Name: Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) pork sausage; 1 pound (450g) bacon, chopped; 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup (120g) sour cream; 1 cup (240ml) whole milk; 8 large eggs; 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 (30-ounce/850g) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained; 1 (1-ounce/28g) packet dry ranch seasoning mix; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Introduction

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, all-in-one dish packed with savory sausage, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender hash browns. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings, delivering comforting flavors in every bite.

A baked casserole in a white square dish with handles is shown from above on a white marbled surface. The dish has multiple layers visible through the top: golden brown crispy shredded potatoes form the base and edges, topped with melted bright orange cheddar cheese and small dollops of gooey white melted cheese. Scattered all over are browned crumbled sausage pieces and dark reddish crispy bacon bits. Small green herb sprinkles add little color contrast across the surface. The overall look is rich, hearty, and textured with a mix of crispy and melted elements. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) pork sausage
1 pound (450g) bacon, chopped
4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (120g) sour cream
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
8 large eggs
2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (30-ounce/850g) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
1 (1-ounce/28g) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, cook the pork sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, whole milk, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, crispy bacon, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is set, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
Step 7: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding chopped green onions or diced bell peppers into the casserole mix.
You can substitute turkey sausage and turkey bacon for a leaner version without sacrificing taste.
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, a mix of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder can be used as a substitute.
Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor, or mix in some pepper jack for a little kick.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or cover with foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes.

How to Serve

A white rectangular dish is filled with a baked layered casserole starting with a base of golden shredded potatoes, topped with a layer of melted bright yellow and white cheese mixed evenly with pieces of browned ground sausage and crisp dark red bacon bits scattered all over. The top is bubbly with melted cheese, browned edges, and sprinkled with small green herbs adding color contrast. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, showing the texture of crispy browned potato edges peeking through the toppings, giving a rich, hearty, and savory look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next morning, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be cold.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You can use freshly shredded potatoes, but be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent a soggy casserole. Par-cooking the potatoes before assembling is recommended for the best texture.

Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 140 reviews

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, savory dish packed with sausage, bacon, hash browns, and rich dairy flavors. Infused with ranch seasoning and baked to golden perfection, it is perfect for feeding a crowd at breakfast or brunch. Layers of creamy cheese and fluffy eggs make it irresistibly comforting and flavorful.

Author: Matteo
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meats

1 pound (450g) pork sausage
1 pound (450g) bacon, chopped

Dairy & Eggs

4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (120g) sour cream
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
8 large eggs
2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Vegetables & Starch

1 (30-ounce/850g) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained

Seasonings

1 (1-ounce/28g) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Cook the meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pork sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Remove sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Drain excess fat from both meats.
Prepare the creamy mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, whole milk, eggs, ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Layer the casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly spread the thawed and drained hash browns as the base layer. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and bacon over the hash browns. Add one cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Add the creamy egg mixture: Pour the prepared egg and dairy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring it seeps through the layers.
Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for a cheesy crust.
Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes or until the eggs are set, the top is golden brown, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to firm up and makes serving easier. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Be sure to fully thaw and drain the hash browns to prevent a watery casserole.
Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor intensity.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
For a low-sodium option, reduce or omit the added salt and use lower-sodium bacon and sausage.
Adding diced onions or bell peppers can add extra flavor and texture if desired.

Keywords: breakfast casserole, crack breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, bacon breakfast, cheesy breakfast bake, ranch seasoning casserole