The Best Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Whipping up a hearty crack breakfast casserole always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Layers of crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese create an irresistible morning delight.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Home cooks love how quickly it comes together without complicated techniques.

Weekends feel special when you serve something so deliciously satisfying.

breakfast becomes an exciting culinary adventure that everyone around the table will adore.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future weekend brunches.

Why Crack Breakfast Casserole Is Always a Win

• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast: A hearty, satisfying dish that brings everyone together around the table with its rich, comforting flavors and protein-packed ingredients.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Simple mixing technique and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for different occasions like weekend brunches, potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep, providing a delicious and filling breakfast option that feeds multiple people.
• Customizable Comfort: Easy to modify with additional ingredients like extra cheese, different meats, or vegetable variations to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients in Crack Breakfast Casserole

• Sausage: Provides a savory and hearty base for the breakfast casserole.
• Eggs: Serve as the primary binding and protein-rich component of the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and smooth flavor to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Contributes sharp flavor and melty goodness to the overall dish.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and moist consistency in the egg mixture.

• Hash Browns, Green Onions: Provide texture, bulk, and fresh onion flavor to the breakfast casserole.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Add essential seasoning and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Butter, Non-Stick Spray: Ensure the casserole does not stick to the baking dish and provides a light greasing.

Crack Breakfast Casserole the Easy Way

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick magic or a buttery massage to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 2: Blend Sausage and Creamy Goodness

Snag a large mixing bowl and toss in your cooked sausage with softened cream cheese. Go wild with a mixing spoon until everything looks perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 3: Whip Up the Egg Mixture

• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until the mixture looks uniform and exciting.

Step 4: Create the Casserole Magic

• Thawed hash browns
• Green onions

Gently mix the sausage-cream cheese blend into the egg mixture.

Keep things light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Spread it out evenly like you’re creating a breakfast masterpiece. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a center that’s set and proud.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole chill for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes cutting a breeze. Slice up and serve while it’s warm – breakfast victory is yours!

Tips for Great Crack Breakfast Casserole

• Replace traditional pork sausage with turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for healthier protein alternatives that keep the dish's delicious flavor profile.
• Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for meal prep and busy mornings.
• Squeeze excess water from thawed hash browns using a clean kitchen towel to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a crispy, golden-brown top.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the egg mixture for extra vitamins and interesting texture.

Casserole Mix-Ups to Try

• Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, use tofu instead of eggs, and add extra vegetables like spinach and bell peppers for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Breakfast Bake: Swap hash browns with cauliflower rice, use turkey sausage for leaner protein, and increase cheese quantity for added richness while keeping carbohydrate content low.
• Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use gluten-free sausage, and replace hash browns with sweet potato cubes for a nutritious alternative.

What to Eat with Crack Breakfast Casserole

Dark roast Colombian coffee complements the rich, hearty flavors of the breakfast casserole, cutting through the creamy texture with its bold, intense profile.

Tangy orange or grapefruit juice provides a bright, refreshing contrast to the savory sausage and cheese, balancing the casserole’s heaviness with zesty acidity.

Light mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing offer a fresh, green counterpoint to the dense, protein-packed casserole, adding a nutritious and palate-cleansing element.

Lightly toasted sourdough bread with fresh herb butter creates a crunchy accompaniment that enhances the casserole’s rustic breakfast feel while providing an additional layer of flavor.

Keeping Crack Casserole Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual portions or entire casserole in freezer-safe wrap, preventing freezer burn. Keep frozen for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy top.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen hash browns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen hash browns. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before adding to the mixture.

• Is it okay to substitute the sausage with another meat?

Absolutely! You can use bacon, ham, or ground turkey as alternatives to sausage. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing into the casserole.

• Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and bake in the morning. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty crack breakfast casserole brings morning magic to hungry tables with irresistible layers of cheesy goodness. Comfort meets convenience in this crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 6 large eggs
• 1 (32 ounces/907 grams) package frozen hash browns, thawed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) green onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by coating with non-stick spray and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine cooked sausage and softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending the ingredients until smooth and uniform.
3. Create an egg base by whisking eggs, milk, cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until well incorporated.
4. Incorporate thawed hash browns and chopped green onions into the egg mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Gently fold the sausage-cream cheese blend into the egg and potato mixture, maintaining a light touch to preserve texture.
6. Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the top turns golden brown and the center sets firmly.
8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps stabilize the structure and makes slicing easier.
9. Cut into desired portions and serve warm, enjoying the rich, hearty breakfast dish.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping pork sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or vegetarian sausage crumbles for different dietary needs.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time by cooking sausage and chopping onions the night before to streamline morning cooking.
• Make it low-carb by replacing hash browns with cauliflower rice or diced zucchini for a lighter breakfast option.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding optional mix-ins like diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or fresh herbs like chives for extra depth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 439 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 682 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 247 mg