Introduction
If you are looking for a breakfast dish that is cheesy, creamy, and full of flavor, then the Crack Breakfast Casserole is the perfect choice. It is called “crack” casserole because it is so delicious that you just can’t stop eating it. This dish is rich, filling, and has everything you want in a morning meal—eggs, bacon, cheese, and a creamy base that makes it taste heavenly.
The best part? You can make it ahead of time, which makes mornings so much easier. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the simple ingredients, the step-by-step process, nutrition facts, and answer some common questions about this amazing breakfast dish.
Ingredients – Crack Breakfast Casserole
To make the best Crack Breakfast Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk works best, but you can use 2% too)
- 1 pack of bacon (about 12 strips, cooked and crumbled)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) block of cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1 package of frozen hash browns (about 20 ounces, thawed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for flavor and color)
- Green onions or chives for garnish (optional)
Step by Step Process – Crack Breakfast Casserole
Making this casserole is very easy, and you don’t need to be an expert cook. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you’re done preparing the casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. You can fry it in a pan or bake it in the oven. Once cooked, let it cool slightly and then crumble it into small pieces. Set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Hash Browns
If you’re using frozen hash browns, make sure they are thawed. Spread them evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese
Cut your softened cream cheese into small cubes and place them evenly over the hash browns. This gives the casserole that creamy, rich flavor.
Step 5: Add Bacon and Cheese
Now sprinkle your cooked bacon crumbles over the cream cheese layer. After that, add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. This creates a cheesy layer that melts beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure everything is well mixed.
Step 7: Pour Over the Casserole
Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layers of hash browns, cream cheese, bacon, and shredded cheese in your baking dish.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully cooked and the top is golden brown.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with green onions or chives for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360–390 kcal |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 190 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 740 mg |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make Crack Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before. Just cover it with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bake it fresh.
Q2: Can I freeze Crack Breakfast Casserole?
Absolutely. Bake the casserole, let it cool completely, then cut it into portions. Wrap them tightly and freeze. To reheat, just warm it in the oven or microwave.
Q3: Can I use sausage instead of bacon?
Yes, you can! Sausage works just as well and gives the casserole a slightly different flavor. Some people even use both bacon and sausage for an extra meaty version.
Q4: What can I serve with Crack Breakfast Casserole?
It’s a full meal on its own, but you can serve it with toast, fresh fruit, or a light salad to balance the richness.
Q5: Can I make it healthier?
Yes. You can use turkey bacon, low-fat cheese, and reduced-fat cream cheese to cut down calories and fat. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more nutrition.
Final Thoughts
The Best Crack Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish when you want something comforting, cheesy, and filling. It’s simple to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this casserole will bring smiles to the table.
Try it once, and you’ll see why people call it “crack”—because one bite is never enough. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this amazing breakfast casserole.
