My sister brought this to a family brunch last year and I swear everyone went back for thirds. She called it her Crack Breakfast Casserole because nobody could stop eating it, and honestly, the name fits. This easy breakfast casserole has everything you want in the morning: fluffy eggs, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a buttery base that tastes like comfort in a pan.
I made it for a work meeting the next week and my coworkers were asking for the recipe before I even sat down. It's one of those breakfast casserole ideas that looks fancy but takes almost no effort, which is exactly what you need when you're feeding a crowd or just want something hearty without the morning chaos.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crack Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make ahead breakfast that solves every morning struggle. If you need breakfast recipes for large groups or something you can freeze ahead, this is your answer. The combination of savory sausage, ranch seasoning, and melted cheese makes this taste way better than any basic breakfast casserole.
You can prep it the night before, pop it in the oven, and have a hot, satisfying breakfast bake ready when everyone wakes up. Kids love the cheesy, bacon-loaded bites, and adults love that it pairs perfectly with coffee and actually keeps you full. Plus, it's one of those breakfast potluck ideas that always gets cleaned out first.
What You'll Need
Just a handful of everyday ingredients turn into the best ever breakfast casserole. I keep most of this stocked in my fridge and pantry, so I can throw together this Crack Breakfast Casserole whenever we have guests or I need breakfast for a crowd.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey both work)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1 package (30 ounces) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 green onions, sliced (for topping)
Optional Extras
Add diced bell peppers, jalapeños for heat, or swap the sausage for ham if you want a different flavor. My mom always adds a handful of spinach because she can't help herself with the veggies.
Simple and clear directions are in the recipe card.
How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole
Cook the Meat First
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it's fully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set aside. In the same pan, cook your bacon until crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Having both meats ready makes your Crack Breakfast Casserole assembly super quick.
Prep the Hash Brown Base
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom of the dish, pressing them down gently to form a solid layer. This creates a crispy, golden crust that holds everything together. My daughter loves this part because it's like a giant hash brown pancake.
Layer the Breakfast Scramble
Sprinkle the cooked sausage and crumbled bacon evenly over the hash browns. Then add half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese on top of the meat. This cheese breakfast casserole setup ensures every bite is loaded with flavor.
Can I make this Crack Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the oven. You can also freeze this breakfast casserole unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until everything is smooth and well combined. Pour this egg bake mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure it seeps into all the layers. Top with the remaining cheese so it gets gloriously melted and bubbly.
Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown with crispy edges. Let your Crack Breakfast Casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with fresh green onions right before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to making this amazing breakfast casserole extra special is using the ranch seasoning mix.
It adds so much flavor without any extra work, and people always ask what the magic ingredient is in my Crack Breakfast Casserole.
Also, make sure your hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels.
If they're too wet, the bottom won't crisp up properly and you'll end up with a soggy base instead of that perfect crunch.
My sister learned this the hard way at her first attempt, and now she always squeezes out the excess moisture before layering.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Swap the breakfast sausage for cooked ham or turkey sausage if you want a lighter option. You can also make this a keto breakfast for a crowd by using cauliflower hash browns instead of potato. Want a Cracker Barrel breakfast casserole vibe? Add some diced onions and bell peppers to the sausage while it cooks.
For a King Ranch breakfast casserole twist, layer in some diced green chiles and use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. This Crack Breakfast Casserole works as a vegetarian breakfast bake too if you skip the meat and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Crack Breakfast Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 minute, or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes. This is one of those breakfast recipes that can be frozen, so if you want to meal prep, slice it into portions, wrap each one in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight and reheat when you need a quick breakfast. My family loves having these premade breakfast casserole portions ready to grab on busy mornings.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →What to Serve With Crack Breakfast Casserole
This is hearty enough to be the star of the meal, but I like serving it with fresh fruit, toast, or a simple green salad if it's for brunch. For breakfast drinks for a crowd, set out coffee, orange juice, and maybe some mimosas if it's a special occasion. It also pairs perfectly with biscuits or croissants on the side. My husband always wants hot sauce on his, so I keep a bottle on the table for anyone who wants extra kick.
FAQs About Crack Breakfast Casserole
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! You can use fresh diced potatoes or even tater tots instead of hash browns. Just make sure they're cooked or pre-baked a bit so they're tender by the time the eggs are done.
How do I prevent the casserole from getting watery?
Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture. Also, don't use low-fat milk because it can make the eggs watery. Whole milk or half-and-half works best for Crack Breakfast Casserole
Can I make individual servings?
Definitely! Use a muffin tin and divide the ingredients evenly. Bake at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes. These are perfect for breakfast on the go or pot luck breakfast ideas.
What's the best way to reheat without drying it out?
Cover with foil when reheating in the oven to keep the moisture in. In the microwave, add a splash of milk before heating to keep it creamy.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're a fan of easy overnight breakfast casserole recipes like this Crack Breakfast Casserole, you'll want to try my Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake, which is just as crowd-pleasing and freezer-friendly. Or check out my Ham and Cheese Breakfast Scramble Casserole for a lighter twist. For more breakfast recipes for family gatherings, my Cheesy Hash Brown Bake is always a hit. You'll find all of these savory breakfast ideas in my BREAKFAST category.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
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