Introduction

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and delicious start to any morning. Packed with savory sausage, bacon, cheese, and creamy seasonings, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. Easy to assemble and loaded with flavor, it’s sure to become a breakfast favorite.

A close-up of a baked casserole in a clear glass dish with a golden brown top layer mixed with crispy reddish-brown bacon pieces. Below this, there is a bright yellow cheesy layer mixed with bits of browned sausage. The inside is light and fluffy with white scrambled eggs and specks of green herbs, giving it a soft texture. A metal spoon lifts a square piece, showing the layers clearly with the browned crust on the edges. The dish sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) pork sausage
1 pound (450g) bacon, chopped
4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (120g) sour cream
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
8 large eggs
2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (30-ounce/850g) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
1 (1-ounce/28g) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pork sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
Step 2: Add the chopped bacon to the same skillet and cook until crispy. Drain excess grease and combine the cooked sausage and bacon in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, whole milk, eggs, ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the thawed hash browns to the meat mixture in the large bowl. Pour the creamy egg mixture over and gently stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Slice and enjoy your hearty breakfast casserole!

Tips & Variations

Use turkey sausage and turkey bacon for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra vegetable goodness and crunch.
Make it vegetarian by replacing meat with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
For a spicier kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baked casserole in a clear glass dish, showing a thick yellow and golden top layer of melted cheese mixed with browned sausage pieces and small crispy bits of bacon, sprinkled with green herbs. Below the top layer is a fluffy, pale, creamy inside with visible pockets of white, soft cheese. The edges are golden brown and slightly crispy. A silver spoon lifts a square piece, highlighting the thick, soft, and textured inside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.

What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can substitute it with a blend of dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper to taste. This will provide a similar flavor profile.

Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 74 reviews

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and indulgent dish perfect for a satisfying breakfast or brunch. Featuring layers of savory pork sausage, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender hash browns, it’s loaded with bold flavors and a rich, comforting texture. The addition of ranch seasoning adds a delicious tangy twist, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare ahead and bake until golden and bubbly.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meats

1 pound (450g) pork sausage
1 pound (450g) bacon, chopped

Dairy & Eggs

4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (120g) sour cream
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
8 large eggs
2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Vegetables & Seasonings

1 (30-ounce/850g) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
1 (1-ounce/28g) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Cook the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pork sausage until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Drain excess fat and set bacon aside.
Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, whole milk, and eggs. Whisk together until smooth and fully incorporated.
Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir into the creamy mixture the ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well. Then fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Combine with Hash Browns: Add the thawed and drained hash browns into the mixture and stir until evenly combined.
Layer the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the cooked sausage and bacon evenly across the bottom. Pour the hash brown and creamy mixture over the meats, smoothing the top.
Bake the Casserole: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy a flavorful, hearty breakfast treat.

Notes

Make sure to fully thaw and drain the hash browns to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate it; just add extra baking time if baking cold.
Use full-fat dairy products for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Feel free to add chopped green onions or bell peppers to the hash brown mixture for extra flavor and texture.
This casserole reheats well and makes great leftovers for breakfast or brunch.

Keywords: breakfast casserole, crack breakfast casserole, hash brown casserole, sausage casserole, bacon breakfast bake, ranch seasoning casserole