This Crack Breakfast Casserole is a tasty dish packed with eggs, cheesy goodness, and crispy bacon or sausage. It’s perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch!
What’s great about this casserole is how easy it is to make. Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and voila! You’ll impress your friends and family with minimal effort! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This is a key flavor in the casserole. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works really well. Bacon will also add a wonderful crunch if you prefer that!
Eggs: Six large eggs give the casserole its structure. For a vegetarian option, you could use scrambled tofu or a chickpea flour mixture as a substitute.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully. If you want a different flavor, try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of heat. Vegan cheese is a good swap if you’re dairy-free.
Hash Brown Potatoes: Frozen hash browns make this dish easy! You could also chop fresh potatoes or use tater tots for a different texture. Just cook them a bit before adding to ensure they’re tender.
Sour Cream: It adds creaminess. Greek yogurt is a decent alternative; just make sure you choose plain for the best flavor balance.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Sets Perfectly?
Getting the right texture is crucial for a successful casserole. Here are some tips to help:
- Make sure your ingredients are well-combined to promote even cooking.
- Check that your oven is preheated properly. An oven thermometer can make sure it’s at the right temperature.
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Taking these steps will help ensure your breakfast casserole is perfectly tender and holds together well!
How to Make Delicious Crack Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (or bacon, chopped)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Baking Dish:
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast casserole takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake, plus a few minutes to cool. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a morning treat or a midday brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This keeps your casserole from sticking!
2. Cook the Meat:
Grab a large skillet and cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked through. If you’re using bacon, cook it until crispy, then chop it up. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the meat aside.
3. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and milk until they are mixed well. This will give your casserole a fluffy texture.
4. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the thawed hash brown potatoes, the cooked sausage (or bacon), 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and the chopped green onions into the egg mixture. Season it all with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently until everything comes together nicely.
5. Pour and Spread:
Pour the combined mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. It’s important to make sure it’s evenly distributed for even cooking!
6. Add Extra Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes!
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and look for a set middle and a golden-brown top to confirm it’s done.
8. Let It Cool:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the casserole into squares and sprinkle with extra chopped green onions for a lovely garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Crack Breakfast Casserole with its crispy cheese, savory sausage, and fluffy hash browns!
This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a weekend treat. Enjoy every bite! 🍳🧀🥓
Can I Substitute the Breakfast Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even make the casserole vegetarian by using mushrooms, spinach, or crumbled tofu instead.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven in the morning; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months!
What Can I Serve with Crack Breakfast Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or warm biscuits. You can also serve it with salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick!
