Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying morning dish that’s packed with eggs, sausage, cheese, and bread. It’s the kind of breakfast that sticks to your ribs and fills the kitchen with wonderful smells while it bakes. The layers of gooey cheese, savory sausage, and soft bread make every bite super comforting and delicious.
I love making this casserole when I have guests over or want something that can feed a crowd without much fuss. The best part? You can prepare it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and just bake it in the morning. It’s basically a no-stress, crowd-pleasing breakfast that always gets plenty of compliments. I usually like to sprinkle a bit of extra cheese on top before baking for that perfect golden crust.
Serving it up fresh from the oven with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad makes it feel like a full, special morning meal. It’s one of those recipes that makes me excited to host brunch because it’s easy, tasty, and turns out perfectly every time. If you’re looking for a breakfast with a little wow factor that’s still cozy and familiar, this casserole has got you covered.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This adds great flavor and a bit of spice. You can swap pork sausage for turkey sausage for a leaner option. If you want vegetarian, try plant-based sausage crumbles.
Eggs and Milk: Eggs bind everything nicely and give a fluffy texture. If dairy is an issue, use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. Just remember the casserole might be a little less creamy.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and melts beautifully. You can try mozzarella or Colby jack for a milder taste. For lactose intolerance, use lactose-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
Bread: Texas toast or white bread soak up the egg mixture well. If you want a healthier twist, whole wheat or a crusty sourdough bread also work nicely. Just avoid very soft bread, or it might get mushy.
Green Onions and Garlic Powder: These boost flavor without overpowering. Feel free to add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for a vegetable boost, or swap green onions for chives for a milder onion flavor.
How Do You Get the Bread Perfectly Soaked Without It Becoming Too Soggy?
Balancing the bread soaking is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Use slightly stale or day-old bread. It absorbs the egg mixture better without falling apart.
- Press the casserole gently with a spatula after pouring the egg mixture to help the bread soak evenly.
- Don’t pour egg mixture too quickly or too slowly. Pour evenly over the whole dish.
- Cover with foil during the first bake to help steam and cook the eggs slowly.
- Removing the foil near the end lets the top brown nicely without drying out the inside.
Following these steps gives you a casserole that’s creamy inside with a slight crisp on top—just how I like it!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – big enough to hold the casserole and bake evenly.
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the sausage without crowding it.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking eggs, milk, and spices smoothly.
- Whisk or fork – helps blend the egg mixture without lumps.
- Spatula – to press down the casserole so the bread soaks well.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sausage for cooked bacon or ham for a different meaty taste I enjoy on weekends.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies and a pop of color.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a touch of spicy heat.
- Stir in fresh spinach or kale before baking to add some green goodness stealthily.
Crack Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 6 cups cubed bread (Texas toast or white bread works well)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley or green onion for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45-50 minutes to bake. Plan for an additional 5 minutes resting time after baking before serving. It’s a great make-ahead option since you can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish well to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. Break it into small pieces as you cook to get even bites. Once done, drain the excess fat and set the sausage aside.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together until fully blended and smooth.
4. Assemble the Layers
Start with half of the cubed bread in the bottom of your baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage evenly over the bread, then top with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re using green onions, sprinkle half of them over the cheese.
Repeat this layering with the remaining bread, sausage, and cheese.
5. Add the Egg Mixture and Bake
Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered casserole. Then, gently press down with a spatula to help the bread soak up the eggs.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the eggs are fully set and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
6. Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes out of the oven. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley or more green onions if you like. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, comforting breakfast!
Can I Make Crack Breakfast Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the sausage before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave, then drain any excess moisture before browning.
What Can I Substitute for Texas Toast Bread?
You can use any sturdy bread like white sandwich bread, sourdough, or whole wheat. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best to prevent sogginess and soak up the egg mixture nicely.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Cover leftover casserole tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. Adding a little splash of milk when reheating helps keep it moist.
