Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish filled with eggs, cheese, sausage, and bread all baked together into a golden, fluffy delight. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy mornings. The mix of gooey cheese and savory sausage is what really makes this casserole so irresistible.
I love making this casserole when I have family or friends over because it’s super easy to put together but always gets lots of compliments. One of my favorite things is that you can prepare it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and just bake it in the morning—making your morning routine that much smoother. Plus, it’s great for customizing with different veggies or swapping in bacon if you like.
Whenever I serve this, I make sure there’s plenty of fresh fruit and maybe some hot coffee on the side because those little extras really round out the meal. It’s one of those dishes that reminds me of cozy weekends and lazy mornings spent chatting around the kitchen table. If you’re looking for a no-fuss breakfast that everyone will love, this casserole is a winner every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This adds a lot of flavor and a little spice. If you want to make it lighter, ground turkey sausage works well too. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based sausage crumbles.
Eggs: The eggs are the binder here, making the casserole fluffy and light. Using large eggs is best, but if needed, medium eggs will work; just add an extra if you have small ones.
Sour Cream: It keeps the eggs moist and adds a mild tang. Greek yogurt is a great substitute that cuts fat and adds protein without changing the texture too much.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella bring creaminess and melt beautifully. Feel free to swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder taste. Mozzarella adds gooey texture but can be left out if you want less dairy.
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns are the easiest choice and soak up flavor nicely. You can swap shredded potatoes with diced cooked potatoes or even cubed bread for a different texture.
Green Onions: They add freshness and a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have green onions, chives or finely chopped mild yellow onions work well.
Bacon (Optional): Crumbled bacon on top adds crunch and smoky flavor. Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used instead for a lighter or meat-free option.
How Do I Get the Casserole to Bake Evenly and Not Turn Watery?
One of the common issues with casseroles is they can turn out watery or unevenly cooked. Here are some tips to avoid that:
- Thaw and Drain Hash Browns: Make sure frozen potatoes are thawed fully and squeezed if needed to remove excess moisture. This prevents sogginess.
- Drain Sausage Properly: After cooking sausage, drain off grease to avoid extra liquid in the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients Well: Stir all ingredients evenly so the eggs coat everything and set uniformly while baking.
- Don’t Cover While Baking: Bake uncovered to let moisture escape and the top to brown nicely.
- Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick or knife to check the center after 45 minutes; it should come out clean and the casserole feel firm.
Following these steps helps your casserole come out with a perfect set texture—not watery or overly dense. Let it cool a bit before slicing to firm up and make serving easier.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I like this size because it’s perfect for the casserole to cook evenly and serve a family or group.
- Large skillet – a key tool for browning the sausage and cooking the bacon; I prefer one with a non-stick surface for easy cleanup.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking eggs and mixing all the ingredients together; a couple of medium bowls work best.
- Whisk or fork – to beat the eggs and combine ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precision in adding seasonings and ingredients.
- Grater – to shred cheese if not using pre-shredded cheese, which also works fine.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – for mixing ingredients and spreading them evenly in the dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Different proteins: Swap sausage with cooked bacon, ham, or breakfast sausage crumbles to vary the flavor. For a veggie version, try cooked spinach or mushrooms.
- Cheese swaps: Use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Pepper Jack for a spicy twist. Feta or queso fresco can give a Mediterranean flavor.
- Extra veggies: Add cooked bell peppers, sautéed onions, or chopped cooked broccoli for added crunch and nutrition.
- Spice it up: Mix in hot sauce, crushed red pepper, or chopped jalapeños to give it some kick.
Crack Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (bulk or links removed from casing)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions or chives, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and around 45-50 minutes to bake. If you want, you can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning, making your breakfast super easy and stress-free!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready and Cook the Sausage:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any extra grease and set the sausage aside.
2. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and combined.
3. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked sausage, half of the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, most of the chopped green onions (save some for topping), and the thawed hash browns into the egg mixture. Stir everything well so all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
4. Bake the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out smoothly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place it in the oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the inside is set and the top turns a lovely golden brown.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take the casserole out and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the cooked crumbled bacon and reserved green onions on top for a tasty finish. Cut into squares and enjoy your warm, cheesy breakfast casserole!
Can I Make Crack Breakfast Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Can I Substitute the Breakfast Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use cooked bacon, ham, or even a plant-based sausage alternative if you prefer a different protein or a vegetarian version.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
What Can I Use Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
If you don’t have frozen hash browns, you can use fresh grated potatoes that have been squeezed dry or diced cooked potatoes as a substitute.