Crack Breakfast Casserole: 8 Reasons to Love This Dish

Crack Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast — a cheesy, creamy, and hearty bake filled with eggs, sausage, crispy hash browns, and melted cheddar. This dish has become a staple in my home, especially during holidays and family gatherings. The appeal lies not just in its rich flavors but also in its simplicity and convenience, making it a favorite for brunches and meal prep. Let’s dive into why this casserole is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Crack Breakfast Casserole

Here are some irresistible reasons to adore this Crack Breakfast Casserole:

• It’s a breakfast casserole with sausage that packs a delicious punch.
• The creamy texture from the cream cheese adds richness to every bite.
• Perfect for a crowd, making it an ideal breakfast casserole for a crowd.
• Versatile and customizable with various vegetables, like spinach and feta.
• Freezer-friendly, allowing for easy meal prep solutions.
• Quick to assemble, it’s an easy breakfast casserole with bacon or sausage.
• This recipe is a savory breakfast casserole recipe that can be made overnight.

This American dish is perfect for any occasion and fits a gluten-free diet.

Ingredients for Crack Breakfast Casserole

Gather these items:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (or preferred meat)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (20 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped green onions, jalapeños, or bell peppers for flavor

How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain grease and set aside.
2. Step 2: Ensure hash browns are thawed and patted dry to prevent sogginess.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir in softened cream cheese until mostly combined. Small lumps will melt while baking.
5. Step 5: Grease a 9×13-inch dish. Layer hash browns, sausage, and cheddar cheese. Pour egg mixture evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden and center is set.
7. Step 7: Rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish with herbs or green onions, and slice to serve.

Pro Tips for the Best Crack Breakfast Casserole

Keep these in mind:

• Perfect for holidays and brunches.
• Freezer-friendly for meal prep.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste.
• Consider adding colorful vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a breakfast casserole with cheese and vegetables.
• Let it rest before slicing for easier serving.

Best Ways to Serve Crack Breakfast Casserole

Here are some serving suggestions:

• Pair with fresh fruit for a light balance.
• Serve with a side of spicy salsa or hot sauce for added flavor.
• This dish can also be enjoyed as a breakfast casserole with biscuits underneath.

How to Store and Reheat Crack Breakfast Casserole

To store, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. This is an excellent make-ahead breakfast casserole solution that saves you time during busy mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crack Breakfast Casserole

What is a crack breakfast casserole?

A Crack Breakfast Casserole is a cheesy, hearty dish baked with eggs, sausage, and hash browns, known for its irresistible flavor and creamy texture.

Can I make crack breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this overnight breakfast casserole with eggs by assembling it the night before and baking it in the morning.

How do I avoid common mistakes with crack breakfast casserole?

To avoid sogginess, ensure your hash browns are well-drained and patted dry before adding them to the casserole. Also, allow it to rest after baking for better slicing.

Variations of Crack Breakfast Casserole You Can Try

Here are a few delicious twists:

• Add spinach and feta for a healthy breakfast casserole option.
• Incorporate different meats like ham or bacon for a varied flavor.
• Try using different cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for new tastes.
• Mix in seasonal vegetables for a fresh, savory breakfast casserole recipe.

Incredible homemade Crack Breakfast Casserole ready in minutes

For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out our breakfast category. You can also explore easy avocado toast for a quick meal option.

For more information on the nutritional benefits of eggs, visit Healthline.

To learn more about meal prepping, check out this sliced bread ciabatta recipe that pairs well with this casserole.

Crack Breakfast Casserole: 8 Reasons to Love This Dish

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Crack Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast — a cheesy, creamy, and hearty bake filled with eggs, sausage, crispy hash browns, and melted cheddar.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (or preferred meat)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (20 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped green onions, jalapeños, or bell peppers for flavor

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain grease and set aside.
2. Ensure hash browns are thawed and patted dry to prevent sogginess.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Stir in softened cream cheese until mostly combined. Small lumps will melt while baking.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch dish. Layer hash browns, sausage, and cheddar cheese. Pour egg mixture evenly on top.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered 40–45 minutes, until golden and center is set.
7. Rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish with herbs or green onions, and slice to serve.

Notes

• Perfect for holidays and brunches.
• Freezer-friendly for meal prep.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 200mg