Crack Breakfast Casserole

Crack Breakfast Casserole

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If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy, and totally addictive breakfast to feed a hungry crowd or prep ahead for busy mornings, this Crack Breakfast Casserole is it. Loaded with crumbled sausage, crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and melty cheddar, it’s a one-dish wonder that earns its name by being totally irresistible.

Perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or even weeknight breakfast-for-dinner, this casserole bakes up golden and bubbly with a savory aroma that brings everyone running to the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make. The best part? It reheats beautifully and keeps your mornings stress-free.


Why You’ll Love This Crack Breakfast Casserole

  • Flavor Bomb: Every bite is packed with smoky bacon, seasoned sausage, gooey cheddar, and a touch of ranch seasoning.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and simply bake in the morning.
  • Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for brunch parties, potlucks, or large families.
  • Flexible Ingredients: Swap meats or cheeses, or add veggies to make it your own.
  • Freezer Ready: Make two, freeze one—you’ll thank yourself later.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into layering all that cheesy, meaty goodness, gather your essential tools:

  • 9×13 Baking Dish: This is the perfect size for even baking and generous servings.
  • Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one for the egg mixture and another for combining your meats and cheese.
  • Whisk: Vital for beating the eggs smoothly with cream and seasoning.
  • Non-stick Skillet: A must for browning sausage and crisping bacon to perfection.
  • Rubber Spatula: Great for folding everything together without breaking up the fluffy texture.
  • Foil or Plastic Wrap: Essential if prepping in advance or storing leftovers.

Each tool plays a role in delivering that perfect bite. Prepping with the right equipment makes layering, baking, and cleaning up a breeze.


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Ingredients for the Crack Breakfast Casserole

  • Eggs: The base that holds everything together and gives that fluffy, custardy texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps the eggs set beautifully without drying out.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey, and sharp—a must for flavor and color.
  • Breakfast Sausage: Adds seasoned, savory meatiness.
  • Crispy Bacon: Brings crunch and a smoky depth.
  • Frozen Hash Browns: Provide structure and that golden bottom layer.
  • Ranch Seasoning: The secret ingredient that ties the flavors together.
  • Green Onions (Optional): Adds freshness and a mild kick.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the egg mixture perfectly.

How To Make the Crack Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Meats

Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Remove and drain. In the same skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Let both cool slightly.

Step 2: Whisk the Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Spread hash browns evenly at the bottom. Layer cooked sausage and bacon over the hash browns, followed by shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Pour & Bake

Pour the egg mixture over everything in the baking dish. Gently tap the dish on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and top is golden brown.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle green onions on top if using.


Serving and Storing Crack Breakfast Casserole

Serve this breakfast casserole warm straight from the oven for maximum comfort-food vibes. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for balance. For extra indulgence, drizzle a bit of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream.

Storing is easy: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. It also freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.


Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead can I make this casserole?

You can prep it up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh the next morning.

Can I freeze Crack Breakfast Casserole?

Absolutely! Bake it, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work great. Just sauté them first to remove moisture.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and coconut cream or almond milk. Texture may change slightly, but it works.

Is this low-carb?

Not with hash browns, but you can use cauliflower hash browns or omit them for a keto-friendly version.


Want More Breakfast Ideas?

If this Crack Breakfast Casserole made your morning better, don’t miss these other comforting breakfast ideas:


Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you mix in veggies or stick with the classic combo? Did you freeze it for later? I love hearing how others make this a family favorite.

Follow me on Pinterest @Americanrecipesbyheart for daily kitchen inspo from Kitchen By Kate!


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Crack Breakfast Casserole

Crack Breakfast Casserole


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  • Author: Kate Walton
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead morning dish, loaded with bacon, sausage, eggs, and cheddar cheese. A perfect hearty breakfast bake for brunch gatherings, holidays, or freezer meal prep. Easy, cheesy, and full of comfort.


Ingredients

10 large eggs

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled

8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed

1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned. Remove and set aside. Cook bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Drain and chop.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. In the greased dish, layer hash browns, sausage, bacon, and cheddar cheese.

5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top. Tap dish gently to settle contents.

6. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until center is set and top is golden.

7. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Notes

Thaw hash browns fully before layering to avoid soggy texture.

Bake ahead, refrigerate, and reheat for stress-free mornings.

Use parchment or foil if freezing to prevent freezer burn.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 240mg

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