Description
This Crack Breakfast Casserole will make your morning seriously delicious, packed with cheesy goodness and crispy bacon that’ll have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Hearty layers of eggs, bread, and savory meats come together in one simple dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Starch:
- 1 lb cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch dressing mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Your dish needs a light, even layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- Cook 1 pound of bacon or sausage in a skillet until crispy. Drain excess fat and crumble the meat into small pieces.
- Spread 30 ounces of thawed hash browns across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Ensure they create an even, flat layer.
- Distribute 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled meat over the hash browns. Your goal is complete, consistent coverage.
- Crack 8 large eggs into a mixing bowl. Whisk them together with 2 cups milk, creating a smooth liquid base.
- Stir 1 ounce of ranch dressing mix, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder into the egg mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Pour the seasoned egg mixture slowly and evenly across the entire casserole. Aim to cover every surface uniformly.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center sets and the top turns golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the casserole firm up and makes cutting easier.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or chives before serving warm.
Notes
- Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a nutritious twist and different flavor profile.
- Choose thick-cut bacon or spicy sausage to customize the protein and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
- Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for an easy breakfast solution that saves precious morning time.
- Test doneness by inserting a knife near the center – when it comes out clean, your casserole is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 368 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg