Name: Unbelievable Crack Breakfast Casserole: A Simple Joy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (30 ounces) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed; 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 6 large eggs, beaten

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Mornings, am I right? They’re usually a crazy rush out the door, and who has time to make a decent breakfast? Well, that’s where my Crack Breakfast Casserole comes in to save the day! It’s seriously the easiest thing ever to throw together, and it’s so unbelievably good. I mean, we’re talking cheesy, bacony, potato-y goodness – the kind of thing that makes everyone happy, even on a Monday. If you are looking for a recipe that you can make the night before and bake in the morning, then you have come to the right place! This Crack Breakfast Casserole is sure to be a hit!

I’ve been making this Crack Breakfast Casserole for years, tweaking it here and there until it’s become the perfect recipe. Trust me, I’ve tried a *lot* of breakfast casseroles, and this one is the winner. My friends and family always beg me to bring it to potlucks and brunches. I even made it for my kid’s school bake sale, and it was gone in minutes! So, yeah, I’d say I know a thing or two about making a killer Crack Breakfast Casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Crack Breakfast Casserole

Okay, so why is this Crack Breakfast Casserole so amazing? Let me tell you! It’s got everything going for it. Seriously, you’re gonna love it because:

Simple and Quick

Forget slaving away in the kitchen! This recipe is so easy, you can practically make it with your eyes closed (but, uh, maybe don’t actually do that!). It cuts down the morning crazy by a mile.

Perfect for a Crowd

Got a brunch to host? A potluck to attend? This casserole is *always* a hit. People go crazy for it, and it feeds a bunch, so you’re covered!

Adaptable to Your Taste

Don’t like bacon? Use sausage! Want more veggies? Throw ’em in! This recipe is super flexible, so you can make it exactly how *you* like it. My favorite part is adding a little bit of jalapenos!

Ingredients for Your Crack Breakfast Casserole

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Crack Breakfast Casserole is super forgiving, but you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need – and trust me, it’s worth the trip to the store if you’re missing anything!

One 30-ounce bag of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, and yep, you’ll want to thaw them first!
A whole pound of bacon, cooked until crispy and then crumbled. I like mine extra crispy, but that’s just me!
Two cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Go for the good stuff – it makes a difference!
One cup of sour cream – full fat, please!
Half a cup of milk.
A quarter cup of chopped green onions.
One teaspoon of garlic powder.
Half a teaspoon of salt.
A quarter teaspoon of black pepper.
And finally, six large eggs, beaten.

Crack Breakfast Casserole - detail 1

How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s not complicated at all. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have an amazing Crack Breakfast Casserole in no time. I promise!

Preparing the Base

First things first, you’ll want to grab a *big* bowl. In that bowl, toss in your thawed hash browns, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together really well, making sure everything is evenly distributed. This is the base of your Crack Breakfast Casserole, so you want it to be perfect!

Assembling the Crack Breakfast Casserole

Now, grease up a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is important – you don’t want your casserole sticking! Pour that hash brown mixture from the bowl right into the greased dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, pour those beaten eggs right over the top. Make sure the eggs cover the entire surface. This will help everything bind together while it bakes.

Baking Your Crack Breakfast Casserole

Okay, before you do *anything* else, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so don’t skip this step! Once the oven is ready, pop that casserole in and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Let it stand for about 10 minutes before serving. This lets it set up a bit more. And that’s it! You’ve made a Crack Breakfast Casserole!

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Tips for the Best Crack Breakfast Casserole

Want to take your Crack Breakfast Casserole to the next level? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years. First, *don’t* overbake it! Nobody likes a dry casserole. Keep an eye on it, and pull it out when it’s golden brown and set. Also, use good quality ingredients. Seriously, it makes a difference! Good cheese, real bacon – you know the drill. And finally, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Crack Breakfast Casserole Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Crack Breakfast Casserole. Now, let’s get crazy and mix it up! The best thing about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Wanna swap out the cheddar? Go for it! Try pepper jack for a little kick, or maybe some Gruyere if you’re feeling fancy. You can also switch up the meat – sausage, ham, even chorizo would be amazing. And don’t forget the veggies! Bell peppers, onions, spinach… the possibilities are endless! My personal favorite is adding some roasted red peppers for a touch of sweetness. Seriously, have fun with it and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Your Crack Breakfast Casserole

Alright, you’ve got this amazing Crack Breakfast Casserole, but what do you serve with it? Well, honestly, it’s pretty great on its own, but a few sides can really round out the meal. I usually go for something light and fresh, like a big bowl of fresh fruit. Berries, melon, grapes – yum! A dollop of Greek yogurt is also a winner. Or, if you’re feeling virtuous, a simple side salad adds a nice bit of green. Trust me; you can’t go wrong!

Storing and Reheating Your Crack Breakfast Casserole

Okay, so you’ve got leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Storing this Crack Breakfast Casserole is super easy. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can microwave it (easy peasy!) or bake it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through. I actually think it tastes even *better* the next day!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Crack Breakfast Casserole

Got questions about my Crack Breakfast Casserole? I bet you do! Here are some of the most common ones I get asked. Hopefully, this clears things up!

Can I make Crack Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I almost *always* do. Just assemble everything like normal, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight. Then, in the morning, just bake it as directed. Easy peasy!

Can I freeze Crack Breakfast Casserole?

Yep, you can freeze it! I recommend baking it first, letting it cool completely, and then wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, just stick it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

What can I substitute for bacon in Crack Breakfast Casserole?

Don’t like bacon (gasp!)? No worries! You can totally substitute sausage, ham, or even chorizo. Just cook it up before you add it to the casserole. Turkey sausage is another great option if you are looking for a lighter variation.

Can I add vegetables to Crack Breakfast Casserole?

Heck yeah! Veggies add so much flavor and texture. I love adding bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms… whatever I have on hand, really. Just sauté them a bit before you add them to the casserole to soften them up.

Nutritional Information for Crack Breakfast Casserole

Okay, folks, let’s talk numbers! Now, I’m no nutritionist, so please keep in mind that this is just an estimate. The nutritional information for this Crack Breakfast Casserole can vary *a lot* depending on the specific ingredients you use (brands, fat content, etc.). So, don’t take this as gospel, alright? Just a general idea of what you’re getting into! Enjoy!

Enjoyed This Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe?

So, what’d you think? Did you love it as much as I do? Leave a comment below and let me know! And hey, if you’re feeling extra generous, give the recipe a rating or share it with your friends on social media. Sharing is caring, right?!