Crack Breakfast Casserole

Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that fills your home with warmth and the delightful aroma of breakfast. Picture this: a cozy family brunch or a festive holiday gathering where everyone digs into a hearty meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. This recipe is loaded with eggs, crispy bacon, and cheesy hash browns, creating the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating your family on a lazy Sunday, this casserole checks all the boxes for deliciousness and ease.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe deserves a place on your table for several reasons. First off, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings when you need to feed a crowd. It’s also budget-friendly—many of the ingredients are pantry staples or easily found at your local grocery store. Plus, who could resist the combination of crispy bacon and melted cheese? Add to that the fact that it can be made ahead of time, and you have a stress-free breakfast option that everyone will love.

“I made this for a family brunch, and it was a hit! Everyone went back for seconds!” – A happy home cook

Preparing Crack Breakfast Casserole

Before diving into the cooking, let’s outline the process. This casserole requires just a few simple steps, ensuring a delightful meal without a lot of fuss. You’ll start by whisking together the egg mixture and greasing your baking dish. Next, layer the frozen hash browns, bacon, and cheese before pouring on the egg mixture. It all comes together beautifully in the oven, resulting in a golden-brown, set casserole that’s ready to be served.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 pound crispy bacon, chopped
• 3 cups frozen hash browns
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Feel free to customize the ingredients according to your taste. No bacon? Try sausage! Prefer a vegetarian option? Substitute the bacon with sautéed vegetables.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
3. Spread the hash browns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the chopped bacon and shredded cheese over the hash browns.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish, allowing it to soak through.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top.
7. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Serving

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast or some crispy toast for added crunch. Want to elevate your dish? Add a dollop of sour cream or serve it with salsa on the side for extra flavor. For drinks, a classic mimosa or fresh orange juice complements this savory dish perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though unlikely with such a tasty dish), storing them properly is key. Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’s best stored in the fridge and consumed within 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply bake it at 350°F until heated through.

Helpful Hints

For best results, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly. Additionally, if you want to save time in the morning, prepare the casserole the night before and let it chill in the fridge overnight before baking. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Flavor Variations

Get creative with your Crack Breakfast Casserole by trying out different flavors. Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra veggie boost. Want a bit of heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You can also switch up the cheese—pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a smoked gouda would add a unique twist. The fall season calls for pumpkin spice… why not incorporate pumpkin puree for a delightful autumn variation?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparation time is usually around 15-20 minutes. It’s straightforward, so perfect for a quick meal!

Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh hash browns can be used, but they may need slight adjustments to cooking times since they usually require more time to cook.

Is it safe to refrigerate and reheat leftovers?

Absolutely! As long as it’s properly stored, leftovers are safe to refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat until thoroughly warmed.

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a tradition waiting to happen. Perfect for family gatherings, weekday breakfasts, or brunches with friends, this casserole simplifies meal prep while delivering outstanding flavor. Dive into this recipe and watch it become a family favorite in no time!

Crack Breakfast Casserole

---

• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting and hearty breakfast casserole loaded with eggs, crispy bacon, and cheesy hash browns, perfect for family gatherings or lazy Sundays.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 pound crispy bacon, chopped
• 3 cups frozen hash browns
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
3. Spread the hash browns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the chopped bacon and shredded cheese over the hash browns.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish, allowing it to soak through.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top.
7. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded. Prepare the casserole the night before to save time in the morning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 300mg

Keywords: breakfast, casserole, eggs, bacon, cheese, brunch