You’ll love this Crack Breakfast Casserole for its cheesy, creamy, and savory goodness. Loaded with sausage, bacon, and hashbrowns, it’s the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that keeps everyone happy.
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Why You’ll Love This Crack Breakfast Casserole
This Crack Breakfast Casserole is pure morning comfort in every bite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon and sausage that fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. The frozen hashbrowns make prep simple, and you don’t need any fancy ingredients. Plus, everything bakes together in one dish for easy cleanup.
It’s perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or holiday mornings when you want something hearty and hands-off. You can even assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven when you wake up.
Each bite has a golden cheesy top, creamy egg base, and a smoky, tangy flavor from the ranch mix. You’ll love how it keeps well for leftovers too, making it a reliable breakfast option for busy days. Once you try it, it might just become your weekend favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Protein
The combination of sausage and bacon makes this dish rich and flavorful. Sausage brings a juicy, peppery bite, while crispy bacon adds smoky depth. Together, they give the casserole that savory kick everyone loves in the morning.
Dairy and Creaminess
Cream cheese, sour cream, and whole milk work together to make the casserole smooth and luscious. The eggs hold everything together while adding lightness. The result is a tender, custardy base that contrasts beautifully with the crispy top.
Seasonings
The ranch seasoning mix adds tang and zest without overpowering the other flavors. Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper round it out, creating a perfectly seasoned bite every time.
Base and Cheese
Hashbrowns form the hearty base, giving this casserole texture and structure. Shredded cheddar cheese melts into the eggs and forms a golden crust on top that’s both crispy and gooey.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dish and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the Proteins
In a large skillet, cook bacon and sausage over medium-high heat until browned and crispy. Drain the extra grease to keep the casserole from becoming oily. Let the meat cool slightly before mixing it in.
Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth. Then whisk in the milk, eggs, ranch seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be creamy and slightly frothy.
Assemble the Casserole
Add the cooked meats, thawed hashbrowns, and one cup of shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Stir until combined, then pour everything into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing so it sets properly.
Tips for the Best Crack Breakfast Casserole
Thaw and drain the hashbrowns fully to avoid extra moisture. Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melt and flavor. Also, let the casserole rest before slicing—it keeps the texture creamy but firm.
If you want extra crispiness, broil the top for one to two minutes at the end. For meal prep, you can bake it fully, cool, and refrigerate for up to four days. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as delicious the next morning.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Swaps
If you prefer, use all sausage or all bacon. Turkey bacon or turkey sausage also works great for a lighter version.
Veggie Add-Ins
Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for freshness and color. They mix well with the eggs and keep the casserole vibrant.
Cheese Options
Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby for a twist. Pepper jack adds spice, while Colby brings mild creaminess.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezer Instructions
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes it a lifesaver for early mornings or holiday brunches.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to two months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly. The flavors stay rich and satisfying even after freezing.
Slow Cooker Version
For a hands-off approach, layer everything in your slow cooker and cook on LOW for eight hours. Add the remaining cheese during the last ten minutes so it melts evenly. This version turns out creamy and tender, with the same delicious flavor and a softer texture. It’s ideal for overnight cooking or when you’re serving a crowd.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Easy Sausage Pancake Bites for Busy Mornings
- French Toast Rollups for a Sweet Start
- Pancake Mini Muffins for On-the-Go Breakfast
- Recent Recipes
Conclusion
This Crack Breakfast Casserole is hearty, creamy, and loaded with flavor. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and works perfectly for busy mornings or weekend brunches. With its make-ahead convenience and rich, comforting taste, it’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a true family favorite. For more ideas, follow us on Pinterest.
Crack Breakfast Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 1 pound chopped bacon
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 large eggs
- 1 package dry ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag (30-ounce) frozen hashbrowns, thawed and drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook bacon and sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Mix in milk, eggs, ranch seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked meats, hashbrowns, and 1 cup of cheese. Transfer to the prepared dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake 50–60 minutes. Uncover and bake another 8–10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest before serving.
