This Crack Breakfast Casserole is a tasty dish that combines eggs, cheese, and sausage in one big, fluffy bake. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch with family and friends!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that you can just pop in the oven? I love making this when I have guests because it’s easy, filling, and always a hit. Plus, the cheesy goodness is hard to resist! 🥚🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: 12 large eggs are essential for a hearty base. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with egg whites—just use about 1.5 cups of egg substitute for the same volume.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese provides great flavor. I love mixing it with mozzarella for a creamier texture. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese shreds that melt well.
Sausage and Bacon: Both add a nice savory punch. You could use turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage if you want a lighter option. For bacon, turkey bacon works as a leaner substitute.
Potatoes: The base of this casserole is frozen hash browns. If you don’t have those, use fresh diced potatoes—just parboil them first to soften. Sweet potatoes can also add a unique twist!
Onions: Both red and yellow onions will work, but I find yellow adds a nice sweetness when cooked. You can skip the onions if you’re not a fan, or use shallots for a milder flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Breakfast Casserole Sets Perfectly?
Getting the casserole just right can be tricky. You want it to be cooked through yet still creamy. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Mix the ingredients well but don’t overdo it. This helps to avoid a dense texture.
- Bake at 350°F as suggested, and keep an eye on it. Over-baking can dry it out.
- Using a toothpick to check for doneness? Aim for mostly clean but slightly moist — it will firm up as it cools.
- If you want runny yolks, crack a few whole eggs on top about 10 minutes before it’s finished baking. This creates beautiful, soft yolks that add a lovely touch.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes post-baking to make slicing easier and to prevent it from falling apart. Happy cooking!
How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup diced onions (red or yellow)
- 2 cups frozen hash browns or diced potatoes, thawed
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and another 40-45 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at around 1 hour total before you can dig into this savory dish. Just a little time for a lot of yummy flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important to make sure your casserole cooks evenly. While it heats up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Meats
If you haven’t cooked the sausage and bacon yet, now’s the time! In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until it’s fully cooked. Then, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, drain both on paper towels to soak up any extra grease, and then crumble or chop them into small pieces.
3. Mix the Egg Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is fully combined for a smooth base.
4. Add in the Good Stuff
Now it’s time to stir in the fun ingredients! Add the thawed hash browns (or diced potatoes), cooked sausage, bacon (remember to save some for topping!), diced onions, and shredded cheese. Gently mix everything together so it’s well combined without smashing the potatoes.
5. Pour into the Baking Dish
Pour your yummy egg mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly for even cooking.
6. Top with Bacon and Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon and some extra shredded cheese on top. This will create a deliciously cheesy, crispy layer as it bakes!
7. Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set and slightly golden, but the center can still be a little soft. You can check with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean.
8. Optional Runny Yolk Effect
If you want to add a gourmet twist, about 10 minutes before the casserole is finished, crack a few eggs on top. This creates runny yolks that are just delightful!
9. Rest Before Serving
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps it firm up, making it easier to slice.
10. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh touch and extra color. Slice your delicious casserole and serve it warm. Enjoy this hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying breakfast treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar adds great flavor, you can mix in mozzarella for a creamier texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses like pepper jack for some heat or a smoky gouda for a different twist.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can! Simply prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Hash Browns?
Yes! You can use fresh diced potatoes, but be sure to parboil them first to soften them a bit before mixing into the casserole. This will ensure they cook properly during baking.
