Crack Breakfast Casserole is the kind of dish that wakes you up with a big smile. It’s packed with gooey cheese, fluffy eggs, crispy bacon, and soft bread all baked together into one hearty, delicious casserole. The cheese melts perfectly with the eggs, and the bacon adds just the right amount of salty crunch, making every bite so satisfying.
I love making this casserole when I have friends or family over for a weekend breakfast because it’s simple to throw together and feeds a crowd easily. I usually prepare it the night before, so all I have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven. It’s like a little breakfast gift to myself that means less stress and more time with everyone at the table.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this casserole is with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance out the richness. It’s perfect for those cozy mornings when you want something warm and filling but not too complicated. Anytime I make this, it feels like a special treat that makes breakfast feel a bit more festive, even on a regular day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: Pork sausage is classic, but turkey sausage works well if you want a lighter option. You can even mix in some cooked breakfast ham or bacon for variety.
Eggs and Sour Cream: Eggs give the casserole its fluffy body, while sour cream adds creaminess and richness. If you prefer, Greek yogurt can be a tangy substitute for sour cream.
Bread: White bread soaks up the egg mixture nicely, but you could use whole wheat or even brioche for a richer flavor. Just avoid very dense or crusty bread to keep it soft inside.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, but feel free to blend in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for more melty gooeyness. For a dairy-free version, try plant-based cheese alternatives.
Bacon: Crispy bacon on top gives a perfect salty crunch. You can swap for turkey bacon if you want less fat or add cooked chopped veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Crack Breakfast Casserole Holds Together and Cooks Perfectly?
This casserole is about balancing wet and dry ingredients so it sets up firm and slices nicely.
- Cook the sausage fully and drain fat to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Let the cubed bread soak thoroughly in the egg mixture; this helps it absorb moisture and bind everything.
- Add baking powder to keep the eggs fluffy and light.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the pan to cook uniformly.
- Bake at 350°F until set in the middle—about 45-55 minutes. The center should be firm but still moist.
- Let it rest 5-10 minutes after baking; this helps it firm up for clean slices.
Following these tips makes a casserole that’s creamy inside but holds its shape well. I like to test doneness by gently shaking the pan—the center shouldn’t jiggle much but still feel soft. Enjoy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for evenly baking this casserole and easy to serve from.
- Large skillet – great for browning the sausage and cooking bacon.
- Mixing bowl – you’ll whip up the egg mixture and combine all ingredients here.
- Whisk – helps you blend eggs, sour cream, and milk smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right for the best texture.
- Spatula or large spoon – handy for mixing and spreading the casserole evenly in the dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap breakfast sausage with diced cooked ham or shredded cooked chicken for a different protein twist.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie boost and extra flavor.
- Try pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar if you like a bit of spice and creaminess.
- Mix in fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to brighten the dish.
How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 slices white bread, cubed (or 4 cups cubed bread)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3-4 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus more for topping)
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes for cooling before slicing and serving. In total, plan for about an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausage and Bacon:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and set aside, reserving some for the topping.
2. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, milk, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is smooth and combined. Add the cubed bread to this mixture and gently stir it in, making sure all bread pieces get coated.
3. Combine All Ingredients:
Stir the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, chopped green onions, and crumbled bacon into the bread and egg mixture. Mix gently to distribute everything evenly.
4. Bake the Casserole:
Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, until the casserole is set in the middle and lightly golden on top.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra chopped green onions if you like, then serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Make Crack Breakfast Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I Use Frozen Bread or Meat in This Recipe?
Frozen bread should be fully thawed and slightly dried out for best soaking results. For frozen sausage or bacon, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quick serving.
What Are Good Substitutions for Cheese?
Feel free to swap cheddar and mozzarella for any good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Vegan cheese can also work for a dairy-free version.
