Easy Crack Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Morning Treat!

Introduction

Wake up to the delicious aroma of the Easy Crack Breakfast Casserole! This hearty dish is the perfect way to start your day. Packed with savory ingredients and bursting with flavor, it’s a breakfast favorite that everyone in the family will love. Whether you enjoy it for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend morning, this casserole is a treat you won’t want to miss!

Why make this recipe

This casserole is the ultimate morning treat because it combines simple ingredients into a filling dish that’s easy to prepare. You can make it ahead of time, which makes breakfast a breeze. Just pop it in the oven, and in no time, you will have a warm, cheesy, satisfying meal ready for you and your loved ones. Plus, it’s versatile! You can add your favorite breakfast meats or vegetables and adjust the spices to suit your taste.

How to prepare Easy Crack Breakfast Casserole

Preparing this delicious casserole is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure it turns out perfect every time!

Ingredients:

1 pound bulk beef breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
6 slices sturdy bread, 1-inch cubed
8-10 slices thick-cut bacon, 1/2-inch pieces (optional)
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 medium bell pepper, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
12 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dry mustard powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
2-3 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Fresh chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)

Steps:

Prep Sausage & Bacon: Cook 1 lb beef sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink (8-10 mins). Drain grease, transfer to paper towels. If using, cook 8-10 slices 1/2-inch bacon until crispy, drain, and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté 1 diced yellow onion and 1 diced bell pepper until softened (5-7 mins). Add 2 minced garlic cloves (or 1 tsp powder) and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Prepare Bread: Cut 6 slices sturdy bread into 1-inch cubes. (Optional: lightly toast at 300°F/150°C for 5-10 mins if not stale.) Place bread cubes in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Whisk Custard: In a large bowl, whisk 12 eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp dry mustard powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and optional pinch cayenne pepper until smooth.
Assemble Layers: Evenly spread cooked sausage, bacon (if using), and sautéed vegetables over the bread in the baking dish. Sprinkle 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 0.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese over layers.
Pour Custard & Chill: Pour egg mixture over all layers. Gently press ingredients to submerge. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
Bake (Covered): Remove casserole from fridge 30-60 mins before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Bake (Uncovered & Cheesy): Remove foil. Sprinkle remaining 0.5 cup sharp cheddar and 0.5 cup Monterey Jack cheese over top. Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes, until center is set, cheese is bubbly golden, and a knife inserted comes out clean (160°F/71°C).
Rest & Serve: Remove from oven and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing into squares. Garnish with green onions, parsley, or chives. Serve warm.

How to serve Easy Crack Breakfast Casserole

Serve slices of this casserole warm from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad. For an extra treat, offer hot coffee or fresh juice on the side.

How to store Easy Crack Breakfast Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

Tips to make Easy Crack Breakfast Casserole perfectly

Customize Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or switch up the cheeses for a personal touch.
Overnight Soak: Letting the casserole sit overnight allows the bread to soak up more of the egg mixture, resulting in a creamier texture.
Watch the Bake Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your casserole towards the end of baking to avoid overcooking.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and bacon and replace them with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables.
Different Cheeses: Try using pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a Mediterranean flair.

FAQ

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to bake the next morning.

2. Can I freeze Easy Crack Breakfast Casserole?
Yes! Cool it completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

3. What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with fresh fruit, a light salad, and beverages like coffee or juice for a complete breakfast experience.

Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results of this Easy Crack Breakfast Casserole!

Easy Crack Breakfast Casserole

Print Recipe

This hearty Easy Crack Breakfast Casserole combines savory ingredients into a filling dish that’s perfect for family breakfasts.

Author: tahiriimouhsingmail-com
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: None

Instructions

Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink (8-10 mins). Drain grease and transfer to paper towels. If using, cook the bacon until crispy, drain, and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened (5-7 mins). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and place in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne until smooth.
Spread the cooked sausage, bacon (if using), and sautéed vegetables over the bread. Sprinkle with 1.5 cups cheddar and 0.5 cup Monterey Jack cheese.
Pour egg mixture over the layers and press gently. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge 30-60 mins before baking and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheeses, and bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes until the center is set and cheese is bubbly golden.
Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions or herbs and serve warm.

Notes

Customize with your favorite veggies or switch up the cheeses. Letting the casserole sit overnight results in a creamier texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 250mg

Keywords: breakfast, casserole, easy recipe, family meal, savory dish