Best Crack breakfast casserole

Crack breakfast casserole is a baked breakfast dish made with eggs, meats, hash browns, cheese, and ranch seasoning. The name comes from its rich and addictive flavor.

This style appears in many pioneer woman breakfast casserole recipes. It feeds a crowd with minimal effort.

I serve it for brunch or holiday mornings. Mornings get stressful when everyone wants breakfast at the same time and the stove feels crowded.

I used to juggle pans, rush eggs, and still hear complaints. That frustration pushed me toward one pan meals that feed everyone without the rush.

This Crack Breakfast Casserole became my answer. It brings sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch seasoning into one warm dish.

I bake it for family weekends, holiday mornings, and sleep-in brunch days when comfort food feels right.

Why You’ll Love This Crack Breakfast Casserole?

This crack breakfast casserole gives big flavor with simple prep in one dish. I like how the creamy center pairs with crispy bacon and savory sausage. Hash browns keep every bite filling and satisfying. Ranch seasoning adds a bold taste without extra steps.

This recipe works well for gatherings and busy mornings when I want breakfast ready without standing at the stove.

How To Prepare Crack Breakfast Casserole?

Recipe Overview

Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty hashbrown breakfast casserole made with eggs, meats, cheese, and ranch seasoning baked in one pan.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Breakfast / Brunch
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Yield: 8 servings
• Calories Per Serving: ~480 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork sausage
• 1 pound bacon, chopped
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
• 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Ingredient Notes

1. Sausage: Pork sausage gives classic flavor. Turkey sausage fits lighter meals.

2. Bacon: Bacon adds crisp texture and rich taste. Turkey bacon works as a swap.

3. Cream Cheese: This creates the creamy base that makes cracked out breakfast casserole popular.

4. Sour Cream: Sour cream softens the egg mixture and adds balance.

5. Milk: Whole milk keeps the eggs tender.

6. Eggs: Eggs hold the casserole together.

7. Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor.

8. Hash Browns: Shredded hash browns form the base of this sausage breakfast casserole with hash browns.

9. Ranch Seasoning: This gives the signature crack breakfast flavor.

10. Spices: Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper round out the dish.

How To Make Crack Breakfast Casserole ( Step by Step )

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage until browned. Transfer to a bowl.

2. In the same skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Drain excess grease.

3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sour cream, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Add cooked sausage, bacon, hash browns, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir gently.

5. Grease a baking dish and spread the mixture evenly.

6. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.

7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes until the center sets and the top turns golden.

8. Rest the casserole for 5 minutes before slicing.

My Tip: I press excess water from the hash browns using a clean towel. This keeps the casserole firm.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Fat: 36 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g

Tips and Variations

✅ Swap sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter sausage casserole breakfast.

✅ Use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

✅ Add diced bell peppers or onions for texture.

✅ Prepare the dish the night before, cover, and chill. Bake in the morning.

✅ Crescent roll dough turns this into a breakfast crack casserole with a soft base.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fresh fruit for balance.
• Pair with sliced tomatoes or a green salad.
• Add hot sauce or salsa at the table.
• Coffee or iced tea pairs well with the rich flavor.

Storing Tips (Storage)

◉Refrigerate leftovers in sealed containers for up to 4 days.

◉Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

◉Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

◉Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Recipe Notes

• Drain bacon grease well.
• Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing.
• Press moisture from hash browns.
• Let the casserole rest before slicing.

Is This Casserole Suitable For A Gluten-Free Diet?

This casserole fits a gluten-free diet when using certified gluten-free ranch seasoning. Hash browns made from potatoes contain no gluten.

Meats, eggs, milk, sour cream, and cheese stay gluten-free. Checking labels matters for safety. The final dish stays filling and satisfying.

Can I Add Vegetables To The Casserole?

Vegetables work well in this egg casserole recipe. Bell peppers, onions, or spinach add color and texture. Chop vegetables small for even cooking. Lightly sauté firm vegetables first. This keeps the texture balanced.

More Breakfast Recipes

▶Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe

▶Perfect Chocolate crepes

▶Easy Peach coffee cake

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crack Breakfast Casserole stays on my regular menu when I need comfort food without extra work. One pan, simple steps, and bold flavor make it perfect for family breakfasts and brunch gatherings. Try it once and share how it turned out. I love hearing how readers make it their own.