Indulgent Crack Breakfast Casserole: Easy Make-Ahead Brunch Fix

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying brunch dish, look no further than the Indulgent Crack Breakfast Casserole. This dish combines savory sausage, crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and hearty hash browns into a wonderful breakfast treat. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or lazy weekend mornings!

Why make this recipe

This breakfast casserole is not just indulgent but also convenient. You can prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. It’s rich in flavor and has a wonderful texture that everyone will love. Plus, it is easy to customize based on your taste preferences. Whether serving a crowd or just the family, this casserole is sure to impress!

How to prepare Indulgent Crack Breakfast Casserole

Making the Indulgent Crack Breakfast Casserole is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps to create this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients:

1 lb Pork Sausage (Adds rich, savory flavor; swap with turkey or vegetarian sausage for lighter or pork-free options.)
1 lb Bacon, chopped (Crispy, smoky contrast; can be omitted or replaced with turkey bacon for a lighter touch.)
4 oz Cream Cheese, softened (Brings creamy richness and helps bind the casserole together.)
1/2 cup Sour Cream (Adds tang and balances the dish’s richness perfectly.)
1 cup Whole Milk (Creates a smooth, tender custard texture alongside the eggs.)
8 Eggs, large (Key binding agent forming the fluffy casserole base.)
1 30-oz bag Frozen Shredded Hash Browns, thawed and drained (Provides a hearty, tender structure; proper draining prevents sogginess.)
2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided (Sharp and melty; half folded in for flavor, half on top for a golden, bubbly crust.)
1 oz Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix (The secret bold ranch tang; use certified gluten-free to keep this a gluten-free breakfast casserole.)
1/2 tsp Onion Powder (Adds depth without overwhelming.)
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (Enhances savory notes naturally.)
1/2 tsp Salt (Balances flavors throughout.)
1/2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground (Adds mild heat and aroma.)
Diced Bell Peppers (Cook and drain well to keep casserole light and fluffy.)
Onions (Cook and drain well to keep casserole light and fluffy.)
Baby Spinach (Cook and drain well to keep casserole light and fluffy.)
Mushrooms (Cook and drain well to keep casserole light and fluffy.)

Steps:

How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, cook the pork sausage and chopped bacon until crispy. Drain the excess fat.
In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and whole milk until combined.
Beat in the eggs until smooth, then stir in the thawed and drained hash browns.
Add cooked sausage and bacon, along with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well.
If using, fold in diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, and mushrooms that have been cooked and drained.
Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden on top.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

How to serve Indulgent Crack Breakfast Casserole

Slice the casserole into squares and serve warm. Pair it with fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete brunch spread. Everyone will love the rich flavors and cheesy goodness!

How to store Indulgent Crack Breakfast Casserole

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply pop the casserole in the oven or microwave until warm.

Tips to make Indulgent Crack Breakfast Casserole perfectly

Make sure to drain your hash browns and any added vegetables well to avoid sogginess.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting, as this will help it set better.

Variations

Try adding different meats like ham or chicken for a twist.
Substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor.
For a vegetarian version, skip the meats and add more vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.

FAQ

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning for a quick and easy brunch option.

2. Can I freeze the Indulgent Crack Breakfast Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

3. What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad. You can also serve it with biscuits or toast for a fuller brunch experience.

Enjoy this easy and delicious breakfast casserole that is sure to be a hit at your next brunch gathering!

Indulgent Crack Breakfast Casserole

Print Recipe

A delicious and satisfying brunch dish combining savory sausage, crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and hearty hash browns, perfect for make-ahead meals.

Author: tahiriimouhsingmail-com
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: None

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, cook the pork sausage and chopped bacon until crispy. Drain the excess fat.
In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and whole milk until combined.
Beat in the eggs until smooth, then stir in the thawed and drained hash browns.
Add cooked sausage and bacon, along with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well.
If using, fold in diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, and mushrooms that have been cooked and drained.
Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden on top.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Make sure to drain your hash browns and any added vegetables well to avoid sogginess. Adjust seasonings to taste. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting for better structure.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 250mg

Keywords: breakfast casserole, brunch, make-ahead, sausage, bacon, cheese, hash browns