If you’re searching for the perfect Cheesy Crack Breakfast Casserole, you’ve landed in the right place. This recipe is your secret weapon for stress-free mornings, offering a delicious and satisfying way to start your day that everyone will rave about. It’s a go-to for busy families and anyone craving a hearty, comforting breakfast without the fuss.
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Crack Breakfast Casserole
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 loaf (16 ounces) frozen bread, cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- (Optional) 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- (Optional) 1/2 cup chopped onion
How to Make Cheesy Crack Breakfast Casserole
This Cheesy Crack Breakfast Casserole is incredibly easy to assemble, making it perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches. The combination of savory sausage, tender bread, and a rich, cheesy egg mixture creates a deeply satisfying dish with layers of flavor and a wonderfully creamy texture. Best of all, it can be prepped the night before, saving you precious morning minutes. Total preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, plus overnight chilling if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Sausage (and Veggies, if Using). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. If you’re adding bell pepper and onion, you can sauté them with the sausage during the last 5 minutes of cooking until they are slightly softened. Drain off any excess grease.
- Step 2: Prepare the Bread Cubes. While the sausage is cooking, spread the cubed frozen bread onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted. This helps them hold their shape and absorb the custard mixture without becoming too mushy. Let them cool slightly.
- Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Base. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly distribute the toasted bread cubes. Sprinkle the cooked breakfast sausage mixture over the bread. Then, sprinkle both the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the sausage.
- Step 4: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs. Add the milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Step 5: Pour and Chill (Optional but Recommended). Carefully and evenly pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. At this point, you can cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an even quicker breakfast assembly in the morning. If you’re not refrigerating overnight, proceed to the next step.
- Step 6: Bake the Casserole. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you refrigerated the casserole overnight, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The center should no longer be jiggly.
- Step 7: Rest and Serve. Let the Cheesy Crack Breakfast Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows it to set up fully and makes it easier to slice. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Crack Breakfast Casserole
This Cheesy Crack Breakfast Casserole truly lives up to its name with its irresistible combination of savory sausage, fluffy bread bathed in a rich egg and milk custard, and a generous helping of gooey, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Unlike simpler breakfast bakes, this version creates an almost “crack”-like addiction with its flavor depth and comforting warmth, reminiscent of a savory bread pudding but with a breakfast twist. Making this at home saves you money compared to expensive brunch outings, and the optional sautéed bell peppers and onions add a wonderful freshness that cuts through the richness, making it truly special.
Forget those bland, dry breakfast options; this casserole is a hug in a dish that will have the whole family asking for seconds. It’s incredibly versatile – perfect alongside crispy bacon and fresh fruit. Make your mornings brighter and your taste buds happier by giving this sensational Cheesy Crack Breakfast Casserole a try today; you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Once cooled, cover the Cheesy Crack Breakfast Casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, allow the casserole to cool completely. You can freeze the entire casserole or individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen casserole will remain good for up to 1-2 months.
- Reheating from Refrigerator: To reheat, place a slice or the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the texture may be slightly softer.
- Reheating from Freezer: Thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as directed for refrigerated leftovers. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen by covering it with foil and baking at 325°F (160°C) for a longer period (45-60 minutes), removing the foil during the last 15-20 minutes to get a nice golden top.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Crack Breakfast Casserole is a masterclass in comforting, make-ahead breakfast goodness. Its ease of preparation and incredibly delicious results make it a winner for any morning. Give this recipe a go, and prepare for your taste buds to rejoice!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Cheesy Crack Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. If you’re adding bell pepper and onion, you can sauté them with the sausage during the last 5 minutes of cooking until they are slightly softened. Drain off any excess grease.1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color), 1/2 cup chopped onion
- While the sausage is cooking, spread the cubed frozen bread onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted. This helps them hold their shape and absorb the custard mixture without becoming too mushy. Let them cool slightly.1 loaf (16 ounces) frozen bread, cubed into 1-inch pieces
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, evenly distribute the toasted bread cubes. Sprinkle the cooked breakfast sausage mixture over the bread. Then, sprinkle both the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the sausage.1 loaf (16 ounces) frozen bread, cubed into 1-inch pieces, 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs. Add the milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.8 large eggs, 2 cups milk (whole or 2%), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Carefully and evenly pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. At this point, you can cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an even quicker breakfast assembly in the morning. If you’re not refrigerating overnight, proceed to the next step.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you refrigerated the casserole overnight, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The center should no longer be jiggly.
- Let the Cheesy Crack Breakfast Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows it to set up fully and makes it easier to slice. Serve hot and enjoy!