Why Make This Recipe

Crack Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for any breakfast or brunch gathering. It’s packed with flavors from hearty sausage and crispy bacon, combined with creamy cheese and egg. This casserole is easy to make and feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family get-togethers or holiday mornings. Plus, you can prepare it in advance, saving you time and stress in the kitchen.

How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

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

Directions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and chopped bacon together until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add the milk, eggs, ranch seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Stir the cooked meats, thawed hash browns, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture until evenly incorporated.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50–60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

How to Serve Crack Breakfast Casserole

Serve the Crack Breakfast Casserole warm, cut into squares. It goes well with fresh fruit, coffee, or juice. You can also garnish it with green onions or additional cheese for extra flavor.

How to Store Crack Breakfast Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake it in the oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole

Feel free to use turkey sausage or bacon for a lighter option.
Add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach to sneak in some greens.
Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning to suit your taste; less for a milder flavor or more for a bolder kick.

Variation

You can switch out the cheese for a different type, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique twist. Consider using different meats like ham or chorizo if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning.

2. Is it okay to freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

3. Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh hash browns. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the mixture.