Hey y'all! If breakfast is your favorite meal, get ready for a game-changer with this Crack Breakfast Casserole. It's creamy, cheesy, and brimming with crispy bacon, making it irresistible for brunches, holidays, or simply lazy weekends. Whether you want to feed a crowd or prep ahead for busy mornings, this Casserole brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Ultra cheesy and loaded with savory bacon, perfect for cheese lovers.
- Easy to prep ahead and pop in the oven for stress-free mornings.
- Feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
- Versatile — mix in your favorite veggies or proteins!
- Slices beautifully, so leftovers are just as tasty reheated.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Nonstick cooking spray
Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Build the Casserole Base
Spread thawed hash browns evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese and half the cooked bacon on top. Add half the green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
- Letting the cream cheese soften makes it easier to mix and ensures a creamier texture.
- You can cook the bacon ahead and store in the fridge to save time in the morning.
Variations
- Sausage Swap: Substitute cooked breakfast sausage for the bacon for a classic savory twist.
- Veggie Packed: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
Required Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. The casserole can also be frozen (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast.
- Add a side of fluffy buttermilk biscuits or toast to soak up every bit of flavor.
- A glass of fresh orange juice or a mug of hot coffee pairs perfectly!
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Let the casserole rest before slicing for neater pieces and the best texture.
- Use sharp cheddar for a deeper cheesy flavor.
- For brunch gatherings, prepare the casserole the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I prepare this Crack Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake in the morning. - Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, just shred and squeeze out excess moisture from the potatoes before using. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your hash browns are gluten-free, the whole casserole is naturally gluten-free.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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2Spread the thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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3In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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4Stir in crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
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5Pour the egg mixture over the hash browns in the baking dish, spreading evenly.
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6Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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