Name: Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground sausage or ground beef; 8 large eggs; 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits; 1 cup sour cream or cream cheese; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped onions or green chiles

Jump to Recipe·5 from 29 reviews

If you’ve ever wished breakfast could be both insanely delicious and practically effortless, I’ve got you covered with this Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe. This dish is one of those magical meals that feels like total comfort food but comes together faster than you think. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll keep coming back for more—it’s the kind of casserole that really “cracks” the code on a perfect morning meal!

💛

Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: You only need a handful of ingredients that come together with zero fuss.
Flavor Fusion: Between savory sausage, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon, every bite bursts with satisfying taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s perfect for prepping ahead so your mornings feel easier and more luxurious.
Family Favorite: It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s adaptable to whatever you have on hand or prefer.

Crack Breakfast Casserole, breakfast casserole recipe, easy breakfast casserole, savory breakfast bake, make-ahead breakfast casserole - A clear glass rectangular dish filled with a multi-layered casserole placed on a white marbled surface, showing three layers from the side: the bottom layer is ground beef, followed by a creamy white sauce layer, topped by bright orange melted cheese, generously covered with small crispy pieces of cooked bacon. A fork is scooping out a portion from the corner of the dish, lifting some of the layers with visible melted cheese stretching slightly. The kitchen background is blurred with soft lighting, focusing on the rich textures and colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe is so wonderfully balanced because each ingredient plays a distinct role—from protein-packed sausage to creamy eggs and that perfect cheesy melt. Shopping can be straightforward—you can even swap a few ingredients based on what you love or have in your fridge.

Crack Breakfast Casserole, breakfast casserole recipe, easy breakfast casserole, savory breakfast bake, make-ahead breakfast casserole - Flat lay of raw ground sausage patty, eight whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of creamy sour cream, a small white bowl filled with shredded cheddar cheese, a small white bowl of crispy bacon bits, a few fresh green chili peppers, one small white bowl with chopped white onions, scattered whole peppercorns and a small pinch of coarse sea salt crystals all arranged symmetrically around a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground sausage or ground beef: I recommend sausage for its spicy, savory punch but beef works great if you want a milder flavor.
Eggs: The heart of the casserole, they bind everything together perfectly while keeping it soft and custardy.
Sour cream or cream cheese: Adds richness and moisture, preventing the eggs from drying out during baking.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and provides that irresistible gooey top.
Bacon bits: Crispy and salty, they add an extra layer of texture and flavor you don’t want to skip.
Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
Optional chopped onions or green chiles: These bring a subtle bite or kick, perfect if you’re feeling adventurous.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this casserole feels like a blank canvas. I’ve swapped the sausage for turkey once, which lightened it up, and adding chopped spinach gave it a nice fresh twist. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’ll enjoy every minute of customizing this recipe as you get to know what your favorites are!

Spicy Variation: Adding diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce into the egg mixture gave it a lovely wake-up kick that my family loved.
Vegetarian Modification: Skipping the meat and adding mushrooms or bell peppers is surprisingly hearty and keeps flavors rich.
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy vibe, depending on your mood.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Browning the Meat Perfectly

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking your ground sausage (or beef) until it’s nicely browned. I like to break it up into small crumbles so every bite has some meaty goodness. Once cooked, drain the excess fat carefully—you want flavor but not a greasy casserole.

Step 2: Whisking the Egg Mixture

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the eggs, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. I usually give the sour cream a quick stir before adding, so it blends nice and evenly. Feeling fancy? This is the time to add any optional onions or green chiles for added flavor.

Step 3: Layering the Casserole

Next, grease your casserole dish well—don’t skip this or it might stick. Spread the cooked meat evenly on the bottom, pour the egg mixture over it, and then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. Finish off with crispy bacon bits to get that fantastic crunch.

Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection

Pop the casserole into a 375°F (190°C) oven for 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for the eggs to be completely set—no jiggle—and the cheese on top to be golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing; this step makes sure your pieces hold together beautifully.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Drain Meat Thoroughly: Removing excess fat keeps the casserole from getting soggy—use a slotted spoon to help.
Use Room Temperature Eggs: They whisk easier and bake more evenly, making your casserole nice and fluffy.
Don’t Skip Resting: Letting it cool briefly before cutting helps everything set up so your portions look neat and hold together well.
Customize Cheese Wisely: I’ve learned sharp cheddar offers the best flavor punch, but mixing cheeses can add fun twists—just don’t overload or it might get too greasy.

How to Serve Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Crack Breakfast Casserole, breakfast casserole recipe, easy breakfast casserole, savory breakfast bake, make-ahead breakfast casserole - A close-up view of a thick slice of layered casserole on a white plate, resting on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: the bottom and middle layers are creamy and light yellow with a soft, cheesy texture, separated by a dense layer of browned cooked ground meat with a crumbly texture and rich brown color. The top layer is a bright melted orange-yellow cheese, generously topped with small, crispy pieces of bacon in dark reddish-brown hues, adding a crunchy texture contrast. The layers are distinct but slightly blended at the edges, making the dish look hearty and rich. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes a little dollop of sour cream on the side adds a creamy balance to the savory casserole, especially if you added spicy chiles.

Side Dishes

This casserole goes beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or some roasted breakfast potatoes. On weekends, I often pair it with warm, crusty toast and a cup of strong coffee for the perfect comforting spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I’ve served this casserole in mini muffin tins to create adorable individual portions—everyone loved those bite-sized treats. You can also top each slice with a little salsa and guacamole for a Tex-Mex flair that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully, so I often make this on a Sunday to enjoy all week long for breakfast or even a quick dinner.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing leftover casserole in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It maintains its texture surprisingly well—no one ever guesses it was frozen!

Reheating

I prefer reheating individual slices in the microwave for about 60 seconds, but if you want a crispier top, a few minutes in a 350°F oven works wonders. Just cover loosely with foil to heat through without drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and bacon, and swap in veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian option that’s just as flavorful.
What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can use cream cheese as noted in the recipe, or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Each option adds creaminess and moisture to keep the casserole tender.
How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the eggs are fully set—no liquid jiggles when you gently shake the pan—and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I prep this casserole the night before baking?

Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and keep it refrigerated. In the morning, just pop it straight into the preheated oven and bake a bit longer if needed.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. It’s perfect for freezer meal prep. Just freeze in an airtight container, thaw before reheating, and enjoy a quick breakfast anytime.

Final Thoughts

This Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s easy, indulgent, and fills the house with the kind of morning smells that make you smile. It’s versatile enough to change with your mood, but always comforting. I can’t wait for you to make it and experience how incredibly satisfying a breakfast casserole can be—promise me you’ll let me know what tweaks you make to make it your own!

Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 29 reviews

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Carb

Print Recipe

Description

Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy mornings. Combining savory ground sausage or beef, creamy eggs, and melted cheddar cheese topped with crispy bacon bits, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead and easily reheated.

Ingredients

Meat and Protein

1 lb ground sausage or ground beef
8 large eggs
1/2 cup crispy bacon bits

Dairy

1 cup sour cream or cream cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Optional

1/4 cup chopped onions or green chiles

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
Cook Meat: In a skillet, cook the ground sausage or ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream or cream cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Assemble Casserole: Grease a casserole dish lightly. Layer the cooked meat at the bottom, pour the egg mixture evenly over the meat, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Add Bacon Bits: Evenly distribute the crispy bacon bits over the cheese layer to add extra flavor and crunch.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving for best results.

Notes

This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, then baked fresh in the morning or reheated after baking.
Feel free to boost nutrition by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the meat layer.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prep.
Use cream cheese instead of sour cream for a richer, creamier texture.
For a gluten-free option, verify that sausage and bacon bits are gluten-free.