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Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a crave-worthy morning dish that delights every single time, look no further than this Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s gooey, cheesy, packed with savory bacon and sausage, and it effortlessly comes together for the most satisfying breakfast or brunch experience you’ll ever have. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Unbeatable flavor combo: The mix of bacon, sausage, and cheddar cheese creates rich, savory layers that keep everyone coming back for more.
One-dish wonder: This casserole is like breakfast magic in a pan—hash browns, eggs, and creamy goodness all baked together.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep it the night before for effortless mornings that impress without stress.
Customizable to your taste: Whether you want it heavier on veggies or extra cheesy, this recipe plays well with your favorite add-ins and tweaks.

A clear glass baking dish filled with a layered casserole sits on a white marbled surface. The top layer is golden yellow melted cheese with crispy browned edges. Scattered on top are small chunks of browned sausage and bits of red pepper. The layer beneath shows a mix of scrambled eggs with bits of green herbs and melted cheese blending together. A woman's hand is holding a spoon scooping up a serving, showing the soft and fluffy texture inside with some browned sausage and melted cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crack Breakfast Casserole, breakfast casserole recipes, easy morning dishes, cheesy breakfast ideas, savory brunch casserole

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of this Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, familiar ingredients that each add their own special touch—from creamy textures to flavor-packed bites and that irresistible golden topping. Every element works harmoniously to create a casserole that’s savory, satisfying, and absolutely crave-worthy.

Flat lay of cooked crispy browned pork sausage pieces, chopped crunchy bacon, smooth softened cream cheese, thick sour cream dollop, a small glass of whole milk, cracked large eggs with bright yolks, shredded sharp cheddar cheese piles, and thawed golden shredded hash browns arranged beautifully on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crack Breakfast Casserole, breakfast casserole recipes, easy morning dishes, cheesy breakfast ideas, savory brunch casserole
  • Pork sausage and bacon: These bring a perfect savory base with crispy, smoky notes that define the dish.
  • Cream cheese and sour cream: Combine for a creamy, luscious texture that keeps the casserole moist and decadent.
  • Shredded hash browns: Provide a hearty, comforting layer that soaks up all the flavors.
  • Cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a melty, gooey finish; feel free to swap for pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist.
  • Ranch seasoning: Infuses a subtle herb and tangy flavor that takes this casserole to the next level without extra effort.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Meats

Start by browning the pork sausage and chopped bacon together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until they’re fully cooked and beautifully caramelized. This step builds a foundation of savory flavor and crispy texture that sets the tone for the whole casserole. Remember to drain excess fat so your dish isn’t overly greasy.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until silky smooth. Then add whole milk, eggs, ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly until you have a luscious, uniform mixture that promises that signature creamy bite.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Gently fold the cooked sausage and bacon into the egg mixture along with the thawed and drained shredded hash browns. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese to add bursts of melty goodness throughout the casserole. This step ensures every bite is packed with a perfect balance of all components.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the mixture evenly into the dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 8–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown—this finish gives it that tantalizing crust everyone loves.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your breakfast casserole rest for a few minutes to set up—it makes slicing much easier and keeps everything neat on the plate. Serve it warm and watch smiles light up the room with each forkful.

How to Serve Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

A close-up of a white baking dish filled with a thick casserole. The top layer shows melted bright orange cheese with browned sausage pieces and crispy bacon bits scattered across. The casserole is fluffy and golden with a slightly crispy surface. A metal spatula lifts a portion, revealing a soft, white, and spongy inside mixed with more sausage and cheese. Small green herb sprinkles are visible on the top. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crack Breakfast Casserole, breakfast casserole recipes, easy morning dishes, cheesy breakfast ideas, savory brunch casserole

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that beautifully contrasts the casserole’s rich flavors. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also elevate the dish and personalize the experience to your taste buds.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with lighter counterparts like fresh fruit salad, crisp mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette, or even some roasted veggies to balance out the richness. A fresh cup of coffee or a mimosa rounds out a perfect brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a polished brunch presentation or create a layered trifle-style look in a clear glass baking dish. Adding a colorful bed of greens beneath the slices on each plate makes it feel extra special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole reheats nicely and retains all those delicious flavors, making it an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack throughout the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Simply cool the baked casserole completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for batch prepping or saving leftovers.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. The cheese may bubble up again, just like fresh!

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Swap the sausage and bacon for plant-based alternatives or hearty veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. You can also add extra cheese or tofu for protein to keep the texture satisfying and the flavor rich.

  2. What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

    Sharp cheddar is classic here because of its strong flavor and excellent meltability, but you can also experiment with pepper jack for a bit of spice or mozzarella for a milder, gooey finish. Mixing cheeses gives a nice complexity too!

  3. Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

    Yes! In fact, assembling everything the night before and refrigerating it makes mornings so much easier. Just bake it fresh the next day, and it will taste just as amazing as if you made it on the spot.

  4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free. Always double-check your seasonings and sausages for any added gluten ingredients to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Final Thoughts

This Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe is truly a show-stopper that you’ll want to make again and again, whether for family breakfasts, brunch parties, or a cozy weekend treat. Rich, creamy, packed with flavor, and ridiculously easy to prepare—it’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary mornings into extraordinary moments. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

Print
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Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 108 reviews
  • Author: Susan
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
  • Total Time: 80-90 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A hearty and creamy breakfast casserole packed with sausage, bacon, hash browns, and cheddar cheese, perfect for a comforting morning meal or brunch. This Crack Breakfast Casserole combines rich dairy and savory meats with a ranch seasoning blend for irresistible flavor.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Meats

  • 1 pound (450g) pork sausage
  • 1 pound (450g) bacon, chopped

Dairy

  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Other

  • 1 (30-ounce/850g) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
  • 1 (1-ounce/28g) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the meats: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the pork sausage and chopped bacon together until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked meats aside.
  2. Mix dairy and seasonings: In a large bowl, 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 freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined to create a creamy base.
  3. Combine all ingredients: Stir the cooked sausage and bacon, thawed and drained hash browns, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg and dairy mixture, ensuring even incorporation throughout.
  4. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Pour the combined mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
  5. Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. After this initial baking, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes post-baking to set. Slice into portions and serve warm for a fulfilling breakfast or brunch meal.

Notes

  • This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, making it convenient for busy mornings.
  • Customize the recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition and flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to enjoy later.

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