Comforting Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Lazy Mornings

Mornings become magical when a hearty crack breakfast casserole appears on your dining table.

Crispy bacon bits and melted cheese create an irresistible morning melody.

Layers of fluffy eggs and savory ingredients promise pure comfort.

Simple ingredients come together in one delicious pan.

Breakfast champions know this dish delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Neighbors might peek through windows, drawn by the incredible aroma wafting from your kitchen.

Slice into this crowd-pleasing masterpiece and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Why Crack Breakfast Casserole Starts Your Day Right

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different meats, cheeses, or bread types to match your taste preferences and pantry stock.
• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Hero: Perfect for feeding a hungry group with minimal preparation, this casserole satisfies multiple appetites simultaneously.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for stress-free meal planning.
• Comfort Food Champion: Loaded with hearty proteins, creamy textures, and bold seasonings, this casserole delivers pure breakfast satisfaction that warms both body and soul.

What You Need For Crack Breakfast Casserole

• Ground Breakfast Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and savory depth to the casserole.
• Bacon: Crispy and salty protein that provides extra texture and intense flavor to the dish.
• Eggs: The binding agent that helps hold the casserole together and adds protein.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates a creamy texture and adds bold flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious base for the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy flavor and helps keep the casserole moist and creamy.

• Day-Old Bread: Stale bread that absorbs the egg mixture and creates a perfect casserole texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile and add depth to the dish.

How To Make Crack Breakfast Casserole Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground breakfast sausage. Break it into tiny crumbly pieces until fully cooked with no pink showing, which takes about 7-8 minutes.

Step 3: Drain and Transfer Sausage

Get rid of excess grease from the sausage and move it to a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture

• Heavy cream
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes

Step 5: Add Protein and Cheese

Toss the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese into the sausage bowl, mixing everything thoroughly.

Step 6: Incorporate Bread Cubes

Gently fold the cubed day-old bread into the meat and cheese mixture, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 7: Combine Egg Mixture

Pour the whisked egg mixture over the bread and protein combination, carefully stirring to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 8: Fill the Baking Dish

Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in a uniform layer.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and a center that’s set and no longer jiggly.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps it firm up and cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips For Crack Breakfast Casserole Success

• Bread Selection Matters: Use slightly stale or day-old bread for better absorption of egg mixture, preventing a soggy texture and ensuring a perfect casserole consistency.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess grease from sausage and bacon to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a balanced flavor profile.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust red pepper flakes and garlic powder to personal taste, creating a customized spice level that suits your palate.
• Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or monterey jack for a unique flavor twist while maintaining the casserole's creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a convenient breakfast solution that saves time and effort.

Ways To Switch Up Crack Breakfast Casserole

• Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole: Replace ground sausage and bacon with plant-based crumbles or chopped vegetable medley like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegan cheese and egg substitute for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Swap bread cubes with cauliflower rice or almond flour-based bread alternative. Increase protein and fat content by adding extra cheese and using full-fat cream.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread or replace bread entirely with sweet potato cubes. Ensure all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and incorporate cumin and chili powder into the egg mixture for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

What Goes Well With Crack Breakfast Casserole

• Boost Breakfast Flavor Pairing: Serve with fresh-squeezed orange juice to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a bright, citrusy contrast.
• Wine Brunch Companion: Pair with a crisp, dry sparkling rosé that complements the savory sausage and adds a touch of elegance to the breakfast experience.
• Morning Beverage Match: Brew a strong, dark roast coffee with hints of chocolate to enhance the casserole's deep, meaty flavors and provide a robust morning kick.
• Complementary Side Delight: Add a small mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness and introduce a fresh, tangy element to the meal.

How To Store Crack Breakfast Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months; label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm throughout, stirring midway to ensure even heating.
• Warm refrigerated casserole at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.

Crack Breakfast Casserole Questions Answered

• Is this breakfast casserole healthy?

While delicious, this dish is high in calories and fat due to sausage, bacon, eggs, and cheese. It’s a hearty meal best enjoyed in moderation.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Simply bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast.

• What type of bread works best?

Day-old bread or slightly stale bread is ideal because it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy. Sourdough or white bread are excellent choices.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The top should be golden brown, and the center should be set without any liquid wobbling when you gently shake the pan. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty crack breakfast casserole brings savory comfort to weekend mornings with its irresistible blend of cheesy goodness and crispy bacon. Breakfast enthusiasts will devour this crowd-pleasing dish that promises satisfaction in every delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Bread and Seasonings:

• 4 cups cubed day-old bread
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground breakfast sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until fully cooked and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Drain excess grease from the sausage and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
4. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until well combined, then fold in heavy cream, sour cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
5. Add crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the sausage, mixing thoroughly.
6. Gently fold the cubed day-old bread into the meat and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
7. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and protein combination, carefully stirring to coat all ingredients evenly.
8. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in a uniform layer.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
10. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up and cool slightly.

Notes

• Bread Selection Matters: Use slightly stale or day-old bread for better absorption of egg mixture and richer texture.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap breakfast sausage with turkey sausage, chorizo, or vegetarian sausage crumbles for diverse flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning for effortless entertaining.
• Dietary Modifications: Replace heavy cream with whole milk or dairy-free alternatives for lighter versions, and use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 504
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1086 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 240 mg