This Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty dish filled with layers of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and gooey cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch with friends!
You can whip this up the night before, then just pop it in the oven in the morning. Talk about stress-free cooking—who doesn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: You can use either pork or turkey sausage, depending on your preference. If you want a vegetarian option, you might try crumbled tempeh or plant-based sausage instead!
Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns are super convenient, but if you have fresh potatoes, you can cube and precook them. The texture will differ, but it’s still delicious!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a pepper jack for some heat. Just keep an eye on the melt factor!
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be a fantastic substitute. It gives creaminess and a bit of tang without the extra calories. You can also opt for a dairy-free version if needed.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the bake time right can be tricky! Check your casserole around the 45-minute mark. The edges should look set, and the center needs to be firm but not jiggly. If it’s golden brown but not fully cooked, cover it loosely with foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
- Preheat and choose the right dish size—it helps cook evenly.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps everything firm up a bit.
Crack Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crack Breakfast Casserole will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 45-55 minutes to bake. Include an additional 5 minutes for the casserole to set before serving. In total, you’re looking at about an hour and 15 minutes from start to enjoying your delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease.
3. Assemble the Base:
Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will act as the base for the casserole.
4. Add the Sausage and Cheese:
Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the hash browns, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Next, top it all off with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese for that melty goodness.
5. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and well combined.
6. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the casserole, making sure it covers the sausage and cheese evenly.
7. Add Bacon and Onion:
Sprinkle the chopped cooked bacon and red onion (if you’d like) over the top for added flavor and crunch.
8. Bake the Casserole:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
9. Let it Sit:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to firm up a bit.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your flavorful, hearty breakfast casserole!
This casserole is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s packed with savory sausage, creamy eggs, crispy bacon, and lots of cheesy goodness. Dig in and enjoy!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh potatoes! Just peel and cube them, then partially cook them before layering to ensure they get tender while baking. You can sauté them in a skillet for about 5-7 minutes to start the cooking process.
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and bacon. You can replace them with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a delicious and hearty alternative!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven the next morning. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
