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. Whether you’re feeding a sleepy Sunday crew or hosting a festive brunch, these ideas will have guests raving—and you feeling like the breakfast hero you are.

• Serve slices on a rustic wooden board garnished with extra green onions and a sprinkle of paprika to make each portion pop with color.
• Pair a square of casserole with a side of vibrant fresh fruit salad—think juicy berries, melon balls, and mint leaves—for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
• Offer a hot sauce bar featuring your favorite salsas, spicy oils, and pickled jalapeños so everyone can customize their heat level.
• Complement the meal with herb-infused sour cream (just stir chopped chives and parsley into sour cream) for dipping, adding a cool, tangy finish to each bite.

HOW TO STORE CRACK BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Leftovers of this casserole are just as delightful as the first round—if you store them properly, you can enjoy that cozy, cheesy goodness all week long. Follow these tips to maintain flavor, texture, and freshness, whether you’re stashing in the fridge or freezing for later.

• Refrigerator Storage

Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer individual slices or the entire dish into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently to preserve moisture.

• Freezer Storage

For longer preservation, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use freezer-safe bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Make-Ahead Prep

Assemble the casserole in your baking dish up to a day in advance. Cover securely with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it into the preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

• Reheating Tips

To restore that just-out-of-the-oven texture, reheat individual pieces in a 300°F oven for about 15–20 minutes, or warm in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, checking halfway to avoid overcooking.

CONCLUSION

What started as a simple craving for a cozy, flavor-packed breakfast has turned into a go-to favorite that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or any day you want an extra dash of delicious comfort. From the savory sausage to the creamy eggs, crispy potatoes, and melty cheese, every component works in harmony to delight your taste buds. I hope this guide has inspired you to dive into your kitchen with confidence—you’ve got step-by-step instructions, insider tips, and creative serving and storage ideas right at your fingertips. Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder so it’s always ready when you need a hearty crowd-pleaser.

Below you’ll find a handy FAQ to troubleshoot any questions or variations you might dream up, so you can tweak the casserole to your heart’s content. And if you give this recipe a whirl, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment, share your favorite add-ins, or ask away if you hit any snags during the baking process. Your feedback and stories are what make cooking an adventure, and I can’t wait to chat about all the mouthwatering moments stored in this beloved Crack Breakfast Casserole. Happy baking!

Print Recipe

Crack Breakfast Casserole

Author: Annie Delgado

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Calories: 400

Description

This breakfast casserole combines savory sausage, creamy eggs, and crispy hash browns, topped with cheese and bacon for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound of breakfast sausage

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups of milk

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of black pepper

• 6 cups of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

• ¹⁄₂ cup of cooked crumbled bacon

• ¹⁄₄ cup of chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned. Drain the fat and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
4. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the thawed shredded hash browns evenly.
5. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the hash browns.
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and hash browns.
7. Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to get golden and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Note

• You can substitute the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• For an extra kick, add chopped jalapenos or your favorite hot sauce.
• Leftovers can be reheated and enjoyed the next day.
• This dish can be prepped the night before and baked in the morning for an easier breakfast option.
• Customize with your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for added flavor.

Keywords: breakfast casserole, easy breakfast, hash browns, sausage, cheddar cheese, brunch