Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

The Best Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Mornings come alive with this delightful crack breakfast casserole that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Lazy weekend vibes meet culinary magic in every single bite.

Each layer promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Hearty and comforting, this dish brings people together around the breakfast table.

Waking up to a kitchen filled with irresistible aromas that make everyone rush to eat.

Simple ingredients create something magical, turning an average morning into a celebration.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable forkful of this incredible morning masterpiece.

Why Crack Breakfast Casserole Is Worth Waking Up For

  • Maximize Morning Flavor Explosion: Packed with sausage, bacon, and two types of cheese, this breakfast casserole delivers an incredible taste experience that will wake up your taste buds and make mornings unforgettable.
  • Simplify Breakfast Prep: One-dish wonder eliminates multiple cooking steps, allowing you to mix ingredients quickly and bake everything together, perfect for busy families or weekend gatherings without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Create Hearty Comfort Food: Creamy egg mixture combined with crispy hash browns and savory meats provides a satisfying texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making every bite comforting and delicious.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adding extra ingredients like peppers, mushrooms, or different cheese varieties, giving you creative freedom to personalize your breakfast casserole to match your family's preferences.

Everything Inside Crack Breakfast Casserole

Meats:
  • Sausage, Bacon: A classic breakfast duo that adds rich, savory flavor and protein to the casserole. Choose high-quality, fresh breakfast sausage and thick-cut bacon for the best taste.
Dairy and Egg Components:
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Provides creamy texture and tangy richness to the egg mixture. Look for full-fat versions for maximum flavor.
  • Whole Milk, Eggs: Essential for creating a smooth, custardy base. Fresh, large eggs work best.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a bold, cheesy flavor and creates a golden, melty topping. Shredded cheese melts more evenly.
Potato and Seasoning Base:
  • Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns add hearty potato texture and substance to the casserole. Thawed and well-drained for best results.
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that enhances the overall flavor profile. Provides depth and complexity to the dish.

How to Prep Crack Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle the Meats

In a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, toss in sausage and bacon. Cook them together until they transform into crispy, golden bits. Drain away the extra grease, then set the meat aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Egg Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and grab your hand mixer. Blend softened cream cheese and sour cream until silky smooth. Add these ingredients:
  • Whole milk
  • Eggs
  • Dry ranch seasoning mix
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whip everything together until perfectly combined and luxuriously creamy.

Step 3: Mix the Flavor Explosion

Fold these ingredients into your creamy egg base:
  • Cooked sausage
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Thawed hash browns
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until every ingredient is evenly distributed for maximum flavor in each bite.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking Magic

Crank up the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light spray of cooking oil. Pour the mixed ingredients into the dish, spreading them out evenly. Sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheddar on top for extra cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 8-10 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes to set. Slice into generous squares and serve immediately. Watch as everyone digs in with pure breakfast joy!

Pro Tips for Crack Breakfast Casserole Success

  • Customize Meat Choices: Swap pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the casserole deliciously hearty.
  • Perfect Potato Prep: Use fresh shredded potatoes instead of frozen hash browns for a crispier texture and more authentic homemade feel.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time for convenience.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Replace cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan cream cheese to accommodate lactose-sensitive diets.
  • Spice It Up: Add diced green chilies, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to give the casserole an extra kick of flavor and heat for spice lovers.

How to Keep Crack Breakfast Casserole Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, preserving quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.
  • Reheat Oven Method: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and ensuring even heating.
  • Microwave Option: Heat individual servings in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain the casserole's delicious texture.

Perfect Matches for Crack Breakfast Casserole

  • Brew Morning Coffee Companion: A rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee perfectly complements the savory bacon and sausage flavors, cutting through the casserole's creamy texture with its robust aroma.
  • Zesty Citrus Sidekick: Fresh-squeezed orange juice or a tangy grapefruit juice adds a bright, acidic contrast to the heavy, cheesy breakfast casserole, refreshing the palate between bites.
  • Herb-Infused Green Smoothie: A kale and spinach smoothie with a touch of mint balances the richness of the dish, providing a nutritious and light counterpoint to the hearty casserole.
  • Crisp Morning Salad Accent: A light mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing cuts through the casserole's richness, offering a fresh and crisp accompaniment to the breakfast meal.

Fun Mix-Ins for Crack Breakfast Casserole

  • Veggie Power Casserole: Replace meats with sautéed bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version packed with nutrients and vibrant flavors.
  • Southwest Spicy Breakfast Bake: Add diced jalapeños, black beans, corn, and swap ranch seasoning for taco seasoning to create a zesty southwestern-style breakfast casserole.
  • Mediterranean Morning Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast experience with tangy and herbaceous notes.
  • Protein Boost Edition: Mix in diced grilled chicken or turkey, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add protein powder to increase the protein content for fitness enthusiasts.

Your Crack Breakfast Casserole Questions Answered

  • What makes this breakfast casserole different from other breakfast recipes?

This casserole combines multiple breakfast favorites like sausage, bacon, hash browns, and eggs into one delicious dish. The ranch seasoning adds a unique flavor twist that sets it apart from traditional breakfast casseroles.

  • Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it in the morning.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be easily reheated in the microwave or oven, making it a convenient breakfast option for busy mornings.

  • Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free ranch seasoning mix and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The base recipe is naturally gluten-free friendly.

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Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Packed with hearty flavors, crack breakfast casserole delivers a mouthwatering morning experience that satisfies serious breakfast cravings. Crispy edges, creamy center, and irresistible blend of cheese and bacon make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

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

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120g) sour cream
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Sizzle the protein medley in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame, combining sausage and bacon until thoroughly rendered and crisp. Eliminate excess grease by draining, then set the meat mixture aside.
  2. Craft a silky egg base by whipping softened cream cheese and sour cream into a velvety consistency using an electric mixer. Incorporate whole milk, eggs, ranch seasoning, onion and garlic powders, plus salt and pepper, blending until uniformly smooth.
  3. Integrate the protein components with thawed hash browns and a portion of cheddar cheese into the creamy egg foundation, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  4. Calibrate the oven to 350F (175C). Generously coat a rectangular baking vessel with cooking spray. Transfer the assembled mixture, spreading it evenly across the dish’s surface. Crown the creation with remaining cheddar cheese.
  5. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, then nestle into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately one hour, removing the foil during the final ten minutes to allow the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling crust.
  6. Extract the casserole from the oven and permit a brief resting period. Slice into generous portions, presenting a hearty breakfast feast ready to delight hungry diners.

Notes

  • Swap meats easily by using turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives for a lighter protein option that maintains delicious flavor profiles.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting ranch seasoning or adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra heat in their breakfast dishes.
  • Prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling the night before and refrigerating, then baking fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast experience.
  • Consider using gluten-free hash browns and checking seasoning mix ingredients to make this recipe completely gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 1040mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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