Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Comfort food at its finest, that’s what this dish is all about. Crack breakfast casserole has earned its playful name because it’s simply irresistible—one bite, and you’re hooked. Rich, creamy, cheesy, and oh-so satisfying, it’s the dish that turns an ordinary morning into a celebration.

Warm, golden, and bubbling straight out of the oven, this casserole isn’t just breakfast—it’s a full-on experience. Packed with bacon, sausage, potatoes, cream cheese, and cheddar, it layers comfort with indulgence. Whether for a family brunch or a lazy weekend treat, this recipe brings people together instantly.

Best Time to Serve This Dish

There’s no wrong time, honestly. It shines at Christmas morning breakfasts, potlucks, weekend brunch spreads, or even as “breakfast-for-dinner” on a busy weeknight. Its hearty ingredients keep everyone full and happy for hours.

Planning a gathering? This casserole is your hero dish. It bakes in one pan, serves a crowd, and tastes even better the next day. That’s why people keep coming back, plate in hand, hoping for one more scoop.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• 1 pound pork sausage – the rich meatiness that builds flavor.
• 1 pound bacon, chopped – crispy, smoky bites in every forkful.
• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) – creamy and tangy base.
• ½ cup sour cream – adds an extra smooth tang.
• 1 cup whole milk – keeps everything moist and custardy.
• 8 large eggs – the binding magic that holds the casserole together.
• 1 package dry ranch seasoning mix – the punchy seasoning “secret.”
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – subtle but fragrant background flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – savory depth in every bite.
• ½ teaspoon salt – balances flavors without overpowering.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – a touch of mellow heat.
• 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed and drained – the sturdy potato base.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided – gooey inside, golden crust on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Love variety? You can tweak this casserole easily. Swap sausage for spicy chorizo if you crave boldness, or use turkey bacon for a lighter spin. Not a fan of ranch seasoning? A mix of Italian herbs works just as well.

Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and load it with veggies like spinach, mushrooms, peppers, or even zucchini. Cheese lovers might add Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a sharper bite. Flexibility is built into the very soul of this recipe.

How to make Crack Breakfast Casserole?

Step 1: Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and spray it with cooking spray. Meanwhile, cook bacon and sausage in a skillet until browned, draining off excess fat afterward.

Step 2: Mix

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with sour cream until smooth. Add milk, eggs, ranch mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper—whisk until creamy and well blended.

Step 3: Combine

Stir in the cooked meats, hashbrowns, and half of the cheddar cheese. This mixture should feel hearty, thick, and full of texture. Smells amazing already, doesn’t it?

Step 4: Bake

Pour everything into your prepared dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 50–60 minutes until it’s set in the middle.

Step 5: Golden Finish

Remove the foil and bake for another 8–10 minutes, just until the cheese bubbles and browns beautifully on top. Let it rest a few minutes before serving—it makes slicing easier.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers? Oh, they’re a blessing. Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For long-term convenience, freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to two months.

To reheat, the oven is best—bake at 350°F until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine, just cover to lock in moisture. Every bite will still taste like the comfort that started it all.

Tips

Set cream cheese out early. Room-temp makes mixing so much easier—and smoother. Don’t skip this step unless you enjoy lumps.

If your hashbrowns carry water, squeeze them dry. Excess liquid can make your casserole soggy. That golden crust deserves to stay firm and bubbly.

Want a crispier bite? Bake uncovered during the last 15 minutes instead of just 10. That extra time gives you the irresistible, crunchy top layer.

And remember: casseroles are forgiving. Go bold with seasonings, toss in what you love, or keep it classic. The best casserole is the one that makes your crowd begging for seconds.

Serving Pairings for Extra Wow

A casserole this rich pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. Fresh fruit salad cuts through the heaviness, balancing sweet with savory. A little citrus on the side? Magical.

If you want a full brunch spread, pair with cinnamon rolls or buttery biscuits. Coffee and fresh juice round everything out, turning one dish into a whole feast. That’s how you brunch right.

For a cozy dinner, serve it with a green salad or roasted vegetables. No matter the time of day, it adapts beautifully to the moment, making it a true go-to recipe.

Written with warmth and flavor by Elly.

Print Recipe

Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Author: Elly Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Breakfast Recipe Keys: B breakfast C casserole E eggs S sausage

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 60 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 12 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 480

Best Season: all year

Description

This Crack Breakfast Casserole lives up to its name — it's so deliciously addictive you won't be able to stop eating it! Packed with layers of crispy bacon, savory sausage, creamy cheese, and golden hash browns, this hearty casserole is baked to perfection with a rich, tangy egg custard seasoned with ranch and spices. It's the ultimate make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that's perfect for holidays, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family.

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 pound pork sausage
• 1 pound bacon, chopped
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 large eggs
• 1 package dry ranch seasoning mix
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen hash browns, thawed and drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the pork sausage and chopped bacon together until fully cooked and browned. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
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3. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add milk, eggs, ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
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4. Stir in the cooked sausage and bacon, thawed hash browns, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly coated with the custard.
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5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
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6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50–60 minutes.
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7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).
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8. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it set and makes for cleaner cuts.
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Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Serving Size 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of casserole)

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 480kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 31g48%

Saturated Fat 14g70%

Trans Fat 0.5g

Cholesterol 215mg72%

Sodium 980mg41%

Potassium 420mg12%

Total Carbohydrate 18g6%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 3g

Protein 32g64%

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Calcium 220 mg

Iron 3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• Slow Cooker Option: After mixing, pour into a greased 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8 hours. Add the remaining cheese during the last 10 minutes to melt.
• Variations: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or onions. Swap sausage for ham or use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or microwave individual portions.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or cinnamon rolls for a complete holiday brunch.

Keywords: crack breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole, cheesy breakfast bake, easy brunch recipe, make-ahead breakfast, sausage and bacon casserole, hash brown casserole