Irresistible Crack Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Hearty Start to Your Day
Breakfast is hailed as the most important meal of the day, and there’s no better way to kick it off than with a warm, cheesy, and savory casserole. The Crack Breakfast Casserole has earned its spot as a family favorite for gatherings, holiday mornings, or cozy weekends. With layers of breakfast sausage, crispy bacon, eggs, cheese, and a golden potato base, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting brunch or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is your go-to solution. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage
1 cup (150g) cooked and crumbled bacon
6 large eggs
2 cups (240g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 bag (32 oz/900g) frozen hash browns, thawed
2 tbsp butter (for greasing)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage and Bacon
Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Crumble it with a spatula as it cooks, drain the grease, and set aside.
Fry the bacon in a separate skillet until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the greased dish as the base layer.
Layer the cooked sausage over the hash browns, followed by the crumbled bacon.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for full coverage.
5. Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Check if the eggs are set by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center—it should come out clean.
6. Let it Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Tips and Variations
Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage and bacon with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the dish the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
Extra Flavor: Garnish with green onions or fresh parsley after baking.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat.
The Crack Breakfast Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience. Its layers of hearty meats, creamy eggs, and gooey cheese over crispy hash browns create the perfect comfort food. Whether fresh from the oven or reheated as leftovers, this dish will brighten your day.
Try it this weekend and make it a household favorite. Whether you’re sharing it with family or wowing friends at a potluck, this casserole’s irresistible charm will have everyone hooked.
Enjoy your delicious breakfast creation!
