Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’re going to love this Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe. It’s ridiculously easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding family or prepping ahead for busy mornings. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to comfort breakfast (or brunch!) dish.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your fridge and pantry, so no last-minute runs to the store.
  • Rich, Comforting Flavors: The combo of sausage, cheese, and eggs creates that irresistible savory taste everyone craves in the morning.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it the night before and bake it fresh, saving you precious time on busy days.
  • Versatile & Customizable: Love veggies or want it spicy? You can easily add in extras to make it truly yours.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe relies on a few simple but magic ingredients that come together perfectly. Each element plays its role to give you a satisfying, creamy, cheesy, and meaty dish you won’t forget. Here’s a little lowdown on why these ingredients shine:

Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese, hearty breakfast casserole, easy sausage breakfast bake, make-ahead breakfast casserole, cheesy sausage brunch dish - Flat lay of raw ground sausage patty, eight whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of creamy sour cream, a small white bowl filled with shredded cheddar cheese, a small white bowl of crispy bacon bits, a few fresh green chili peppers, one small white bowl with chopped white onions, scattered whole peppercorns and a small pinch of coarse sea salt crystals all arranged symmetrically around a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Ground sausage or ground beef: Brings in juicy, savory richness—sausage adds seasoning while beef offers a straightforward meaty punch.
  • Eggs: The base that holds everything together with a fluffy, custardy texture.
  • Sour cream or cream cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, which elevates the eggs from basic to gourmet.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Gooey and melty, giving you that indulgent cheesy goodness on every bite.
  • Crispy bacon bits: For that irresistible crunch and smoky finish topping the casserole.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to brighten all flavors.
  • Optional chopped onions or green chiles: For added aroma, sweetness, or a touch of heat—you can customize here without overcomplicating.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often swap out a few things based on what’s in my fridge or what I’m craving that day. Don’t be shy to get creative—your taste buds will thank you!

  • Vegetable Add-ins: I love folding in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a veggie boost without stealing the spotlight.
  • Meat Swaps: Turkey sausage or spicy chorizo works just as well for a different twist.
  • Dairy Alternatives: If you want it lighter, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream with great results, but cream cheese delivers a richer bite.
  • Spice it Up: Toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of smoked paprika if you want to wake up your palate.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

I always start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground sausage until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step builds the base flavor. Remember to drain any excess fat — otherwise, the casserole can get a bit greasy. While the meat is cooking, you can get your eggs and dairy ready to whisk together.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream or cream cheese, and seasoning until fully combined and smooth. The sour cream adds moisture and richness I personally can’t live without. If you want a really smooth texture, use softened cream cheese and beat it with the eggs gently.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Grease your casserole dish well — non-stick spray or butter works wonders. Layer in the cooked sausage first for an even meaty base. Then pour the egg mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and bacon bits across. This layering helps the flavors meld while baking and creates a beautiful golden crust on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 30 to 40 minutes. You want the eggs set firmly but not dry, and the cheese bubbling and golden. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving — this helps it firm up and makes slices easier to handle.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip Draining the Sausage: Too much grease makes the casserole soggy; take a minute to drain off fat for a cleaner flavor.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: I let eggs and dairy sit out briefly so they blend more easily and create a smooth custard.
  • Let It Rest Before Serving: It firms up nicely, so your knife won’t tear through the slices.
  • Use Sharp Cheddar: It melts beautifully and adds the perfect tangy punch that mild cheeses can’t match.

How to Serve Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe

Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese, hearty breakfast casserole, easy sausage breakfast bake, make-ahead breakfast casserole, cheesy sausage brunch dish - A close-up view of a thick slice of layered casserole on a white plate, resting on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: the bottom and middle layers are creamy and light yellow with a soft, cheesy texture, separated by a dense layer of browned cooked ground meat with a crumbly texture and rich brown color. The top layer is a bright melted orange-yellow cheese, generously topped with small, crispy pieces of bacon in dark reddish-brown hues, adding a crunchy texture contrast. The layers are distinct but slightly blended at the edges, making the dish look hearty and rich. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like sprinkling fresh chopped chives or parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh bite. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado on the side adds creaminess and freshness that pairs perfectly with this rich casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines best with simple sides. I often serve it with fresh fruit salad or crispy hash browns. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness if you’re serving it for brunch guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I bake this casserole in mini muffin tins for fun individual portions—perfect for holiday brunch or parties. You could also use a decorative baking dish and serve slices with dollops of salsa or spicy aioli for an added flavor kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I tightly cover the casserole with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It keeps great for up to 4 days, which is perfect for weekday breakfasts or quick snacks. I find the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I cut it into portions and freeze in airtight containers or zip-top bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make it a bit rubbery, so the oven is my preferred method to keep that fluffy texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use turkey sausage instead of regular sausage in the Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe?

    Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well and will reduce the fat content a bit, but keep in mind it may have a milder flavor. To keep that savory richness, you can add extra seasoning like garlic powder or smoked paprika to the mix.

  2. Is this Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! This recipe naturally contains no gluten ingredients, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten. Just be sure to use gluten-free bacon bits if you add those and double-check labels on any processed items.

  3. Can I prepare this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning?

    Definitely! In fact, making it the night before and baking fresh in the morning is one of my favorite ways to save time. Just cover tightly, refrigerate overnight, then pop it in the oven when you’re ready. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in straight from the fridge.

  4. What cheese works best in this Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe?

    I recommend sharp cheddar—it melts beautifully and adds a nice tang that balances the richness. However, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for some heat or a mild mozzarella if you prefer a less intense cheese flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe has been a favorite in my kitchen because it merges simplicity with serious comfort food vibes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an easy, satisfying breakfast option, it really delivers on flavor and ease. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation. And hey, if you experiment with your own spin on it, I’d love to hear how it turns out!

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Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for mornings, combining savory ground sausage or beef, creamy eggs, tangy sour cream or cream cheese, and melted cheddar cheese topped with crispy bacon bits. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying dish perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.


Ingredients

Meat

  • 1 lb ground sausage or ground beef
  • 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits

Egg Mixture

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream or cream cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped onions or green chiles

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage or beef until browned, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
  3. Mix Eggs: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream or cream cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Add the optional chopped onions or green chiles if using.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Grease a casserole dish lightly. Layer the cooked meat evenly on the bottom, pour the egg mixture over the meat, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Finally, add the crispy bacon bits as a topping.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the eggs are fully set, and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

  • This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Use cream cheese for a richer texture or sour cream for tanginess depending on your preference.
  • For a lower fat option, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 350 mg

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