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.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Liquid Mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder together until smooth and fully incorporated, creating a rich, flavorful binding for the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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