This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is a warm and filling dish perfect for busy mornings. Packed with eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats, it’s deliciously simple!
Just toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you relax. Who doesn’t love waking up to a hot, tasty breakfast waiting for them? 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: You can use either pork or turkey sausage based on your preference. If looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works great without sacrificing too much flavor.
Eggs: I recommend large eggs for perfect texture and taste. If you want to make this dish vegan, you can try using tofu or a plant-based egg substitute, like chickpea flour mixed with water.
Frozen Hash Browns: Shredded potatoes are a classic base for this casserole. If you’re out of frozen hash browns, you can grate fresh potatoes, but remember to soak them first to remove excess starch.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a lovely sharpness. If you’re after a twist, consider using pepper jack for some kick or mozzarella for a milder profile.
Milk: Regular milk is standard, but feel free to swap in a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, which works just as well.
How Do I Get the Eggs to Set Perfectly in the Casserole?
Setting the eggs just right in a Crockpot breakfast casserole may seem tricky, but it’s all about the timing and temperature. The slow cooker’s gentle heat helps create a tender texture.
- Start by cooking on low for the full 6-7 hours. If you’re short on time, high heat for 3-4 hours can work too.
- Check if the edges look firm but the center might seem a little jiggly—that’s normal! Let it sit a bit with the lid on to help it finish cooking through.
- For best results, avoid lifting the lid too often as it can release steam and affect cooking time.
Enjoy this easy and comforting breakfast dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups frozen hash browns (shredded potatoes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the slow cooker
For Serving:
- Sour cream (optional)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll let it cook in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for busy mornings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker:
Start by lightly greasing the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or butter. This will help prevent sticking and make serving easier later on.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Make sure to crumble the sausage into small pieces while cooking. Once done, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Layer the Hash Browns:
Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the crockpot. This will be the base for your delicious casserole.
4. Add the Sausage:
Next, evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the layer of hash browns.
5. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you like, sprinkle some diced onion on top of the sausage for extra flavor!
6. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This mixture will bring everything together beautifully.
7. Combine Everything:
Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and hash browns in the crockpot, making sure it’s evenly spread out.
8. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of everything. Yum!
9. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The casserole is ready when the eggs are fully cooked and set in the middle.
10. Serve:
Once cooked, carefully scoop out portions onto plates. You can top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with sliced green onions for that extra touch!
Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and savory Crockpot Breakfast Casserole!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. Just keep in mind that the flavor and consistency might change slightly.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version! Simply omit the sausage and add in veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a hearty alternative. You might also consider adding more cheese for added flavor!
Can I Prep This Casserole the Night Before?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole the night before by layering all the ingredients in the crockpot. Just cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place it directly in the slow cooker and cook as directed. This is a great way to save time!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or in the oven until heated through. You can also add a splash of milk to keep it creamy!
