Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this crack breakfast casserole! It’s honestly one of the easiest and most delicious dishes you can whip up, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Perfect for lazy weekends, busy mornings, or even those big family gatherings where you want everyone to leave with happy bellies! You just throw everything in one dish, pop it in the oven, and wait for that magical smell to fill your kitchen. I love how versatile it is—you can customize it based on what you have on hand. Honestly, the first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how simple and tasty it turned out! You’ve got to try it; I promise it’ll become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients for Crack Breakfast Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step in making this delicious crack breakfast casserole! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: I love using the classic pork sausage, but feel free to swap in turkey or any other sausage you prefer. Just make sure it’s crumbled before cooking!
- 6 large eggs: These are the magic that holds everything together. They add richness and fluffiness to the casserole.
- 2 cups shredded hash browns: Frozen or fresh, they add that comforting potato goodness. If using frozen, you don’t even need to thaw them—just toss ’em in!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for that melty, gooey goodness, but you can mix it up with your favorite cheese too!
- 1 cup milk: This helps create a creamy texture. Whole milk works best, but you can use any milk you have on hand.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Just the right amount to enhance all those fantastic flavors!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to balance the richness of the sausage and cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic? It adds extra flavor without any chopping!
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: This complements the garlic and gives depth to the dish without any fuss.
Once you have everything measured out, you’re ready to dive into the fun part—making this casserole come to life!
How to Prepare Crack Breakfast Casserole
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to bring everything together! Don’t worry, the steps are super simple, and I promise you’ll be enjoying this delicious casserole in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it helps the casserole cook evenly and get that lovely golden top. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Next, grab a skillet and cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s nice and browned. Make sure to crumble it as it cooks so you get those tasty little bites throughout the casserole. Once it’s cooked, carefully drain the excess fat. This helps keep your casserole from being greasy, which is a total win!
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Milk
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Go ahead and add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder while you’re at it. Mixing everything well is key here; you want the flavors to blend beautifully!
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked sausage, hash browns, and shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly combined. You want every bite to have a little bit of everything in it!
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish—don’t skip the greasing, or it might stick! Bake it in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top is beautifully golden.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it set up a bit more, and trust me, it’s much easier to cut! Serve it warm, and watch everyone dive in. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your crack breakfast casserole turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips for you! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your dish to a whole new level.
- Drain the sausage well: One of the biggest mistakes is leaving too much grease in the casserole. Make sure to drain your cooked sausage thoroughly. This way, you’ll get all the flavor without the extra fat!
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes! If you let it go too long, it can become dry. The center should be set but still a little jiggly when you take it out; it’ll firm up as it cools.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality cheese can make a noticeable difference in flavor. If you can, opt for those over older stock; it really pays off!
- Customize it: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices! Bell peppers, spinach, or even a dash of hot sauce can really jazz it up. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Let it cool slightly before slicing: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting it cool for a few minutes will help it hold its shape when you cut into it. Plus, it’ll be easier to serve!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious crack breakfast casserole that everyone will rave about!
Variations on Crack Breakfast Casserole
One of the best things about this crack breakfast casserole is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try that’ll keep things interesting:
- Veggie Lover’s Delight: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or diced tomatoes for a burst of color and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté any fresh veggies first to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
- Southwestern Twist: Add some diced green chilies, corn, and a sprinkle of cumin for a zesty kick. Top it off with a little salsa and avocado after baking for a fresh finish!
- Cheese Galore: Mix it up with different cheeses! Try pepper jack for a spicy flavor, or go for a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a cheesy masterpiece.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or cilantro can elevate the flavor profile. Just chop them finely and add them to the egg mixture for a fresh taste.
- Breakfast Meat Mix: If you’re in the mood for variety, combine different types of breakfast meats! Swap out the sausage for crumbled bacon, ham, or even diced smoked turkey for a unique twist.
- Hash Brown Swap: Instead of traditional hash browns, try using diced sweet potatoes or even tater tots for a fun and crispy texture that adds a different flavor dimension.
Feel free to get creative and make this casserole your own! Mix and match ingredients based on what you love or have on hand, and watch how each variation brings something new to the table. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about storing those delicious leftovers! If you happen to have any of this yummy crack breakfast casserole left over (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep it tasting fresh.
First, let the casserole cool completely before covering it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy. I like to slice it into portions before storing; it makes it easier to grab a piece when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Transfer the slices to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to eat those scrumptious leftovers, there are a couple of options to reheat them. If you’re using the microwave, just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a paper towel (this helps keep it from drying out), and heat it for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Keep an eye on it so you don’t overdo it!
If you prefer a crispy top (and who doesn’t?), I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole slices on a baking sheet, and cover them loosely with foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help retain that lovely texture!
Whether you choose the microwave or oven, you’ll still get to enjoy that comforting, delicious taste of your crack breakfast casserole. Happy reheating!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note about the nutritional information for this crack breakfast casserole! Keep in mind that the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So while I’ve provided some general estimates, they’re not set in stone. It’s always a good idea to double-check with the actual products you choose to ensure accuracy. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite, no matter the numbers!
FAQ About Crack Breakfast Casserole
Got questions about this scrumptious crack breakfast casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with the answers that’ll help you make this dish perfectly every time.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it the night before, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning when you’re ready for a delicious breakfast!
What can I substitute for the sausage?
If you’re not a sausage fan or need a different option, you can certainly swap it out! Try using diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even cooked ground turkey. Each option brings a unique flavor to the casserole!
Can I use frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use frozen hash browns! Just toss them straight into the mixture without thawing. This makes it super easy and saves you prep time. Just make sure they’re shredded for the best texture!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’ll know your casserole is ready when the center is set and the top is golden brown. A little jiggle is okay, but it shouldn’t be liquidy. You can always insert a toothpick to check—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Adding veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your crack breakfast casserole. Just sauté them beforehand to avoid any excess moisture!
Hopefully, that clears up any questions you had about this delightful dish. Now, get ready to impress your friends and family with your crack breakfast casserole skills!
Why You’ll Love This Crack Breakfast Casserole
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With just a little prep and a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready to go in no time!
- Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch, family gathering, or just a cozy weekend breakfast, this casserole fits right in!
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite ingredients, like different meats or veggies, to make it your own!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast experience.
- Leftover Friendly: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it the next day without losing any of its deliciousness!
Crack Breakfast Casserole: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious crack breakfast casserole that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded hash browns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the cooked sausage, hash browns, and cheese to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the sausage well to avoid excess grease.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: crack breakfast casserole, breakfast recipe, easy casserole, sausage casserole
