There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of a delicious, home-cooked breakfast without the hassle of slaving over the stove. This Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution for busy mornings or weekend brunches.
Packed with savory flavors and easy to prepare, it’s a breakfast that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a large group or just want a simple meal for your family, this casserole will have you covered.
This casserole is layered with hearty ingredients like savory sausage, crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and a creamy egg mixture that ties it all together.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it with your favorite ingredients, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings.
If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious breakfast with minimal prep, this Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole is a must-try!
Ingredients List
Before you dive into preparing this delicious breakfast casserole, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. bulk pork sausage – For a rich and savory flavor that gives the casserole its heartiness.
- 1 (28-ounce) package frozen Potatoes O’Brien with peppers and onions, thawed (or substitute with a 20-ounce package of frozen shredded hash browns) – Adds that perfect base of crispy potatoes with the added flavor of onions and peppers.
- 2 cups (about 8 ounces) grated cheddar cheese – This classic cheese is perfect for melting into the casserole, but feel free to switch it out for another type of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
- 12 eggs – The eggs bind all the ingredients together, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- 1 cup milk – Helps create a soft, custard-like texture for the egg mixture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt (or substitute with 1 teaspoon regular salt) – Seasoning is key for bringing all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon pepper – Adds just the right amount of spice.
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right kitchen tools on hand will ensure the process goes smoothly and that your casserole turns out perfectly every time. Here are the tools you’ll need for this recipe:
- Skillet or Frying Pan: Used for browning the sausage and adding extra flavor before layering it into the casserole.
- 6-quart Crock Pot: The star of the show! A 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe, allowing all the ingredients to cook together and develop that delicious flavor.
- Large Mixing Bowl: This is where you’ll whisk together the eggs, milk, and seasonings.
- Cooking Spray: To ensure that nothing sticks to your Crock Pot, lightly coat the inside with cooking spray.
Once you have all your ingredients and tools ready, you’re just a few steps away from having this mouthwatering breakfast casserole cooking in your slow cooker.
Preparing the Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and the minimal effort required to get it started. With a few quick steps, you’ll have a breakfast that practically cooks itself in your Crock Pot while you get on with your day.
Browning the Sausage
First things first – let’s cook the sausage. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and add the bulk pork sausage. Break the sausage apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring it turns brown and is no longer pink. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is fully browned, drain any excess grease. This step helps ensure your casserole isn’t greasy and that the sausage flavor really shines through.
Layering the Ingredients
Now it’s time to start building the casserole layers. Lightly spray the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent anything from sticking. Begin by placing half of the thawed Potatoes O’Brien (or hash browns if you’re using those) in the bottom of the Crock Pot. These potatoes serve as a delicious and crispy base for the casserole.
Next, layer half of the browned sausage on top of the potatoes. The sausage brings a savory, flavorful punch that pairs beautifully with the potatoes. Follow this with half of the grated cheddar cheese, which will melt beautifully throughout the casserole.
Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese, finishing with the last layer of cheese on top. This ensures that the cheese gets a chance to melt and become golden and bubbly by the time your casserole is done cooking.
Whisking the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, seasoned salt (or regular salt), and pepper. This egg mixture will help bind all the layers together, creating a custard-like texture once it’s cooked. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in your slow cooker. Make sure the eggs are distributed evenly, covering all the layers.
Now that your casserole is assembled, it’s time to cook it to perfection!
Cooking the Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole
Now comes the magic part: letting the slow cooker do all the work for you! This is where you can sit back and relax while the casserole cooks to golden, cheesy perfection.
Setting the Crock Pot
Once everything is layered and the egg mixture has been poured over, cover the Crock Pot with its lid. Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it cook for 4 to 5 hours. The eggs should be fully set, and the casserole should have a nice, firm texture. The slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld together while keeping the potatoes tender and the cheese wonderfully melted.
Checking for Doneness
After 4 hours, check the casserole to ensure the eggs are fully cooked through. You can do this by gently inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your casserole is ready. If not, cover and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, checking every so often until the eggs are set.
Letting It Cool
Once your Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole is done cooking, turn off the slow cooker and remove the lid. Let the casserole cool uncovered for about 30 minutes on a cooling rack. This resting period helps the casserole firm up a bit more, making it easier to slice. Plus, it gives the flavors time to settle, making each bite even more delicious.
Serving and Enjoying Your Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole
After that 30-minute resting period, it’s time to slice up this delicious breakfast casserole and enjoy! This dish is perfect for a weekend brunch, a family breakfast, or even a potluck. The best part is, you can serve it straight from the Crock Pot, keeping it warm for everyone to enjoy.
How to Serve
Use a sharp knife to slice the casserole into squares or wedges, depending on how many people you’re serving. If you’re serving a crowd, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit, toast, or a simple salad to round out the meal.
Customizing Your Casserole
One of the great things about this Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. This creates a lighter, yet still flavorful, breakfast option.
- Cheese Variety: Swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. You can even add a mix of cheeses for a more complex taste.
- Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, throw in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture to kick things up a notch.
Storage Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because this casserole is so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven for a quick breakfast treat the next day.
Freezing for Later
Want to prepare this casserole in advance? You can freeze it for future breakfasts. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in the oven or microwave.
Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole
Equipment
- Skillet or Frying Pan
- 6-quart Crock Pot
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Cooking Spray
Ingredients
- 1 lb . bulk pork sausage – For a rich and savory flavor that gives the casserole its heartiness.
- 1 (28-ounce) package frozen Potatoes O’Brien with peppers and onions, thawed (or substitute with a 20-ounce package of frozen shredded hash browns) – Adds that perfect base of crispy potatoes with the added flavor of onions and peppers.
- 2 cups (about 8 ounces) grated cheddar cheese – This classic cheese is perfect for melting into the casserole, but feel free to switch it out for another type of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
- 12 eggs – The eggs bind all the ingredients together, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- 1 cup milk – Helps create a soft, custard-like texture for the egg mixture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt (or substitute with 1 teaspoon regular salt) – Seasoning is key for bringing all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon pepper – Adds just the right amount of spice.
Instructions
- First things first – let’s cook the sausage. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and add the bulk pork sausage. Break the sausage apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring it turns brown and is no longer pink. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is fully browned, drain any excess grease. This step helps ensure your casserole isn’t greasy and that the sausage flavor really shines through.
- Now it’s time to start building the casserole layers. Lightly spray the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent anything from sticking. Begin by placing half of the thawed Potatoes O’Brien (or hash browns if you’re using those) in the bottom of the Crock Pot. These potatoes serve as a delicious and crispy base for the casserole.
- Next, layer half of the browned sausage on top of the potatoes. The sausage brings a savory, flavorful punch that pairs beautifully with the potatoes. Follow this with half of the grated cheddar cheese, which will melt beautifully throughout the casserole.
- Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese, finishing with the last layer of cheese on top. This ensures that the cheese gets a chance to melt and become golden and bubbly by the time your casserole is done cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, seasoned salt (or regular salt), and pepper. This egg mixture will help bind all the layers together, creating a custard-like texture once it’s cooked. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in your slow cooker. Make sure the eggs are distributed evenly, covering all the layers.
- Once everything is layered and the egg mixture has been poured over, cover the Crock Pot with its lid. Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it cook for 4 to 5 hours. The eggs should be fully set, and the casserole should have a nice, firm texture. The slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld together while keeping the potatoes tender and the cheese wonderfully melted.
- After 4 hours, check the casserole to ensure the eggs are fully cooked through. You can do this by gently inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your casserole is ready. If not, cover and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, checking every so often until the eggs are set.
- Once your Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole is done cooking, turn off the slow cooker and remove the lid. Let the casserole cool uncovered for about 30 minutes on a cooling rack. This resting period helps the casserole firm up a bit more, making it easier to slice. Plus, it gives the flavors time to settle, making each bite even more delicious.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole is a total game-changer for anyone who loves an easy, filling, and delicious breakfast. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting meal that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making it for a family breakfast or serving it at a brunch gathering, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite. So, grab your ingredients, dust off that slow cooker, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful breakfast that’s ready when you are!
