Crack Breakfast Casserole
This crack breakfast casserole is the ultimate comfort food — a rich and creamy mix of eggs, crispy bacon, hash browns, and cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. Ideal for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or make-ahead meals that please any crowd.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 30 oz bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 lb bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: green onions jalapeños, or bell peppers for garnish
Instructions
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Base:
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add the Filling:
- Stir in the hash browns, half the cheddar cheese, and most of the cooked bacon. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble & Top:
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top.
Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
Cool & Serve:
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
Crack Breakfast Casserole – Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead Friendly
Crack Breakfast Casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven in the morning—no extra work needed. Let It Rest Before Baking
If chilled overnight, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking. This helps it cook more evenly and reduces baking time. Cook Bacon Until Crisp
For the best flavor and texture, cook the bacon until nice and crispy before adding it to the casserole. It will soften slightly as it bakes, so starting crispy is key. Use Frozen Hash Browns
No need to thaw frozen hash browns—just layer them right in. Want extra crisp? Brown them briefly in a skillet first. Don’t Overmix the Eggs
Whisk eggs until just combined to keep the casserole light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture. Cheese Tips
Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for creaminess and sharpness. Shred your own for better melt and flavor—pre-shredded can be drier. Topping Ideas
Serve your Crack Breakfast Casserole with:
• Hot sauce or salsa
• Green onions or chopped parsley
• A side of sour cream or avocado slices
• Extra shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking Make It Your Own – Easy Variations
• Add Veggies: Try chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
• Spicy Twist: Use pepper jack cheese or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg mix.
• Meat Swap: Use sausage, ham, or a mix of both instead of bacon.
• Low Carb: Skip the hash browns and use sautéed cauliflower rice or zucchini instead. Freezer Friendly
This casserole freezes beautifully. Bake it fully, let it cool, then slice into portions and wrap individually. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast any day of the week.
Crack Breakfast Casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven in the morning—no extra work needed. Let It Rest Before Baking
If chilled overnight, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking. This helps it cook more evenly and reduces baking time. Cook Bacon Until Crisp
For the best flavor and texture, cook the bacon until nice and crispy before adding it to the casserole. It will soften slightly as it bakes, so starting crispy is key. Use Frozen Hash Browns
No need to thaw frozen hash browns—just layer them right in. Want extra crisp? Brown them briefly in a skillet first. Don’t Overmix the Eggs
Whisk eggs until just combined to keep the casserole light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture. Cheese Tips
Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for creaminess and sharpness. Shred your own for better melt and flavor—pre-shredded can be drier. Topping Ideas
Serve your Crack Breakfast Casserole with:
• Hot sauce or salsa
• Green onions or chopped parsley
• A side of sour cream or avocado slices
• Extra shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking Make It Your Own – Easy Variations
• Add Veggies: Try chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
• Spicy Twist: Use pepper jack cheese or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg mix.
• Meat Swap: Use sausage, ham, or a mix of both instead of bacon.
• Low Carb: Skip the hash browns and use sautéed cauliflower rice or zucchini instead. Freezer Friendly
This casserole freezes beautifully. Bake it fully, let it cool, then slice into portions and wrap individually. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast any day of the week.