Rustic Hearty Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Cozy Mornings

This mouthwatering crack breakfast casserole bursts with flavors that will make your weekend mornings deliciously satisfying.

Every bite combines crispy bacon, golden potatoes, and melted cheese in perfect harmony.

The hearty layers blend together, creating a comforting breakfast sensation that wakes up your taste buds.

Packed with protein and rich ingredients, this casserole serves as a crowd-pleasing morning meal.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making breakfast preparation a breeze.

You’ll love how easily this dish comes together with minimal effort.

Serve this irresistible casserole and watch everyone at the table smile with pure breakfast joy.

Serving Ideas for Breakfast Time Hits

• Morning Energy Boost: Start your day with this hearty casserole alongside fresh orange juice or a strong coffee to kickstart your metabolism and energy levels.
• Brunch Party Pleaser: Serve as a centerpiece for weekend gatherings, pairing with a light mixed green salad and fresh fruit compote for a complete and impressive meal.
• Comfort Food Companion: Top with crispy bacon bits, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the classic breakfast dish and add extra layers of deliciousness.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a quick, delectable breakfast that saves time and reduces morning stress.

How to Store Breakfast Casserole Like a Pro

• Refrigerate the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Slice the casserole into individual portions, wrap each section in freezer-safe wrap, and store in sealed containers for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or place the entire casserole in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness and restore original texture.
• Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and store unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature, then follow original baking instructions.

FAQs

• Why is the bread used in this recipe?

French bread provides a soft, absorbent base that soaks up the egg mixture, creating a custardy texture and adding richness to the casserole.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Simply cover with foil and bake the next morning, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• Is this breakfast casserole good for feeding a crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe serves 6-8 people and is perfect for brunch gatherings, family breakfasts, or potluck events where you need to feed multiple people quickly.

• What makes the egg mixture special in this recipe?

The combination of eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder creates a flavorful custard that binds all ingredients together and adds depth to the overall taste of the casserole.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 585 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for Crack Breakfast Casserole

• Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and hearty protein punch; choose fresh ground pork sausage for best taste and texture.
• Bacon: Brings crispy, smoky element that elevates the entire breakfast casserole; look for thick-cut bacon for maximum crunch.
• Eggs: Binding agent that creates creamy texture and provides essential protein; select fresh, large eggs for optimal results.

• Milk: Creates silky custard base that helps bread absorb flavors; whole milk offers the richest consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor and melty goodness; sharp varieties provide more intense taste experience.

• French Bread: Provides soft, pillowy foundation that soaks up egg mixture beautifully; day-old bread works best for maximum absorption.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other ingredients.
• Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces aromatic background note that complements meaty ingredients.

• Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion crunch and bright color.
• Hot Sauce: Provides optional spicy kick for heat lovers.
• Fresh Parsley: Introduces fresh herbal notes and visual appeal.

Tools That Help You Nail Breakfast Casserole

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning sausage evenly and controlling heat.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Whisk: Great for blending eggs and milk smoothly without lumps.
• Spatula: Helps press bread into egg mixture and ensures even coating.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping bread and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Used for cubing bread and chopping optional garnishes.
• Mixing bowl: Crucial for combining egg mixture ingredients thoroughly.

Cook That Casserole with Confidence

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350F and give a 9×13 inch baking dish a quick butter massage or spray of nonstick.

• Sizzle the Sausage

Toss sausage into a skillet and dance it around until it’s perfectly browned and crumbly. Drain any extra grease and let it chill for a moment.

• Create the Base Layer

Scatter bread cubes across the baking dish like delicious confetti.

• Build Flavor Towers

Blanket the bread with your sausage, then rain down crispy bacon bits. Crown it all with a generous snowfall of shredded cheddar.

• Whip the Liquid Gold

In a bowl, transform eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into a silky smooth potion by whisking with love.

• Saturate the Layers

Pour your egg mixture evenly over the bread and meat landscape. Use a spatula to help the bread soak up all that deliciousness.

• Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle extra cheese on top and slide into the oven. Bake until the top turns golden and bubbly, about 35-40 minutes.

• Serve with Swagger

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then slice and dress it up with green onions, hot sauce, or fresh parsley for that chef’s kiss finish.

Tips to Improve Your Morning Casserole

• Assemble the casserole the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature, then bake as directed for a stress-free morning meal.
• Replace pork sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian-friendly version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Substitute French bread with gluten-free bread cubes or use hash browns as a crispy base to make this dish completely gluten-free and equally delicious.
• Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms between the bread and meat layers for a more colorful and nutritious breakfast casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or add a dash of red pepper flakes to give the casserole a zesty kick that'll wake up your taste buds.

Hearty Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hearty Crack Breakfast Casserole delivers a mouthwatering morning feast with layers of cheesy goodness and crispy bacon. Breakfast enthusiasts will savor this irresistible dish that promises comfort and satisfaction in every single bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) pork sausage
• 1 lb (450g) bacon, chopped
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream
• 1 (30 oz/850g) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
• 1 (1 oz/28g) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Meat Preparation: Sauté sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces until fully cooked and golden. Drain excess fat, then cook bacon until crisp, crumbling it into bite-sized fragments.
3. Base Layer: Create a solid foundation by evenly spreading French bread cubes across the entire bottom of the baking dish, forming a sturdy platform for the casserole’s layers.
4. Flavor Layering: Distribute cooked sausage uniformly over the bread base, then sprinkle crumbled bacon across the surface. Generously cover with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Liquid Mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder together until smooth and fully incorporated, creating a rich, flavorful binding for the casserole.
6. Assembly: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, using a spatula to guarantee even distribution and complete absorption into the bread cubes. Top with remaining cheese for an extra layer of richness.
7. Baking: Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the surface turns a beautiful golden brown and the center sets completely.
8. Resting and Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps stabilize the structure and intensify the flavors. Garnish with optional toppings like green onions, hot sauce, or fresh parsley for added visual appeal and taste complexity.

Notes

Optimize Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality breakfast sausage with robust flavor to enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.

Prevent Soggy Bottom: Toast bread cubes lightly before layering to maintain structural integrity and prevent moisture-induced mushiness.

Control Moisture Balance: Pat bacon and sausage dry after cooking to reduce excess grease and prevent a greasy, heavy texture in the final dish.

Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular bread with gluten-free alternatives, use turkey sausage for lighter protein, or incorporate vegetarian sausage crumbles for alternative dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1045mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 266mg