Crack Breakfast Casserole That’s Perfect for Weekend Mornings Recipe

ByVictor Layne
Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is a savory, hearty dish perfect for weekend mornings when you want something satisfying and easy to prepare. Loaded with sausage, bacon, eggs, cheese, and veggies, it’s a crowd-pleaser that warms up beautifully for leftover breakfasts.

A close-up of a thick square piece of breakfast casserole shows three main layers: the bottom layer is crumbly, browned cooked sausage meat, the middle layer is a fluffy, pale yellow egg mixture with cooked sausage pieces visible inside, and the top layer is a melted bright orange cheddar cheese crowned with small pieces of crispy brown bacon and tiny bits of green herbs scattered evenly. The casserole sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Pork Sausage (substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter version)
  • 6 strips Bacon (omit for a lighter dish or replace with vegetarian sausage)
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened for easier mixing)
  • 1 cup Sour Cream (can be substituted with Greek yogurt)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (use non-dairy milk for lactose-free)
  • 8 large Eggs
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (swap with pepper jack for a spicy kick)
  • 30 ounces Frozen Shredded Hash Browns (thawed and drained)
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (opt for gluten-free blends)
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers (choose your favorite varieties)
  • 1 cup Spinach (fresh or thawed frozen, well-drained)
  • 1 cup Mushrooms (sautéed beforehand)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the pork sausage and chopped bacon until browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Step 3: Blend softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth, then stir in milk, eggs, ranch seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooked meats to the egg mixture, followed by thawed hash browns and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Fold until combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 50-60 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Step 7: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Substitute turkey sausage or omit bacon for a lighter version.
  • Use non-dairy milk alternatives to make this dish lactose-free.
  • Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Swap shredded cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you prefer a little heat.
  • Make sure to sauté mushrooms beforehand to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a thick square slice of casserole, showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a cooked ground beef with a crumbly, brown texture, the middle layer is a creamy, light yellow egg mixture with a smooth texture, and the top layer is melted cheddar cheese with a bright orange color, sprinkled with crispy, dark brown bacon bits and small green herb pieces. The focus is on the front corner, showing the distinct layers and the crispy cheese and bacon topping, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it covered. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix and confirm all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this casserole suitable for gluten sensitivities.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Crack Breakfast Casserole That’s Perfect for Weekend Mornings Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 107 reviews
  • Author: Victor
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for weekend mornings. Combining savory pork sausage, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and flavorful vegetables baked into a delicious casserole, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare ahead and enjoy warm.

Ingredients

Scale

Meats

  • 1 pound Pork Sausage (Substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter version.)
  • 6 strips Bacon (Omit for a lighter dish or replace with a vegetarian sausage.)

Dairy

  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (Ensure it’s softened for easier mixing.)
  • 1 cup Sour Cream (Can be substituted with Greek yogurt.)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (Use non-dairy milk for lactose-free).
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Swap with pepper jack for a spicy kick.)
  • 8 large Eggs

Vegetables

  • 30 ounces Frozen Shredded Hash Browns (Ensure they are thawed and drained.)
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers (Choose your favorite varieties.)
  • 1 cup Spinach (Use fresh or thawed frozen spinach, well-drained.)
  • 1 cup Mushrooms (Sauté them beforehand.)

Seasonings

  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (Opt for gluten-free blends.)
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Adjust to taste.)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Adjust to taste.)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste.)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adjust to taste.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pork sausage and chopped bacon until browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat from the pan to reduce greasiness.
  3. Mix Dairy Ingredients: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Then stir in whole milk, eggs, ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful custard base.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked sausage and bacon to the egg mixture. Then fold in the thawed and drained hash browns along with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all elements evenly.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the remaining one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
  6. Bake Covered: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake covered for 50-60 minutes, allowing the custard to set and flavors to meld.
  7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown for a delicious crust.
  8. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm for a comforting and filling breakfast option.

Notes

  • For a lighter dish, substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage or omit bacon altogether.
  • Use non-dairy milk alternatives like almond or oat milk to make it lactose-free.
  • Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for added protein and tanginess.
  • Ensure hash browns are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
  • Sauté mushrooms before adding to prevent them from releasing excess water during baking.
  • Adjust seasoning quantities according to personal taste preferences.
  • Use gluten-free ranch seasoning to make the dish gluten-free friendly.
  • For a spicy twist, replace cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: breakfast casserole, crack breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, baked breakfast, hash brown casserole, weekend breakfast, savory breakfast bake

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Avatar photo

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆