Hearty Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

The Best Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Mornings call for something special, and this hearty crack breakfast casserole brings pure comfort to your table.

Packed with irresistible flavors, this dish combines crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese in one delightful meal.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of savory ingredients that dance across your taste buds.

Breakfast never looked so tempting with this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together effortlessly.

The creamy texture and rich layers will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Preparing this casserole is like creating a morning masterpiece that feeds hungry souls and starts the day right.

Weekend brunch or weekday breakfast, this casserole delivers pure deliciousness that will become your new morning favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 509 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything In Crack Breakfast Casserole

For Proteins:
  • Sausage: Brings hearty, savory flavor and protein punch to the breakfast casserole, choose fresh ground pork sausage for best taste.
  • Bacon: Adds crispy texture and smoky depth, select thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor impact.
For Dairy and Creamy Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates rich, smooth base, ensure it's softened at room temperature for easy blending.
  • Sour Cream: Enhances tanginess and moisture, opt for full-fat version for best consistency.
  • Whole Milk: Provides creamy liquid base, use fresh milk for optimal texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, melty goodness, select sharp or extra-sharp variety for bold taste.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds protein, use fresh large eggs at room temperature.
For Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix: Introduces zesty herb profile, choose high-quality dry mix for balanced flavor.
  • Onion Powder: Offers subtle aromatic base, use fresh, non-clumpy powder.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides gentle garlic undertone, select pure garlic powder without additives.
  • Salt: Amplifies overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for better flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground works best.
For Base Ingredient:
  • Hash Browns: Creates starchy foundation, use thawed frozen hash browns for convenience and consistent texture.

What You’ll Use For Crack Breakfast Casserole

  • Large skillet: Perfect for cooking sausage and bacon together.
  • Hand mixer: Essential for blending cream cheese and sour cream smoothly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine egg mixture ingredients.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal size for the casserole.
  • Aluminum foil: Used to cover the casserole while baking.
  • Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.

Step-By-Step For Crack Breakfast Casserole

  • Meat Magic

Sizzle up some sausage and bacon in a skillet until they’re golden and crispy. Let those tasty morsels drain off extra grease and hang out to the side.

  • Creamy Egg Blend

Whip together cream cheese and sour cream until silky smooth. Toss in eggs, milk, and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning, along with some onion and garlic powders. Swirl everything into a luxurious mixture that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Ingredient Symphony

Fold the cooked meats, hash browns, and a generous handful of cheddar cheese into the creamy egg base. Make sure everything gets a warm, cozy hug from the mixture.

  • Casserole Construction

Warm up the oven to a toasty 350F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray. Pour in the mixture and crown it with another shower of cheese, creating a golden blanket on top.

  • Oven Transformation

Cover the dish with foil and let it bake until it’s bubbling with excitement. Remove the foil for the final few minutes to let the cheese get those irresistible crispy edges.

  • Breakfast Celebration

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest briefly. Slice into generous portions and watch everyone’s eyes light up with morning joy.

Ways To Enhance Crack Breakfast Casserole

  • Pro Meal Prep Magic: Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to the total cooking time for perfect results.
  • Protein Power Switch: Replace breakfast sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option, or use vegetarian sausage crumbles for a plant-based alternative that maintains the dish's hearty flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure your ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free, and substitute regular hash browns with gluten-free potato options to make this breakfast casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Swap hash browns with cauliflower rice or diced zucchini to dramatically reduce carbohydrate content. Add extra eggs and cheese to maintain the dish's creamy texture and satisfying richness.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Kick up the flavor by adding diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for those who enjoy a spicier breakfast experience.

How To Serve Crack Breakfast Casserole Anytime

  • Breakfast Brunch Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with fresh orange juice or a light mimosa for a complete morning feast.
  • Morning Green Boost: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
  • Condiment Celebration: Top individual servings with fresh chopped chives, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream to add extra flavor and texture.
  • Weekend Gathering Delight: Perfect for potlucks, family reunions, or weekend gatherings where everyone can enjoy a satisfying shared meal.

Storage Advice For Crack Breakfast Casserole

  • Quick Cool Downs: Let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set and make cutting easier, preventing messy crumbles on your plate.
  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Seal leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen breakfast casserole maintains quality for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Tasty Reheating Technique: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top to restore moisture and enhance flavor when reheating.
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Hearty Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Hearty Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Hearty crack breakfast casserole brings together cheesy, savory layers that promise morning comfort. Rich ingredients meld into a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave during weekend gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 lb (450g) pork sausage
  • 1 lb (450g) bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 (30 oz/850g) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120g) sour cream
  • 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

  1. Protein Preparation: Render sausage and bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy and golden. Drain excess grease thoroughly and set meat aside.
  2. Egg Base Composition: Whip cream cheese and sour cream into a smooth texture using an electric mixer. Blend in whole milk, eggs, ranch seasoning, onion and garlic powders, salt, and pepper until perfectly integrated and silky.
  3. Casserole Assembly: Fold protein mixture, thawed hash browns, and partial cheddar cheese into the creamy egg mixture, ensuring comprehensive and even distribution of ingredients.
  4. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Liberally spray a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the combined mixture evenly, then sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the top.
  5. Baking Process: Cover casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 50-60 minutes. Uncover during the final 10 minutes to allow cheese to develop a golden, bubbling crust that’s crisp and appetizing.
  6. Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice into substantial portions, revealing layers of savory breakfast delights ready to satisfy hungry guests.

Notes

  • Manage Meat Grease: Thoroughly drain sausage and bacon to prevent a soggy, greasy casserole and maintain a crisp texture.
  • Cream Cheese Smoothness: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for a lump-free, silky egg base that blends seamlessly.
  • Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle cheese in layers for even melting and a consistent flavor profile throughout the entire dish.
  • Customize Protein Options: Swap meats easily by using turkey sausage, vegetarian alternatives, or plant-based bacon to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 509
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 1095mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 209mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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