Crack Breakfast Casserole

Crack Breakfast Casserole is a savory and indulgent breakfast dish that’s a hit for any morning gathering, brunch, or holiday breakfast. It combines the best of breakfast favorites—eggs, sausage, cheese, and potatoes—into one delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole. Here’s a simple recipe to make this irresistible Crack Breakfast Casserole:

Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (you can use pork sausage or turkey sausage)

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken, if preferred)

• 1 cup milk

• 4 cups frozen hash browns (or freshly grated potatoes)

• 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

• 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the casserole dish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Cook the sausage:

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage (break it up with a spoon as it cooks) until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If using, add the diced onion during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

   • Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.

3. Prepare the casserole mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

   • Add the cooked sausage and any drippings from the skillet into the egg mixture. Stir to combine.

   • Fold in the frozen hash browns and shredded cheese.

4. Assemble the casserole:

   • Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.

5. Bake the casserole:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

   • If the top is getting too brown before the casserole is done, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

6. Serve:

   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

   • Serve with hot sauce, salsa, or extra cheese on top, if desired.

Tips:

• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake it until hot and bubbly.

• Add veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Protein variations: You can swap the sausage for bacon, ham, or even a meatless version with just cheese and veggies for a vegetarian option.

• Spice it up: If you like a bit more spice, add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes to the mixture.

Enjoy your Crack Breakfast Casserole – it’s a decadent and satisfying dish that everyone will love!