Crack Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing morning dish. Loaded with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, savory sausage, and tender hash browns, every bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re feeding family for brunch or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is effortless to throw together and guaranteed to vanish fast.
The best part? You can make it ahead of time and bake it fresh in the morning. It’s rich, indulgent, and loaded with flavor, all wrapped up in a golden, bubbly top layer. If breakfast had a rockstar dish, this would be it.
What Kind of Hash Browns Should I Use?
You can use either shredded or diced hash browns, depending on the texture you prefer. Shredded will give a smoother, more uniform base, while diced adds a chunkier bite. Just make sure they’re thawed before mixing so everything cooks evenly.
Ingredients for the Crack Breakfast Casserole
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: green onions for garnish
How To Make the Crack Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Meats
Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble once cooled.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage and bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch mix, garlic powder, and pepper.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and sour cream until fully blended. Pour the egg mixture over the hash brown mix and stir everything together.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and tap lightly to level the top.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Serving and Storing Your Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with a simple fruit salad or toast for a well-rounded brunch. It also makes a fantastic leftover breakfast option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven in the morning.
Can I substitute the meat?
Yes! Try ham or turkey sausage as leaner options. Even vegetarian sausage works well here.
Do I have to use sour cream?
Sour cream adds creaminess, but you can sub with Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The center should be set (no jiggle) and the top lightly golden. Insert a knife in the middle—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Can I double this recipe?
You sure can. Use a larger baking dish or divide between two dishes. Baking time might need to be adjusted slightly.
Want More Breakfast Casserole Ideas?
If you’re loving this Crack Breakfast Casserole, check out these other satisfying options:
- Nutella French Toast Casserole for a sweet and indulgent twist.
- Tasty English Muffin Breakfast Pizza if you want handheld morning fun.
- Cottage Cheese Egg Bake as a protein-packed, low-carb option.
- 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies for grab-and-go energy.
- The Ultimate Homemade McGriddle to satisfy those McD’s cravings at home.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you switch up the meats? Add extra cheese? Did your family love it as much as mine does?
I love hearing how others put their own twist on classic dishes. Questions are always welcome too—let’s cook smarter, together.
Check out more breakfast inspiration on my Pinterest @NinaDishes.
Crack Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, make-ahead favorite packed with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, savory sausage, and hash browns. Perfect for weekend brunches or weekday meal prep, it’s a comforting dish that always satisfies.
Ingredients
30 oz frozen hash browns, thawed
1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
0.5 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 large eggs
1 cup milk
0.5 cup sour cream
1 packet ranch dressing mix
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.25 tsp garlic powder
Optional: green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat.
2. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine hash browns, cooked meats, cheddar cheese, ranch mix, garlic powder, and black pepper.
4. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and sour cream until smooth.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the hash brown mix and stir until combined.
6. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and level the top.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden.
8. Garnish with green onions if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Make sure hash browns are thawed for even cooking.
You can prepare everything the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
Feel free to swap meats or use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 205 mg
Keywords: breakfast casserole, crack casserole, make-ahead breakfast
