Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe
A hearty and delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole packed with savory sausage, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender hash browns. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting weekend brunch.
- Author: Bella
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Meats
- 1 pound (450g) pork sausage
- 1 pound (450g) bacon, chopped
Dairy
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120g) sour cream
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Vegetables & Pantry
- 1 (30-ounce/850g) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
- 1 (1-ounce/28g) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Cook the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pork sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Mix the Dairy Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, whole milk, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the dairy mixture. Stir to incorporate evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the thawed and drained hash browns, cooked sausage, cooked bacon, and 1 cup (100g) of shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dairy and seasoning mixture over, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly into the dish, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw and drain the hash browns well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before; assemble and cover it, then refrigerate overnight before baking.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Substitute turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of casserole)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 280 mg
Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, bacon breakfast, hash brown casserole, brunch recipe, make-ahead breakfast