Introduction:
Crack Breakfast Casserole earns its playful name for a reason – it’s irresistibly delicious and incredibly addictive! This recipe takes the classic comfort of a breakfast casserole to a whole new level, loaded with savory sausage, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and fluffy eggs, all nestled in a bed of buttery bread or potatoes. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weekend brunch, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a breakfast that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Imagine waking up to the aroma of sizzling bacon and savory sausage, mingling with the cheesy goodness of a warm breakfast casserole. The texture is a delightful mix of crispy edges, gooey melted cheese, and tender, flavorful filling. Every bite is a celebration of breakfast favorites – the salty bacon, the savory sausage, the fluffy eggs, and the melted cheese – all harmoniously blended into one incredibly satisfying dish.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch for friends, feeding a hungry family on a weekend morning, or simply want a breakfast casserole that’s truly unforgettable, this Crack Breakfast Casserole recipe is an excellent choice. It’s relatively easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to experience breakfast bliss and understand why it’s called “crack”!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
There are countless reasons why this Crack Breakfast Casserole recipe is destined to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Firstly, the flavor is outrageously delicious and undeniably addictive. The combination of savory sausage and bacon, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs is a breakfast classic for a reason, and this recipe amplifies those flavors to create something truly special.
Secondly, it’s incredibly easy to make, despite its “crack” level deliciousness. This casserole requires minimal prep work and comes together quickly with just a few simple steps. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you need a crowd-pleasing breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.
Finally, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish, making it ideal for entertaining or meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole the night before and simply bake it off in the morning, saving you valuable time and stress on busy mornings. It’s a host’s dream come true! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or breads to make it your own signature “crack” casserole.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this “crack”-level delicious Crack Breakfast Casserole, you will need a selection of breakfast staples, meats, cheeses, and dairy to build its signature savory, cheesy, and irresistible profile. The key components are, of course, the meats, cheese, and eggs.
For the meats, you’ll need breakfast sausage and bacon. Breakfast sausage (1 pound, bulk sausage) provides a savory and flavorful base for the casserole. Use your favorite breakfast sausage – mild, spicy, or maple flavored all work well. You can also use Italian sausage (sweet or hot) for a different flavor profile. Bacon (1 pound) is essential for the “crack” element, adding smoky and salty flavor and crispy texture. Use regular or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference. Thick-cut bacon will be chewier, while regular bacon will crisp up more easily.
For the base of the casserole, you can choose either bread or potatoes, or a combination. Cubed bread (about 6-8 cups, day-old bread recommended, such as French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread) provides a classic casserole base that soaks up the egg mixture and provides structure. Day-old bread is ideal as it is slightly drier and absorbs the liquid better without becoming soggy. Diced potatoes (about 2-3 cups, cooked and cooled, such as Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes) offer a heartier base and different texture. Cooked potatoes can be roasted, boiled, or pan-fried. Using a combination of both bread and potatoes is also an option for a more substantial casserole.
Cheese is absolutely crucial for the “crack” factor. Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, or more for topping) is a classic choice for breakfast casseroles, providing a sharp and savory cheese flavor and excellent melting qualities. Use sharp cheddar for the most pronounced flavor. You can also use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles. Cream cheese (8 ounces, full-fat, softened, cut into cubes or dollops) adds extra creaminess and richness to the casserole filling. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for best texture and flavor. Softened cream cheese is easier to incorporate into the casserole.
Eggs and dairy form the creamy and custard-like base of the casserole. Eggs (10-12 large) are the foundation of the casserole, providing structure and richness. Use large eggs for best results. Whole milk (2 cups) adds moisture and creaminess to the egg mixture. You can also use half-and-half or heavy cream for an even richer casserole.
Aromatics and seasonings enhance the savory flavor profile. Yellow onion (1 medium, diced) adds aromatic sweetness and savory depth. Diced onion provides flavor throughout the casserole. Bell pepper (1, diced, optional, any color) adds sweetness, mild pepper flavor, and color. Diced bell pepper is optional but adds flavor and vegetables. Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) and onion powder (1 teaspoon) enhance the savory flavor profile and add depth. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the casserole.
Butter (for greasing baking dish) prevents casserole from sticking. Cooking spray is an alternative for greasing.
Optional additions for enhancing the flavor and presentation of the dish include fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish), adding a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma. Green onions, sliced (for garnish), adding a mild oniony bite and visual appeal. Hot sauce (for serving on the side), for those who like a touch of heat. Everything bagel seasoning (for topping, optional), adding a savory and crunchy topping with everything bagel flavor.
HOW TO MAKE “Crack Breakfast Casserole”:
Making Crack Breakfast Casserole is a straightforward and primarily baking culinary process. The recipe involves cooking the meats, sautéing vegetables (if using), whisking together an egg and dairy mixture, layering bread or potatoes (or both) in a baking dish with cooked meats, cheeses, and vegetables, pouring the egg mixture over the layers, and baking until golden brown and set. Baking brings all components together and creates the creamy, cheesy texture of the casserole.
The recipe is structured into clear, easy-to-follow steps. It begins with cooking the sausage and bacon. While meats cook, vegetables are sautéed (if using) and bread or potatoes are prepped. An egg and dairy mixture is whisked together. Then, bread or potatoes (or both), cooked meats, cheeses, and vegetables are layered in a baking dish. The egg mixture is poured over the layers. Finally, the casserole is baked until golden brown, bubbly, and set.
By carefully following the step-by-step instructions, even novice cooks can easily achieve delicious and impressive Crack Breakfast Casserole at home. The simplicity of the layering and baking process belies the incredible depth of flavor and satisfying nature of the finished dish. Get ready to impress your family and guests with this “crack”-level addictive breakfast casserole!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Cook Sausage and Bacon. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven ensures it reaches the correct temperature for baking. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Greasing baking dish prevents casserole from sticking and ensures easy removal. A 9×13 inch dish is a standard size for casseroles and provides ample space for this recipe.
Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Large skillet provides ample space for cooking sausage and bacon. Cook sausage until browned and fully cooked; drain any excess grease. Drain cooked sausage on paper towels to remove excess grease. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside. Having cooked sausage ready streamlines casserole assembly.
In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Cook bacon until crispy according to your preference. Remove the crispy bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease. Draining bacon on paper towels removes excess grease and maintains crispness. Once slightly cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Crumbling or chopping bacon prepares it for layering in casserole. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet (optional, for sautéing vegetables – you can also discard all bacon grease and use butter or olive oil to sauté vegetables if preferred).
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables (Optional). If using reserved bacon grease, leave it in the skillet. If not, add 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the same large skillet over medium heat. Using bacon grease (optional) adds extra bacon flavor to vegetables. Butter or olive oil are alternative fats for sautéing vegetables. Add the diced onion and diced bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Adding onion and bell pepper enhances flavor of casserole. Sauté the onion and bell pepper for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Sautéing vegetables softens them and brings out their sweetness, building a flavor base. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Remove the sautéed vegetables from the skillet and set aside. Having sautéed vegetables ready streamlines casserole assembly.
Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Large bowl provides ample space for whisking egg mixture. Whisking ensures all ingredients are well combined. Whisk until eggs are lightly beaten and mixture is homogenous. Set the egg mixture aside. Having egg mixture ready streamlines casserole assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole. If using bread for the base, spread the cubed bread in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layering bread creates the base of the casserole. If using cooked potatoes for the base, spread the diced cooked potatoes in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layering potatoes creates the base alternative. If using a combination of bread and potatoes, layer bread first, then potatoes, or mix them together before layering. Layering bread and/or potatoes creates the casserole base.
Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bread or potatoes in the baking dish. Layering cheese throughout the casserole ensures cheesy flavor in every bite. Scatter the cooked sausage and crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese layer. Layering cooked meats adds savory protein to casserole. If using sautéed onions and bell peppers, sprinkle them evenly over the meats. Layering sautéed vegetables adds flavor and vegetables to casserole.
Dot the cubed or dolloped cream cheese evenly over the top of the meats and vegetables (if using). Dotting cream cheese adds pockets of creamy richness throughout casserole. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Generous cheese topping creates signature cheesy topping and browning.
Step 5: Pour Egg Mixture and Bake. Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring all bread or potatoes are moistened. Pouring egg mixture saturates layers and creates custard-like casserole base. Gently press down on the bread or potatoes with a spatula to ensure they are submerged in the egg mixture. Pressing ensures bread or potatoes absorb egg mixture evenly.
Optional: sprinkle Everything Bagel seasoning over the top of the casserole for added flavor and texture. Everything bagel seasoning adds optional savory and crunchy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top, the eggs are set in the center, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and depth of baking dish. Casserole is done when top is golden brown, eggs are set and no longer liquid in center, and cheese is melted and bubbly. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. Do not overbake, as this can dry out the casserole.
Step 6: Rest and Serve. Remove the Crack Breakfast Casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Resting allows casserole to set up slightly and makes it easier to serve. Cooling slightly prevents burning mouth and allows flavors to meld further. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions (optional) before serving for added visual appeal and fresh flavor. Serve warm for optimal enjoyment. Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish. Optional: serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like extra heat. Enjoy this “crack”-level delicious breakfast casserole!
USEFUL TIPS:
For extra crispy bacon, cook the bacon slightly crispier than you normally would, as it will soften slightly in the casserole. Slightly crispier bacon will maintain some texture even after baking in casserole.
For a richer casserole, use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of whole milk in the egg mixture. Heavy cream or half-and-half add richness and creamier texture to egg mixture and casserole.
To prevent the bread from drying out, ensure it is day-old bread and that it is well saturated with the egg mixture. Day-old bread absorbs liquid better and prevents sogginess. Pressing down bread into egg mixture ensures proper saturation.
For extra flavor in the sausage, use a good quality breakfast sausage or Italian sausage (sweet or hot) and brown it well before adding to the casserole. Good quality sausage and browning enhance sausage flavor and overall casserole flavor.
To add more vegetables, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes to the casserole along with the onions and bell peppers. Additional vegetables increase nutritional value and flavor complexity. Mushrooms, spinach, and diced tomatoes are good vegetable additions. Sauté vegetables before adding to casserole.
For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or use spicy sausage. Red pepper flakes or spicy sausage add heat. Adjust spice level according to your preference.
For a make-ahead option, you can assemble the casserole completely (up to pouring the egg mixture) the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time as it will be cold from the refrigerator. Assembling casserole ahead saves time on the morning of serving, especially for gatherings or meal prep. Bake from cold, increasing baking time slightly.
For reheating leftover casserole, reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, covering with foil to prevent drying, or microwave individual portions. Reheat gently to avoid drying out or burning. Oven reheating helps maintain texture better for larger portions, covered to prevent drying. Microwave reheating is quicker for individual servings.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 30 minutes. The preparation time includes cooking sausage and bacon, sautéing vegetables (if using), cubing bread or prepping potatoes, grating cheese, and whisking together egg mixture. Efficient prep work will streamline assembly and baking process. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes baking (plus meat cooking time). The cooking time is primarily for baking the assembled casserole in the oven. Baking time ensures casserole is cooked through and golden brown. Meat cooking time is separate but part of total active cooking process. Total cook time reflects baking and meat cooking components.
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes. The total time from start to finish, including prep time and cook time, is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. Casserole is a relatively quick and easy meal to make, considering its loaded nature. Total time is reasonable for a hearty and crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole.
Yield: 8-10 servings. This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings, suitable for a brunch gathering, holiday breakfast, or family meal. Serving size can be adjusted based on individual appetites and serving context. Yield is sufficient for a large family or to serve guests.
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Casserole, Egg Casserole, Savory Breakfast. Crack Breakfast Casserole is versatile, categorized as a breakfast dish, brunch dish, casserole, egg casserole, and savory breakfast dish. It is primarily served for breakfast or brunch occasions. Categorization highlights its versatility and culinary role.
Method: Baking, Stovetop Cooking (meats, vegetables). The primary methods are baking the assembled casserole in the oven and stovetop cooking for meats and vegetables. Baking is the main cooking method for casserole assembly. Stovetop cooking prepares meat and vegetables before baking. These methods combine to create the final dish.
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Breakfast. Crack Breakfast Casserole is American in style, a classic comfort food, and a breakfast staple. Its comforting nature and flavor profile classify it as classic comfort food. American cuisine often features casseroles for breakfast and brunch. Cuisine reflects the recipe’s origin and culinary style.
Diet: Not Vegetarian (contains meat), Adaptable (not easily adaptable to vegetarian). The base recipe is not vegetarian due to the breakfast sausage and bacon. Vegetarian adaptation would require significant substitutions for meats and flavor profile would be altered significantly and would no longer resemble “crack” breakfast casserole in its traditional savory meat-centric form. Diet category highlights its standard form (non-vegetarian) and limited potential for easy adaptation.
NOTES:
One note on bread choice – using day-old bread or slightly stale bread is recommended for breakfast casseroles, as it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming soggy. Fresh bread can become too soft or mushy in casseroles. Day-old bread is key to preventing soggy texture in casserole. Tear or cube bread into roughly uniform sizes for even soaking.
Another note is regarding cheese choice – cheddar cheese is a classic choice for breakfast casseroles, but you can experiment with different cheeses or cheese blends to customize the flavor profile. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, Gruyere, Swiss, or provolone cheese are all good alternatives or additions. Cheese variations offer different flavor profiles and melt characteristics. Choose cheese based on your preferred flavor and meltiness.
For serving suggestions, Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and complete meal on its own. However, it pairs well with: fresh fruit salad or fruit platter, yogurt parfait, muffins or scones, coffee cake, orange juice or mimosas, or a simple side salad for a lighter counterpoint. Serving suggestions enhance serving presentation and complement casserole flavors. Consider serving with fresh fruit or lighter sides to balance the richness of casserole.
If you want to make individual breakfast casseroles, you can bake the batter in muffin tins or ramekins instead of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Adjust baking time accordingly, checking for doneness sooner. Individual breakfast casseroles create individual serving sizes, perfect for brunches or meal prep. Baking time will be shorter for smaller casseroles; monitor for doneness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I use different types of bread or potatoes for the base?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of bread or potatoes for the base of Crack Breakfast Casserole to create variations in texture and flavor. For bread, croissants, biscuits, bagels (cubed), or even cornbread can be used instead of French bread or sourdough. For potatoes, hash browns (thawed), sweet potatoes (diced and cooked), or red potatoes (diced and cooked) are good alternatives to Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Base variations offer different textures and flavors. Choose base based on your preferred texture and flavor profile in a breakfast casserole.
Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Making this Crack Breakfast Casserole vegetarian would require significant substitutions for the breakfast sausage and bacon. Vegetarian breakfast sausage crumbles and vegetarian bacon alternatives are available, but the flavor profile will be different from the traditional meat-heavy version. You can also add more vegetables to compensate for the meat, such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or roasted vegetables. Vegetarian adaptation is possible but will significantly alter flavor profile. Vegetarian sausage and bacon substitutes can be used, along with increased vegetable content.
Q: Can I use milk alternatives for dairy-free diets?
A: Yes, you can use dairy-free milk alternatives instead of whole milk in the egg mixture to make the casserole more suitable for dairy-free diets. Unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk are all good dairy-free milk alternatives that can be substituted 1:1 for whole milk in this recipe. Dairy-free milk alternatives can be used for whole milk. Texture and flavor may be slightly different compared to using dairy milk, but casserole can still be creamy and flavorful.
Q: What are good side dishes to serve with Crack Breakfast Casserole for brunch?
A: Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and substantial main dish for brunch, so lighter and fresher side dishes are ideal to balance the meal. Fresh fruit salad or a fruit platter, yogurt parfaits with granola and berries, a simple green salad with vinaigrette, muffins or scones, coffee cake, or cinnamon rolls would all be excellent side dish choices for a brunch spread with this casserole. Side dishes should complement the richness of casserole without being too heavy. Lighter, fresh, or slightly sweet sides provide good balance for brunch.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To ensure your leftover Crack Breakfast Casserole remains safe and enjoyable, proper storage is essential. Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Do not place hot food directly into the refrigerator, as this can raise the refrigerator temperature and potentially affect food safety and texture of the casserole. Cooling to room temperature before refrigerating is recommended for best storage practices.
Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer leftover portions to airtight containers. Covering tightly or using airtight containers prevents air exposure and maintains moisture in the refrigerator.
Store the covered baking dish or airtight containers of leftover Crack Breakfast Casserole in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers promptly within 2 hours of baking to ensure food safety, especially because of the dairy, egg, and meat content. Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Proper refrigeration is crucial for preventing bacterial growth and maintaining food safety for dairy, egg, and meat-based casseroles.
Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality and food safety. While leftovers may remain safe to eat for slightly longer, the texture of the casserole, particularly the bread or potatoes, may change slightly upon reheating, and the overall casserole quality may degrade over time. For optimal taste and to minimize health risks, it is recommended to consume leftovers within this timeframe. Always use your senses—sight, smell, and taste—to assess the quality of leftovers before consuming.
Reheating leftover Crack Breakfast Casserole is best done gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, covering with foil to prevent drying, or microwave individual portions. Reheat gently to avoid drying out or burning. Oven reheating helps maintain texture better for larger portions, covered to prevent drying. Microwave reheating is quicker for individual servings. Add a splash of milk or broth during reheating if casserole seems dry.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed this incredibly satisfying Crack Breakfast Casserole, you will likely enjoy these other loaded breakfast casserole variations and savory breakfast dishes. Consider trying Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Casserole for another classic savory breakfast casserole featuring sausage and cheese as the stars, often with bread and eggs, offering a simpler sausage and cheese focused casserole. Sausage and cheese breakfast casserole is another classic savory breakfast casserole, focusing on sausage and cheese with bread and eggs, simpler and equally comforting. It’s a delicious alternative for sausage and cheese lovers.
Another excellent option is Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole, for a fun and family-friendly breakfast casserole using tater tots as the base, often with sausage, bacon, cheese, and eggs, offering a different texture (tater tot base) and kid-friendly appeal. Tater tot breakfast casserole uses tater tots for base, fun and kid-friendly, different texture and base from bread or potatoes. It’s a great choice for a more casual and fun breakfast.
For a different style of savory breakfast bake, explore French Toast Casserole (Savory), a savory take on French toast casserole, featuring savory custard-soaked bread baked with cheese, ham, or vegetables, offering a savory twist on French toast casserole, utilizing bread in a different, savory custard-soaked format. Savory French toast casserole offers a savory bread-based breakfast bake with custard and savory toppings, different from traditional breakfast casserole format. These related recipes offer diverse flavor combinations and textures within the breakfast casserole and savory breakfast bake categories, providing a range of delicious options to explore beyond Crack Breakfast Casserole.
CONCLUSION
Crack Breakfast Casserole is a truly addictive and crowd-pleasing dish that lives up to its playful name. This recipe offers a straightforward and incredibly rewarding way to create a savory, cheesy, and utterly delicious breakfast casserole that is perfect for any brunch gathering, holiday morning, or special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast that’s guaranteed to impress, a make-ahead meal for busy mornings, or simply a taste of breakfast comfort food at its finest, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
The combination of savory sausage and bacon, gooey melted cheese, fluffy eggs, and a base of bread or potatoes creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is simply irresistible. Homemade Crack Breakfast Casserole is far more flavorful and satisfying than any restaurant or store-bought version, and the relatively simple steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a treat that is as enjoyable to make and share as it is to eat, perfectly capturing the spirit of relaxed, delicious, and abundant home cooking.
So, gather your breakfast meats, cheeses, eggs, and bread or potatoes, and prepare to experience the simple joy of homemade Crack Breakfast Casserole. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to your liking, adding your favorite cheeses, vegetables, spices, herbs, or toppings to create your own personalized version of this breakfast sensation. Embrace the savory flavors, savor the cheesy goodness, and enjoy the “crack”-level addictive deliciousness of every bite. Happy cooking, and may your Crack Breakfast Casserole be a delicious success!
