If there’s one thing that can make your morning better (besides coffee), it’s a warm, cheesy, and comforting breakfast casserole. Crack Breakfast Casserole—the perfect combination of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, gooey cheese, and fluffy eggs. It’s the kind of dish that makes waking up early totally worth it.

This casserole is a dream for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or meal-prepping for the week. It’s packed with flavor and ridiculously easy to throw together. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, pop it in the fridge, and bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat. Trust me—this is one of those recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

So let’s dive right in and get this deliciousness going!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, satisfying ingredients that come together perfectly. Here’s what you need:

For the casserole:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 (32 oz) package frozen hash browns, thawed
• ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Before we get into the magic, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with butter or a non-stick spray. This ensures that your casserole slides out effortlessly when it’s ready to serve. Nobody likes a sticky casserole mess!

Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and crumbled. Be sure to stir it occasionally so that it cooks evenly. Once done, drain any excess grease and set it aside.

Pro Tip: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into small pieces while cooking—this ensures every bite of your casserole has a little bit of sausage goodness.

Step 3: Mix the Sausage with Cream Cheese

Now, here’s where the crack factor comes in. In a large bowl, mix the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese until everything is fully combined. The cream cheese melts into the sausage, creating an ultra-rich and creamy base for the casserole.

Seriously, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been adding cream cheese to your breakfast casseroles all along.

Step 4: Whisk the Eggs, Milk, and Cheese

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper

This mixture is going to bind everything together while adding that classic fluffy, cheesy, and custardy texture we love in a good breakfast casserole.

Step 5: Fold in the Hash Browns and Green Onions

Now comes the heart of this dish—hash browns! Gently fold in the thawed hash browns and chopped green onions into the sausage and cream cheese mixture. The hash browns provide structure, while the green onions add a pop of color and a mild oniony bite.

Make sure everything is well combined so that each bite has an even distribution of flavors.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Now that we have all our ingredients mixed and ready to go, it’s time to put this beauty together!

Take your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the hash brown, sausage, and cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to spread it out evenly, making sure the goodness is distributed from corner to corner.

Next, slowly pour the egg, milk, and cheese mixture over the top. Use the back of a spoon to gently stir and ensure everything is evenly coated. The eggs will work their magic in the oven, binding everything together into a fluffy, cheesy masterpiece.

Pro Tip: Give the dish a little shake or tap it gently on the counter to help the eggs settle throughout the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes.

Here’s what you’re looking for:

• The edges will turn golden brown.
•  The center should be set and slightly firm to the touch (not jiggly).
• The cheese will be melted and bubbly, forming an irresistible crust on top.

If you’re unsure whether it’s done, insert a knife or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go! If it still looks a little wet, let it bake for another 5 minutes and check again.

Step 8: Let It Cool (Just for a Few Minutes!)

Once it’s done baking, resist the urge to dive in immediately! Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows everything to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.

If you have guests or family eagerly waiting, now’s the time to grab plates and utensils because this is going to disappear FAST.

Serving Tips & Variations

Now that your Crack Breakfast Casserole is ready, let’s talk about ways to customize it and make it even better!

Serving Ideas

• Classic Style: Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit or avocado slices for a balanced breakfast.
• Brunch Upgrade: Add a dollop of sour cream and some extra chopped green onions on top.
• Spicy Twist: Drizzle some hot sauce or salsa for a little kick!

Delicious Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these fun variations:

• Spicy Version: Swap regular sausage for spicy breakfast sausage and add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a heat boost.
• Extra Cheesy: Love cheese? Double up on the cheddar or mix in some pepper jack or mozzarella for an ooey-gooey texture.
• Veggie-Packed: Want to sneak in some greens? Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the hash brown mixture for a nutritious twist.
• Meatless Option: Skip the sausage and use a vegetarian sausage substitute or just load up on extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.

No matter how you make it, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s perfect for meal prep and storing leftovers. Here’s how:

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge.
• When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven! (You may need to add 5 extra minutes since it’s starting cold).

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cut into portions and freeze in individual containers. Just thaw overnight and reheat when ready to eat.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Warm individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this casserole the night before?

Absolutely! This is one of the best parts about this recipe. Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven! You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.

2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, but with a little prep work! If using fresh potatoes, shred them using a grater and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible using a clean towel. This helps them cook properly and prevents a watery casserole.

3. What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Breakfast sausage is the classic choice, but you can use any variety you love! Try:

• Spicy sausage for a little kick
• Turkey sausage for a leaner option
• Chorizo for a bold, flavorful twist
• Vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version

4. Can I freeze this casserole after baking?

Yes! Once baked, let the casserole cool completely, then cut it into portions and wrap them individually. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven.

5. How do I keep my casserole from being too watery?

Here are a few key tips:

• Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed and drained. Excess moisture can make the casserole soggy.
• If using fresh veggies, sauté them first. Some veggies (like mushrooms and spinach) release water while cooking.
• Don’t overmix the eggs and milk. Too much air in the mixture can cause it to separate while baking.

6. Can I add more cheese?

Oh, absolutely! If you love extra cheesy casseroles, sprinkle another ½ to 1 cup of cheese on top before baking for a gooey, melty finish.

7. How can I make this casserole healthier?

To lighten it up while keeping the flavor:

• Swap Greek yogurt for cream cheese
• Use reduced-fat cheese
• Add extra veggies for more nutrients

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Crack Breakfast Casserole isn’t just any breakfast—it’s THE breakfast that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a brunch, this dish checks all the boxes:

• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Make-ahead friendly for stress-free mornings
• Customizable with different meats, cheeses, and veggies
• Super satisfying and delicious

So, what are you waiting for? Give this Crack Breakfast Casserole a try and let me know how it turns out! If you added your own twist, drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear about your variations.

Enjoy your breakfast!

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