Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and super satisfying dish that’s perfect for starting your day with a smile. It’s packed with eggs, gooey cheese, crispy bacon or sausage, and fluffy bread or hash browns, all baked together until golden and bubbly. This casserole is the kind of breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
I love making this casserole for weekend mornings when there’s time to relax and everyone can gather around the table. It’s a total crowd-pleaser because it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, and it always disappears quickly! One of my favorite tricks is to add a little extra cheese on top for that perfect golden crust – it makes it even more irresistible.
Serving Crack Breakfast Casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad balances the richness and adds a pop of color to the meal. It reminds me of cozy brunches with friends and family, where everyone gets a chance to share stories and enjoy a comforting meal together. If you haven’t tried this casserole yet, I think you’ll love how it brings a bit of happy energy to your mornings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This adds a delicious, savory flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, try turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage crumbles. You can also swap it for cooked diced ham or bacon.
Eggs: Eggs hold this casserole together and give it a fluffy texture. For a creamier casserole, you can add an extra egg or a splash of milk or cream.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and melts beautifully. Feel free to try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend if you want a milder or creamier taste.
Cottage Cheese & Sour Cream: These bring creaminess and a slight tang. If you don’t have cottage cheese, Greek yogurt works well. Sour cream can be swapped with plain yogurt or mayo in a pinch.
Hash Browns: They soak up the eggs and flavors, adding texture. You can substitute frozen with fresh shredded potatoes, but make sure to squeeze out extra moisture to avoid sogginess.
Bacon: Crispy bacon bits on top add great flavor and crunch. If you want to skip pork, try turkey bacon or omit topping altogether for a lighter dish.
How Do You Get the Casserole to Set Perfectly Without Being Runny?
Getting the right texture means balancing the wet and dry ingredients and baking with care. Here’s how I do it:
- Whisk eggs well with cottage cheese and sour cream to incorporate moisture evenly.
- Make sure to thaw and drain hash browns thoroughly to avoid extra water.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; the mixture should spread evenly for even cooking.
- Bake at 350°F for about 45-55 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to finish setting before slicing.
Following these tips will help you avoid a soggy bottom or undercooked center while keeping the casserole creamy and delicious.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I like this size because it fits the casserole perfectly and cooks evenly.
- Large mixing bowl – for whisking eggs and combining ingredients easily.
- Skillet or frying pan – to cook the sausage until browned and crumbly.
- Whisk – helps mix eggs, cottage cheese, and sour cream smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts.
- Spatula or spoon – to stir in ingredients and spread the mixture in the dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sausage for cooked diced ham, turkey bacon, or veggie sausage for different flavors.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies and color.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for a different cheesy profile.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro for a fresh touch before baking.
How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed and drained
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45-55 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Overall, it’s about an hour from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausage and Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break the sausage apart as it cooks, then drain any excess grease and set aside.
2. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the thawed and drained hash browns, cooked sausage, chopped green onions (if using), and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Gently stir everything together until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then add the crumbled bacon evenly on top of the cheese.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake uncovered for about 45-55 minutes or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is lightly golden. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before cutting into squares. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and serve warm.
Can I Use Frozen Hash Browns Without Thawing?
It’s best to thaw and drain frozen hash browns before using to prevent excess moisture that can make the casserole soggy. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in the microwave, then pat dry with paper towels.
Can I Make Crack Breakfast Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake it the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
What Are Good Substitutions for Breakfast Sausage?
You can swap breakfast sausage with cooked diced ham, bacon, turkey sausage, or a plant-based sausage alternative if you want a different flavor or a lighter option.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through.