Crack Breakfast Casserole

If you’re looking for a breakfast dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a crowd-pleasing reputation, then you need to try this Crack Breakfast Casserole. Packed with hearty ingredients like eggs, crispy bacon, savory sausage, and melty cheese, this dish is bound to become a staple at your breakfast table. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or simply for when you want to treat yourself and your family to something special.

What is Crack Breakfast Casserole?

The name “Crack Breakfast Casserole” is inspired by the irresistible nature of this dish—it’s so good, it’s “addictive”! This casserole brings together all the best flavors of breakfast in one convenient dish that’s easy to make and even easier to eat. It’s called “crack” because of its unique blend of flavors and textures that are guaranteed to keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: You can throw this casserole together in no time, making it an excellent choice for busy mornings or holiday breakfasts.
• Feeds a Crowd: Whether you’re serving family, friends, or guests, this dish is perfect for a group. It’s hearty, filling, and guaranteed to be a hit.
• Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to fit your tastes by adding your favorite veggies, swapping out proteins, or choosing different types of cheese.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be prepared the night before, making your morning a breeze.

Ingredients for Crack Breakfast Casserole

To make this breakfast casserole, you’ll need:

• 1 pound of breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 loaf of French bread or bread of choice, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup of milk (whole milk is preferred for creaminess)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Optional toppings: Chopped green onions, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of parsley

How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole

this recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease if needed and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the bread: Place the cubed French bread in the prepared baking dish.
4. Layer the ingredients: Evenly spread the cooked sausage over the bread cubes. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top, followed by 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Mix the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
6. Pour the egg mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and meat layers in the baking dish. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
7. Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Add your favorite toppings like chopped green onions, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor.

Tips for the Best Crack Breakfast Casserole

• Use stale bread: Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
• Make it your own: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese options: While cheddar cheese is traditional, you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and then bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Crack Breakfast Casserole with a side of fresh fruit, a light salad, or some crispy hash browns. To drink, consider serving a refreshing mimosa, a classic cup of coffee, or a cold glass of orange juice.

Final Thoughts

Crack Breakfast Casserole is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into something extraordinary. Perfectly satisfying, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the breakfast table, this recipe will become one of your go-to morning dishes. Make it once, and you’ll see why it’s called “crack”—it’s hard to stop at just one serving!

Serving and Storage Tips for Crack Breakfast Casserole

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Warm: Crack Breakfast Casserole is best served warm, straight out of the oven. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the casserole should be set but still moist.
2. Garnish: For added flavor and a pop of color, top each serving with freshly chopped green onions, a sprinkle of parsley, or a drizzle of hot sauce. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado for a touch of creaminess.
3. Pairing: This dish pairs well with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or a fruit salad, as well as crispy hash browns or a light side salad. For a drink, serve it with coffee, a mimosa, or fresh orange juice.
4. Presentation: Slice the casserole into squares for a neat serving. You can use a spatula or a pie server to lift each portion without disturbing the layers.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Crack Breakfast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it has completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
2. Freezing: If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 1-2 months in the freezer.
3. Reheating: To reheat, allow the casserole to thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out.
4. Serving After Storage: When reheating, you can add a little extra cheese on top and pop it in the oven for a few minutes to make it extra melty and delicious.

Pro Tip: Crack Breakfast Casserole can also be enjoyed as a breakfast-for-dinner option, making it a versatile dish that works well any time of day!/

1. Can I make Crack Breakfast Casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before. Simply assemble the dish as directed, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking as instructed. This is a great way to save time and make breakfast easier to prepare.

2. Can I use a different type of bread? Absolutely! While French bread is a popular choice due to its texture and ability to soak up the egg mixture, you can also use sourdough, brioche, or even whole wheat bread for a different twist. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale to absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.

3. How do I make this dish vegetarian? To make a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and bacon and use plant-based substitutes like vegetarian sausage or simply load up on extra veggies such as spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You could also add a layer of crumbled tofu or tempeh for added protein.

4. Can I freeze Crack Breakfast Casserole? Yes, you can freeze Crack Breakfast Casserole for future meals. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Crack Breakfast Casserole

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This indulgent breakfast casserole combines savory sausage, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and hash browns, all enhanced with the irresistible flavor of ranch seasoning. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd during weekend brunches or holiday mornings.

• Author: Stephanie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (450g) pork sausage
• 1 pound (450g) bacon, chopped
• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 8 large eggs
• 1 (1-ounce/28g) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (30-ounce/850g) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

 

1. Cook the Meats:
   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and chopped bacon together until fully cooked and no longer pink.
   • Drain the excess fat and set the meat aside.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
   • Add the whole milk, eggs, dry ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Stir the cooked sausage and bacon, thawed hash browns, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture until evenly distributed.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish with cooking spray.
   • Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and beginning to brown.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Slice into squares and enjoy!

Notes

 

• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed the next morning.
• Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.