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- Eggs, milk, and hash browns For this dish, you need 8 large eggs and 1 cup of milk. These ingredients give the casserole a fluffy and creamy texture. You also need 2 cups of thawed frozen hash browns. They form a tasty base that holds it all together. - Sausage, cheese, and vegetables You will want 1 cup of cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage. This adds great flavor and protein. Next, use 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich taste. Don't forget the veggies! 1 cup of chopped bell peppers and 1 small diced onion add color and crunch. - Seasonings and garnish Season your dish with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of paprika for warmth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, fresh parsley, chopped, makes a lovely garnish. It adds a touch of color and freshness to your casserole. These ingredients work together to create a hearty and delicious breakfast casserole. Each bite is full of flavor and comfort. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven and greasing the baking dish First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will make sure the casserole cooks evenly. Next, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. You can use butter or cooking spray. This step helps with easy serving later. 2. Mixing eggs and milk with seasonings In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs and 1 cup of milk. Make sure they blend well. Add in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings pack a lot of flavor into the dish. 3. Layering ingredients in the baking dish Start with 2 cups of thawed hash browns. Spread them evenly at the bottom of the greased dish. Next, layer 1 cup of cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage on top. Add 1 small diced onion and 1 cup of chopped bell peppers. These colorful veggies make the casserole look great and taste better. 1. Pouring egg mixture and adding cheese Now, pour your egg and milk mixture over the layered ingredients. Make sure it covers everything. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. This cheese will melt and create a tasty crust. 2. Baking time and temperature tips Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want the eggs to set and the cheese to turn golden brown. 3. Checking for doneness To check if it’s done, insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. This helps it hold its shape. To ensure even cooking, spread the hash browns in a single layer. This helps them crisp up nicely. I like to use frozen hash browns for ease, but you can also grate fresh potatoes. If you do use fresh, soak them in water first to remove some starch. For the sausage, I recommend using a high-quality brand like Johnsonville or Jimmy Dean. They offer great flavor and cook well in this dish. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Always opt for fresh bell peppers and onions when possible. They add vibrant color and crunch. This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit or a light salad. You can also serve it with toast or muffins for a hearty breakfast. To slice the casserole, use a sharp knife and cut it when it’s slightly cool. This helps keep the pieces intact. For presentation, place the casserole on a colorful platter. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. You could also add avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream on the side for an extra touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for freshly chopped vegetables and high-quality sausage for the best flavor and texture. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist. Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a quick breakfast. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test the center; it should come out clean when the casserole is done baking. {{image_2}} - Vegetarian or meat alternatives: You can swap out the sausage for black beans or mushrooms. These add great texture and flavor. If you want a meat-like taste, try using plant-based sausage. - Dairy-free options: For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk. You can also choose dairy-free cheese. They melt well and taste great in the casserole. - Spice and herb variations: Feel free to play with spices. Try adding chili powder for heat or Italian herbs for a different flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten up the dish. - Breakfast burritos or wraps: You can turn this casserole into burritos. Just scoop some into a tortilla, add salsa, and roll it up for a tasty breakfast on the go. - Casserole for brunch parties: This dish is perfect for brunch. Just make a big batch and serve it hot. Guests will love it! Pair it with fruit or pastries for a complete meal. - Make-ahead and freezer-friendly options: This casserole stores well. You can prep it the night before and bake it in the morning. It also freezes nicely. Just wrap it tightly and store it for later. When ready, bake from frozen or thaw first. To store your leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Use a large knife to cut it into squares. Place the squares in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh. You can also wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Store the containers in the fridge. They will last for about three to four days. To reheat, the best method is using an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the squares in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. This method helps keep the texture nice. You can also use a microwave. Heat each square for one to two minutes. Check to make sure they are warm all the way through. Yes, you can make your Crack Breakfast Casserole ahead of time. Prepare it the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just bake it as directed. This saves time and makes breakfast easy. You can customize this casserole in many ways. Try different meats like bacon or ham. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack. Adding spinach or mushrooms boosts nutrition and flavor. Mix and match to your taste! Yes, you can freeze the casserole. After baking, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This post covers all you need to know about a tasty breakfast casserole. You learned about key ingredients and how to layer them. I shared tips for cooking and serving, plus variations to keep meals exciting. Don't forget, leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later! Now, enjoy making this dish your own. With simple swaps and tweaks, it will fit your taste perfectly. Happy cooking!

Crack Breakfast Casserole

A hearty breakfast casserole filled with eggs, sausage, cheese, and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
  • 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Layer the thawed hash browns evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  • Spread the crumbled breakfast sausage over the hash browns, followed by the diced onion and chopped bell peppers.
  • Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring an even distribution throughout.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing for easier serving.
Keyword breakfast, casserole, eggs, sausage