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Best Make-Ahead Crack Breakfast Casserole for Busy Mornings

  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This addictive Crack Breakfast Casserole combines bacon, sausage, eggs, cheese, and hash browns into one creamy, flavorful dish you can make ahead and bake fresh in the morning. It’s hearty, customizable, and perfect for busy families or brunch entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Proteins & Meats:
  • 1 lb pork sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage)
  • 1 lb bacon, chopped
  • Dairy & Eggs:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Base & Seasonings:
  • 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
  • 1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Smart Substitutions: Turkey sausage, Greek yogurt, or cauliflower hash browns for lighter versions.

Instructions

  1. Cook the Meats: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chopped bacon and sausage for 8–10 minutes until browned and crisp. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  2. Make the Cream Base: Beat softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth, then mix in milk until combined.
  3. Whisk the Custard: Add eggs, ranch mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine: Fold in cooked meats, thawed hash browns, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Mix gently until evenly combined.
  5. Assemble: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in the mixture and top with remaining cheese.
  6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes. Uncover and bake 8–10 more minutes until golden and set.
  7. Rest & Serve: Let sit 5 minutes before cutting. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Make ahead up to 24 hours before baking. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze portions up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight before reheating.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Casserole
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12 of casserole
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g

Keywords: crack breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, bacon egg cheese bake, brunch recipe, hash brown breakfast casserole

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Find it online: https://bensrecipes.com/best-make-ahead-crack-breakfast-casserole/