Crack Breakfast Casserole

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty start to your day, the Crack Breakfast Casserole is just the ticket! This delightful dish combines savory beef sausage, crispy Turkey Bacon, and creamy cheddar cheese with fluffy hash browns. It’s the ultimate breakfast treat that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven and enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your home!

This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my household because it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and comfort. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch or a special occasion like a holiday breakfast, this Crack Breakfast Casserole will surely impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this casserole without any stress.
• Family-friendly flavor: Everyone loves the comforting combination of sausage, bacon, and cheese—it’s sure to be a hit!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prep this dish the night before; just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Satisfying and filling: This casserole packs in protein and hearty ingredients that will keep you energized throughout the day.
• Versatile and flexible: Customize it with your favorite veggies or swap out proteins to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Crack Breakfast Casserole! These staples come together beautifully to create layers of flavor that everyone will love.

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) beef sausage
• 1 pound (450g) Turkey Bacon, chopped
• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (30-ounce/850g) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and adapt it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken sausage or veggie sausage for a lighter option.
• Add some veggies: Incorporate diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Cheese lovers unite: Mix in different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
• Herb it up: Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added flavor and freshness.

How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Meats

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef sausage and chopped Turkey Bacon together until they’re browned and fully cooked. This step is crucial as browning adds flavor to our casserole. Once done, drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a large bowl, blend together softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Adding in milk, eggs, ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper creates that rich base we all love. Mixing well ensures every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 3: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to stir in those cooked meats along with thawed hash browns and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese into our egg mixture. This step binds all those delicious ingredients together so each slice is bursting with flavor!

Step 4: Bake It Up

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour your mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Top everything off with the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese—because more cheese makes everything better! Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 50–60 minutes.

Step 5: Finish Baking

After an hour of baking goodness, remove the foil and let it bake for another 8–10 minutes until that cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Letting it rest for just a few minutes before slicing helps hold everything together perfectly.

Enjoy this warm Crack Breakfast Casserole with your family or friends; it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes!

Pro Tips for Making Crack Breakfast Casserole

Making a delicious Crack Breakfast Casserole is easier than you think, and with these pro tips, you’ll impress your family and friends!

• Use thawed hash browns – Ensuring the hash browns are thawed and drained prevents excess moisture in your casserole, making it perfectly creamy without being soggy.
• Mix cheeses for flavor – Consider mixing different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, into your casserole for an extra layer of flavor that will delight your taste buds.
• Let it rest before serving – Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add additional spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick! This customization can elevate the flavor profile and make it uniquely yours.
• Make ahead for convenience – Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast!

How to Serve Crack Breakfast Casserole

Presenting your Crack Breakfast Casserole can be almost as enjoyable as eating it. Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your serving experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions – Sprinkle fresh green onions on top just before serving for a pop of color and crunch that brightens up the dish.
• Sour cream dollops – A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy texture and balances the savory flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A mix of seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Mixed greens salad – A simple salad with mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette can cleanse the palate while adding nutrition to your meal.
• Avocado toast – The creaminess of avocado on toasted bread complements the hearty casserole perfectly and makes for a satisfying combination.
• Breakfast potatoes – Crispy breakfast potatoes seasoned with herbs can enhance your brunch spread while keeping things hearty and filling.

Enjoy bringing this delicious Crack Breakfast Casserole to life at your next gathering; it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is not only a delightful dish to serve on special occasions but also an excellent option for meal prep. You can easily prepare it in advance, making your mornings stress-free!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume leftovers within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• For best results, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, place individual portions or the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 20-25 minutes).
• If frozen, bake the casserole covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Crack Breakfast Casserole that might help clarify things!

Can I use different types of meat in my Crack Breakfast Casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the beef sausage or Turkey Bacon with your favorite breakfast meats like chicken sausage or turkey sausage to suit your taste.

How do I make my Crack Breakfast Casserole dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with alternatives like plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and non-dairy milk. There are plenty of great options available that will still give you a delicious result!

Can I prepare the Crack Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning when you’re ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is truly special—it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether it’s a cozy family brunch or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress! I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!