Dinner

Crack Breakfast Casserole That’s Perfect for Weekend Mornings Recipe

ByLily Cross December 29, 2025December 29, 2025

Introduction

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weekend mornings. Loaded with sausage, bacon, cheese, and tender hash browns, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this casserole will keep everyone satisfied.

A close-up of a thick square piece of breakfast casserole shows three main layers: the bottom layer is crumbly, browned cooked sausage meat, the middle layer is a fluffy, pale yellow egg mixture with cooked sausage pieces visible inside, and the top layer is a melted bright orange cheddar cheese crowned with small pieces of crispy brown bacon and tiny bits of green herbs scattered evenly. The casserole sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound Pork Sausage (Substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter version)
6 strips Bacon (Omit for a lighter dish or replace with a vegetarian sausage)
8 ounces Cream Cheese (Ensure it’s softened for easier mixing)
1 cup Sour Cream (Can be substituted with Greek yogurt)
1 cup Whole Milk (Use non-dairy milk for lactose-free)
8 large Large Eggs
2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Swap with pepper jack for a spicy kick)
30 ounces Frozen Shredded Hash Browns (Ensure they are thawed and drained)
1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (Opt for gluten-free blends)
1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adjust to taste)
1 cup Bell Peppers (Choose your favorite varieties)
1 cup Spinach (Use fresh or thawed frozen spinach, well-drained)
1 cup Mushrooms (Sauté them beforehand)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the pork sausage and chopped bacon until browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Blend softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth, then stir in milk, eggs, ranch seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Add the cooked meats to the egg mixture, followed by thawed hash browns and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Fold until combined.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, top with remaining cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 50-60 minutes.
Step 6: Remove foil and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Cool for a few minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and bacon and replace with plant-based sausage or additional vegetables.
Using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar adds a pleasant spicy kick.
Make sure to thoroughly drain and thaw the hash browns to avoid excess moisture and sogginess.
Add your favorite veggies like diced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra flavor and color.
Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate to save time in the morning; just add extra baking time if cooking from cold.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a thick square slice of casserole, showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a cooked ground beef with a crumbly, brown texture, the middle layer is a creamy, light yellow egg mixture with a smooth texture, and the top layer is melted cheddar cheese with a bright orange color, sprinkled with crispy, dark brown bacon bits and small green herb pieces. The focus is on the front corner, showing the distinct layers and the crispy cheese and bacon topping, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and cheese with dairy-free alternatives to make it lactose-free and suitable for dairy-sensitive diets.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it fresh in the morning. Just add extra baking time if baking straight from cold.