The Ultimate Crack Breakfast Casserole: Cheesy, Meaty, and Crowd-Pleasing

By Jason Griffith

There are breakfast recipes, and then there are event breakfast recipes. This Crack Breakfast Casserole falls firmly into the latter category. Why “crack”? Because it’s utterly, undeniably addictive. It’s the kind of dish that disappears from the brunch table faster than you can pour a second cup of coffee, and everyone immediately asks for the recipe.

Loaded with savory sausage, crisp bacon, layers of gooey cheese, and a creamy, ranch-seasoned egg mixture all resting on a bed of crispy hash browns—this casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s a complete meal baked to golden perfection in one pan, making it the perfect choice for a lazy Sunday, a holiday morning, or a stress-free way to feed hungry guests.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love? This casserole is a winner for several key reasons, but its simplicity and massive flavor payoff are what truly stand out.

• Prep-Ahead Dream: You can assemble this whole casserole the night before and just slide it into the oven when you wake up. Talk about a time saver!
• The Crack Factor: The secret weapon here is the packet of ranch dressing mix. It infuses the eggs and cheese with an irresistible, savory flavor that takes it beyond a standard breakfast bake.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It serves 6–8 people easily and is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. No more standing over a griddle flipping pancakes; everything cooks at once!
• Hearty and Filling: This isn’t a light breakfast. With sausage, bacon, hash browns, and eggs, it keeps everyone full and happy well into the afternoon.

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🍽️ Ingredients for Crack Breakfast Casserole

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a rich, complex flavor.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Breakfast Sausage	1 lb	Cooked and crumbled. Use mild or hot, depending on your preference.
Bacon	1 cup	Cooked and crumbled (about 8–10 slices).
Shredded Cheddar Cheese	2 cups	Sharp cheddar works best for a punch of flavor.
Large Eggs	6	Must be fresh for the best texture.
Milk	2 cups	Whole milk offers the richest flavor, but 2% is fine.
Ranch Dressing Mix	1 packet (1 oz)	The powdered mix, not the liquid dressing. This is key!
Frozen Hash Browns	1 package (28 oz)	The shredded kind is easiest to spread, but diced works too.

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🥩 Swaps and Notes

• Meat: Don’t have sausage or bacon? You can swap in cooked ground turkey, ham, or even shredded chicken. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add sautéed veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
• Cheese: Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend can replace cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Dairy: You can use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk for an extra-rich custard base.
• Spice: Add a dash of hot sauce (like Cholula or Tabasco) to the egg mixture, or toss in some canned, diced green chiles for a mild kick.

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🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe comes together quickly, especially if your meats are already pre-cooked!

1. Prep the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350∘F (175∘C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Base: Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Don’t worry about thawing them first.
3. Add the Meats and Cheese: Layer the cooked and crumbled sausage and bacon over the hash browns. Sprinkle 121​ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat layer.
4. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and the entire packet of ranch dressing mix until everything is thoroughly combined and the mix is dissolved.
5. Pour and Finish: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the casserole layers, making sure the liquid is distributed across the pan and seeps down into the hash browns. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake: Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 40–45 minutes. The casserole is done when the center is set (not jiggly), and the cheese is melted and bubbly golden brown.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set up better, making clean slices easier.

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💯 Tips for Success

• Pre-Cook the Meat: Make sure your sausage and bacon are fully cooked and drained of excess grease before adding them to the casserole. This prevents the casserole from becoming oily.
• Overnight Prep: To save morning time, assemble the entire casserole (steps 1–5) in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time to compensate for the chilled dish.
• Don’t Overbake: An over-baked egg casserole can become rubbery. It should be firm in the center. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
• Use the Right Pan: A 9×13 ceramic or glass baking dish is ideal for this size.

🍹 Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This hearty casserole is the star, but a few simple sides can round out the meal perfectly.

• A Simple Salad: A light, fresh, mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness of the casserole.
• Fruity Drinks: A sweet and tart drink is the perfect accompaniment. Try my recipe for This Blueberry Lemonade is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days.
• Bread or Muffins: Serve with a side of toasted English muffins or sweet quick breads.

📊 Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Kcal: Approx. 450 per serving
• Note: This is an estimated value and can vary significantly based on the specific type of sausage, milk, and cheese used.

🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips

• Cooling: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Refrigeration: Cover the leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes surprisingly well! Cut it into individual serving sizes, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For individual slices, reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or in a toaster oven at 350∘F until heated through (about 10–15 minutes).

🍽️ More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the simplicity of this one-pan breakfast bake, you’ll love these other easy, crowd-pleasing meals:

• For another effortless morning meal, check out This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip.
• If you love the cheesy, easy casserole format, you might also like my This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut.
• Looking for a great party appetizer? Try Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• For a sweeter ending, one of my favorites is The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made a Lot).

✨ Final Thoughts

The Crack Breakfast Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. It’s the smell of bacon and cheese wafting through the house, the satisfying crunch of the hash brown base, and the silence that falls over the room as everyone devours their first bite. Try it for your next family gathering—you won’t regret it.

Let me know in the comments if you tried the overnight prep, or what your favorite cheese blend was!