Description
This Crack Breakfast Casserole has earned its name for good reason – it’s absolutely addictive! This easy make-ahead breakfast combines crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, creamy cheese, and tender hash browns all baked together in one incredible dish. Perfect for busy mornings, holiday gatherings, or weekend brunches.
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs, beaten
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled (save 2 tablespoons of bacon grease)
- 32 oz frozen hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels, crumble, and reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease.
- Prepare Hash Brown Base: Spread thawed hash browns evenly in prepared baking dish. Drizzle with reserved bacon grease and season with half the salt and pepper.
- Create Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together beaten eggs, milk, garlic powder, remaining salt and pepper. Add softened cream cheese cubes and mix until well combined.
- Layer Ingredients: Pour egg mixture over hash browns. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and half of the cheddar cheese over top. Add chopped green onions.
- Add Final Toppings: Top with remaining cheddar cheese for a golden, melted layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until center is set and top is golden brown. Test with a knife in center – it should come out clean. Cool 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead Instructions: Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove 30 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature.
Storage: Leftovers keep in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Freezing: Freeze assembled unbaked casserole for up to 3 months, or freeze individual baked portions for up to 2 months.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy hash browns, squeeze out excess moisture from thawed potatoes using paper towels before layering.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
- Cholesterol: 285
Keywords: crack breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole recipe, make ahead breakfast, hash brown casserole, bacon breakfast casserole, easy breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, crowd breakfast recipe