Crack Breakfast Casserole
Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish packed with eggs, cheese, sausage, and bread all baked together into one delicious, gooey meal. It’s the kind of breakfast that warms…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish packed with eggs, cheese, sausage, and bread all baked together into one delicious, gooey meal. It’s the kind of breakfast that warms you up from the inside out and fills the whole kitchen with an irresistible smell. The mix of melted cheese and savory sausage makes every bite comforting and full of flavor.
I love making this casserole when I have a group of people coming over for brunch. It’s super easy to prepare ahead of time and then just pop in the oven in the morning. Plus, it always disappears fast — everyone seems to love it as much as I do! A little tip I like to share is using a good quality sausage and seasoning it just right to give that extra punch to the dish.
My favorite way to serve this breakfast casserole is with a simple side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the richness. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a cozy breakfast. This dish brings people together with its homey feel and delicious taste, making mornings a little more special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This adds savory flavor and texture. If you want something lighter, try turkey sausage or a plant-based option. Just be sure to season well.
Eggs: Eggs are the binder here and provide fluffiness. For a dairy-free version, you can use an egg substitute, but the texture will change slightly.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts great and adds flavor. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack can work if you want a milder taste. For a lactose-free choice, lactose-free cheese or nutritional yeast works.
Cottage or Ricotta Cheese: These keep the casserole creamy and moist. Greek yogurt can be a good swap if you prefer, and it adds a slight tang.
Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky touch. You can skip it for a vegetarian dish or use smoked turkey bacon for less fat.
How Do You Get the Perfect Runny Egg Yolk on Top?
Adding whole eggs cracked on top near the end of baking gives a beautiful, runny yolk topping like in the photo. Here’s how:
- When the casserole is almost set (about 5-7 minutes before done), crack one or two eggs gently over the top.
- Put it back in the oven and bake until the egg whites are firm but the yolks are still soft. Watch closely; this usually takes just a few minutes.
- This timing helps keep a silky yolk without overcooking the rest of the casserole.
Tip: Use fresh eggs for best results, as they hold their shape better while baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size to cook the casserole evenly and serve a crowd.
- Large skillet – great for browning the sausage before layering it in the casserole.
- Mixing bowl – lets you whisk eggs, cheese, and spices smoothly together.
- Whisk – makes combining ingredients quick and lump-free.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – handy for spreading sausage and scraping the bowl clean.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap breakfast sausage for diced ham or cooked chorizo to change the flavor profile.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or Swiss for a milder, nuttier taste.
- Add chopped spinach or bell peppers for a fresh veggie boost and extra color.
- Mix in herbs like thyme or rosemary to bring a new layer of aroma and flavor.
How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30-35 minutes to bake. If you choose to add eggs on top for runny yolks, add an extra 5-7 minutes. Plan for a few minutes to let it cool before serving. So, total time is roughly 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook Sausage:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked and crumbly, drain the grease and set the sausage aside.
2. Mix Egg and Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cottage cheese (or ricotta), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly on top of the sausage layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the edges look golden brown.
4. Add Bacon and Optional Runny Yolks:
Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon over the top. For runny yolks like in the picture, crack one or two eggs gently on top during the last 5-7 minutes of baking and continue baking until the egg whites set but the yolks remain soft.
5. Finish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if you like. Allow the casserole to cool a few minutes before slicing and serving. This dish is great on its own or with a side of fresh fruit or toast.
Can I Make Crack Breakfast Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, just bake it as directed. This makes busy mornings easier and the flavors even better.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the sausage before cooking it. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking thawed sausage ensures it browns evenly and cooks safely.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For best texture, cover with foil when reheating in the oven to keep moisture.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Casserole?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or onions work well. Just sauté them first to remove excess moisture before mixing into the casserole to avoid sogginess.