Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing mix of eggs, cheese, sausage, and bread baked into a golden, gooey delight. It’s got everything you want in a breakfast—rich flavors, melty cheese, and just the right balance of fluffy and crispy textures. This casserole really lives up to its name, promising a big hit every time you serve it.
I love making this casserole for weekend brunches or holiday mornings when I want something special but don’t want to spend forever cooking. What’s great is that you can prep it the night before, so it’s ready to pop in the oven first thing. The sausage gives it a nice kick, but you can swap it out for bacon or keep it veggie-friendly with mushrooms and peppers. I always like to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for that perfect golden crust.
Serving this casserole with a simple side of fresh fruit or some crunchy toast makes it feel like a full celebration. It’s the kind of dish where everyone goes back for seconds and asks for the recipe—always a good sign! It’s warm, satisfying, and just a little bit indulgent, making mornings together even better.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This adds great flavor and protein. If you want a lighter option, try turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage. Cooking it beforehand ensures it’s fully cooked and juicy in the casserole.
Eggs & Milk: Eggs bind the casserole and give it a fluffy texture. Use whole milk for creaminess, but you can swap with almond, oat, or skim milk if preferred.
Bread: White bread soaks up the egg mixture nicely. You can use brioche or challah for a richer touch, or whole wheat for added fiber.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor, while mozzarella adds gooey meltiness. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for some heat.
Bacon: Adds crunch and smoky taste on top. You can replace it with cooked ham or omit it for a simpler casserole.
How Do I Get the Bread Perfectly Soaked but Not Soggy?
Getting the right texture in your casserole is key. You want the bread to soak up the egg and milk mixture without turning mushy. Here’s how:
- Add the bread cubes evenly and press gently as you pour the egg mixture to help absorption.
- Let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes before baking—this resting time lets the bread soak in the liquid.
- Use slightly stale or day-old bread—it soaks up better without falling apart.
- Baking uncovered helps the top crisp up nicely, balancing the soft inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – perfect size for even baking and serving a crowd.
- Large mixing bowl – for whisking eggs and combining all your ingredients smoothly.
- Skillet – cooks the sausage evenly and drains fat before adding to the casserole.
- Whisk – helps mix eggs and milk into a smooth, lump-free custard.
- Cutting board and knife – for cubing bread and chopping bacon or herbs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sausage for cooked bacon or diced ham to change up the meat flavor.
- Mix in diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie boost.
- Try pepper jack cheese for a little spicy twist instead of cheddar.
- Add green onions or fresh herbs like parsley for fresh, bright notes.
Crack Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices white bread, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus 40-45 minutes to bake. You might want to add a few minutes for cooling before slicing. Overall, plan for about 1 hour from start to ready-to-serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausage and Bacon:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned with no pink showing. Drain excess fat and set the sausage aside. Cook the bacon slices until crisp, then chop them into small pieces.
2. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, baking powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Assemble the Casserole Layers:
Place half of the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage evenly over the bread. Then add half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Repeat by layering the remaining bread, sausage, and cheeses evenly over the top.
4. Add Egg Mixture and Bacon:
Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, pressing gently with a spatula to help the bread soak it up. Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares. Garnish with fresh thyme, if you like, and serve warm.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage or Bacon?
You can use frozen sausage or bacon, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting for quicker results.
What Can I Substitute for White Bread?
Whole wheat, sourdough, brioche, or any sturdy bread works well. Slightly stale bread is best since it absorbs the custard mixture without getting soggy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through for best texture and flavor.
