Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together fluffy eggs, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tender bread cubes all baked into one delicious package. It’s called “crack” for a reason—once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. The combination of savory flavors and gooey cheese makes it a perfect start to any morning, especially for busy weekends or holiday brunches.
I love making this casserole because it’s so easy to put together and you can prep it the night before, which means less stress in the morning. One of my favorite things is how you can switch up the ingredients—add sausage instead of bacon, toss in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach, or use different kinds of cheese. It’s flexible and forgiving, which is great when you’re feeding a group with different tastes.
Whenever I serve this, I like to pair it with some fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance out all the richness. It’s always a hit with family and friends because it feels like a special meal but is really straightforward to make. If you’re looking for a no-fuss breakfast that fills everyone up and gets rave reviews, this casserole is a great one to keep in your recipe box.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This brings a lot of flavor and richness. You can swap it for cooked bacon, ham, or even plant-based sausage if you want a different taste or need a vegetarian option.
Bread Cubes: Day-old bread works best since it soaks up the egg mixture without turning mushy. White or sourdough are my favorites, but whole wheat or gluten-free bread can work too.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and melty texture. Feel free to try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses based on what you like or have on hand.
Eggs & Milk: Eggs are the binder, making the casserole set up nicely. Whole milk gives creaminess, but you can use 2%, half-and-half, or a dairy-free milk for a lighter or different texture.
How Do You Get the Perfect Baked Eggs on Top?
The baked eggs on top are a signature part of this casserole but need some care to look and taste great.
- After the first bake, use the back of a spoon to gently create small wells in the casserole where you want to place the cracked eggs.
- Crack the eggs one at a time carefully into the wells so the yolks stay intact.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake just until the egg whites set but the yolks are still soft, usually about 12-15 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the eggs during baking to avoid overcooking; you want a tender, runny yolk unless you prefer fully cooked.
This technique keeps the eggs looking beautiful and gives a lovely mix of textures when you serve. Patience and gentle handling are key!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for layering ingredients and baking evenly.
- Large mixing bowl – makes whisking eggs and milk together easy and mess-free.
- Whisk – helps combine eggs and milk smoothly without lumps.
- Skillet – great for cooking sausage or bacon before adding to the casserole.
- Spoon or spatula – handy for spreading sausage, cheese, and bread cubes evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap breakfast sausage for cooked chorizo or ham to add a spicy or smoky twist.
- Mix in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for milder or creamier flavors.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for a little kick.
Crack Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (or bacon for topping)
- 6 cups day-old bread cubes (white or sourdough works well)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh chives
- Additional cooked and crumbled bacon pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 55 minutes total baking time, including the initial bake and the extra time to bake the eggs on top. Allow 5 minutes of resting before serving. So, plan for roughly 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausage and Bacon:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside. If using bacon, cook it until crisp, crumble some for topping, and set aside.
2. Assemble the Casserole Layers:
Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage on top of the bread cubes, followed by an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Mix and Pour the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers, pressing the bread gently so it soaks up the liquid.
4. First Bake:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to let it set and cook through.
5. Add Eggs on Top and Finish Baking:
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Use the back of a spoon to make shallow wells throughout the casserole. Crack an egg into each well. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your preference.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Take the casserole out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the top with the crumbled bacon pieces and chopped fresh chives. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage or Bacon?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the sausage or bacon before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the first bake step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed and add the eggs on top before finishing the bake. This makes busy mornings much easier.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Casserole?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach work great. Just sauté them first to remove excess moisture, then add them with the sausage for tasty veggie boosts.
