There’s something wonderfully comforting about waking up to a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Crack Breakfast Casserole is exactly that kind of breakfast: a gooey, cheesy, and savory masterpiece that brings people together around the table. Start your day with this cheesy, flavorful breakfast casserole that’s perfect for gatherings or simply savoring at home! Every forkful combines tender hash browns, bubbly melted cheeses, and hearty sausage—all bound together by a rich custard of eggs, milk, and cream. If you’re hunting for an easy recipe that doubles as comfort food and crowd-pleaser, you’ve landed in the right spot. Whether you’re hosting Sunday brunch, celebrating a holiday morning, or simply treating yourself after a long week, this dish ticks all the boxes under breakfast casserole, sausage, cheese, and comfort food.
Packed with savory breakfast sausage, melted cheeses, and hash browns, this Crack Breakfast Casserole will awaken your taste buds and please any crowd! It’s a beginner-friendly course that takes only 20 minutes of prepping and about 50 minutes of baking, followed by a short 10-minute rest time to let those flavors settle. At around 450 calories per serving, it’s indulgent without being overwhelming, and you can easily customize it with extra veggies, switch up the meat, or leave out the sun-dried tomatoes if you’re in the mood for a classic spin. Grab your whisk, warm up the oven, and let’s dive into a recipe that promises ooey-gooey cheese pulls and plenty of satisfied smiles.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRACK BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
Before tackling this show-stopping casserole, let’s get acquainted with the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating layers of flavor, creaminess, and satisfying texture.
- Breakfast sausage
Brings a savory, spiced note that forms the hearty base of the dish. Browning it intensifies the flavor and adds delightful little pockets of meaty goodness.
- Eggs
Act as the binding agent, turning into a rich custard when baked with milk and cream. They give the casserole its soft, tender structure.
- Milk
Softens the eggs and ensures a smooth, creamy custard that soaks into the hash browns without becoming rubbery.
- Heavy cream
Adds extra richness to the custard, resulting in a lusciously creamy texture that holds everything together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Offers sharp, tangy bursts of flavor. Melted into the top and middle layers, it creates golden pockets of cheesy delight.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Provides a gooey, stretchy quality that complements the sharper cheddar. Its mild flavor balances the overall taste.
- Onion
Introduces a subtle sweetness and depth when finely chopped and sautéed. It also builds a fragrant flavor base.
- Bell pepper
Adds a pop of color and mild sweetness. Chopped and softened, it contributes both flavor and visual appeal.
- Garlic
Delivers warm, aromatic notes that elevate every layer. A quick minute of cooking is all it takes to mellow its bite.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Offer tangy sweetness and chewy texture. They layer in extra complexity and a burst of color if you choose to include them.
- Frozen hash brown potatoes
Serve as a starchy cushion, soaking up the custard and melting cheeses. They crisp slightly at the edges for delightful texture contrast.
- Salt
Balances and enhances every ingredient. A simple seasoning that makes all flavors pop.
- Black pepper
Adds a gentle heat and aromatic warmth, cutting through the richness of the custard.
- Smoked paprika
Brings a subtle smoky layer that ties together the sausage and cheese. It’s the secret behind that cozy, deeply flavored bite.
- Fresh chives (optional for garnish)
Sprinkle on top for a fresh, oniony brightness and a splash of green before serving.
HOW TO MAKE CRACK BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
Ready to assemble this crowd-pleaser? Follow these steps to layer flavors and textures perfectly, ensuring each slice is packed with cheesy, savory goodness.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish thoroughly—this prevents sticking and helps the casserole brown evenly.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even pieces. Once golden, remove the sausage and drain excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan for added flavor.
3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until they’re softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, taking care not to let it burn. Remove the skillet from heat.
4. In a spacious bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for a fragrant, well-seasoned custard.
5. In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Spread all of the frozen hash brown potatoes evenly on top, followed by the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and sun-dried tomatoes if using.
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring the hash browns are fully drenched. Finish with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, creating a golden crown.
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and the casserole is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
8. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chives for a bright, oniony accent if desired.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRACK BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
Once your Crack Breakfast Casserole is out of the oven, it’s time to think about how to present it for maximum delight. This hearty, cheese-dripping dish pairs beautifully with fresh, bright flavors and contrasting textures that round out the meal.
- Serve slices alongside a bowl of mixed fresh fruit, like berries and melon. The natural sweetness and acidity of the fruit cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing balance.
- Pair each plate with a drizzle of hot sauce or tangy salsa. A few dashes elevate the casserole’s savory notes, bringing a gentle, warming kick.
- Offer a side of buttery toast or warm dinner rolls. The soft bread soaks up any leftover custard and cheese, ensuring none of that delicious sauce goes to waste.
- Complement the meal with a pitcher of freshly brewed coffee or iced tea. The rich, roasted flavors of coffee or the cleansing tannins in tea refresh the palate between bites.
HOW TO STORE CRACK BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
After savoring every cheesy bite, you might have leftovers ready to be enjoyed later. Proper storage ensures your casserole stays moist, flavorful, and safe to eat over the next few days.
- Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature (no more than two hours). Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Portion the cooled casserole into single-serving slices and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating (from fridge): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil to maintain moisture, and bake for 15–20 minutes until heated through. For crispier edges, remove foil for the last 5 minutes.
- Reheating (from freezer): Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat following the same oven method above, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if still slightly cold in the center.
CONCLUSION
This Crack Breakfast Casserole has every reason to become your go-to for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or those mornings when you want to treat yourself. From the first bite of smoky sausage and tender hash browns to the last stretch of melted cheese, it’s a comforting dish that brings people together. With minimal prep time and mostly hands-off baking, it’s an easy recipe ideal for beginner cooks and experienced home chefs alike. You can print this article and save it for later, making sure you have it on hand whenever you need a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Don’t forget you can also find an FAQ below to help troubleshoot any questions you might have.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave your comments, questions, or feedback—whether you swapped in bacon, added extra veggies, or omitted the sun-dried tomatoes entirely. Sharing your tweaks and tips helps everyone in our cooking community learn and grow together. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more cheesy mornings ahead!
Crack Breakfast Casserole
Description
Packed with savory breakfast sausage, melted cheeses, and hash browns, this Crack Breakfast Casserole will awaken your taste buds and please any crowd!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked, remove the sausage and drain excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
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Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream. Stir in salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
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In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all of the hash brown potatoes, the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using).
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Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring the hash browns are fully drenched. Top with the remaining cheeses.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes until the casserole is golden brown on top and cooked through. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
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Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.
Note
- The addition of sun-dried tomatoes introduces a burst of flavor but can be skipped if you prefer traditional ingredients.
- Swap sausage for bacon or ham for a different twist.
- Feel free to add more veggies such as spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
- This dish is perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts due to its versatile and crowd-pleasing nature.
