Easy Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

Introduction

Discover the ultimate solution for a simple, hearty, and hands-off breakfast that truly delivers. This incredible crockpot breakfast casserole recipe is perfectly designed for effortlessly feeding a large crowd or streamlining your meal prep for incredibly busy mornings. Enjoy the sheer convenience of waking up to a warm, ready-to-eat, and utterly delicious meal without any morning fuss or complex steps. Furthermore, this versatile recipe is naturally gluten-free and endlessly customizable, making it a universally beloved and adaptable favorite for any household. You will undoubtedly love how incredibly easy it is to prepare this satisfying and comforting dish.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

This crockpot breakfast casserole isn’t merely a recipe; it’s a revolutionary breakfast game-changer that simplifies your mornings. Here’s precisely why you will instantly want to add it to your regular rotation:

• Effortless, Hands-Off Preparation: Simply layer all your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and then let it perform all the work either overnight or conveniently throughout the day.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether planning a festive holiday brunch, a special family gathering, or just facing a regular busy morning, this dish fits perfectly into any scenario.
• Feeds a Crowd Generously: This substantial and robust casserole effortlessly satisfies a large family or numerous hungry guests without demanding extra effort from you.
• Endlessly Customizable: Adapt this recipe with your preferred meats, various cheeses, and an assortment of vegetables to create a brand-new flavor profile every single time.
• Deliciously Cheesy and Satisfying: Every single bite is generously packed with savory goodness, creating a profoundly comforting and fulfilling start to your entire day.
• Excellent for Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare this incredible casserole in advance, and you’ll have convenient grab-and-go breakfasts readily available throughout your busy week.

Ingredients

Gathering your necessary ingredients for this incredibly easy crockpot breakfast casserole is the very first step toward a completely stress-free and delicious morning. You will only require a handful of common, readily available items to expertly create this incredibly satisfying and wonderfully flavorful dish. Always opt for the freshest ingredients possible for the absolute best taste and optimal texture in your slow cooker creation.

• 30 oz frozen shredded hash browns, Ore-Ida recommended
• 1 lb breakfast sausage, browned and drained, Jimmy Dean recommended
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk, any kind
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Notes & Substitutions

For the best results in your crockpot breakfast casserole, using Ore-Ida frozen shredded hash browns is recommended for consistent texture. Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage is preferred, but any brand works. Easily swap meats with cooked bacon, diced ham, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different cheese varieties like Colby Jack or Pepper Jack to alter the flavor. To add nutrients, include finely diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, mushrooms, or drained green chiles. This versatile crockpot breakfast casserole recipe is naturally gluten-free, a great choice for dietary restrictions. For those managing dietary restrictions, understanding the specifics of facts about gluten-free diets is important. Always use large, in-shell eggs for accurate measurements and best results.

Equipment

You will only need a few basic kitchen tools to easily assemble this amazing crockpot breakfast casserole. These essential items ensure a smooth, efficient, and ultimately easy cooking process, consistently leading to perfect and delightful results every single time. Having the right tools makes all the difference.

• A 6-quart crock pot is the ideal size for accommodating the generous portions of this robust recipe.
• A large mixing bowl makes whisking the essential egg mixture simple, quick, and completely mess-free.
• A sturdy whisk helps you combine the eggs and seasonings thoroughly for an even flavor distribution.
• Nonstick cooking spray is absolutely crucial for both effortless serving and remarkably easy cleanup afterwards.

Instructions

Preparing your deliciously hearty crockpot breakfast casserole is incredibly straightforward and designed for simplicity. Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions precisely for a perfect, satisfying meal that essentially cooks itself while you comfortably relax.

1. Prepare Crockpot: Begin by thoroughly and generously spraying your entire 6-quart crock pot with a nonstick cooking spray. This crucial initial step diligently prevents any ingredients from sticking and guarantees effortless removal of your delicious casserole once it’s done.
2. First Hash Brown Layer: Carefully and evenly spread exactly half of the frozen shredded hash browns across the bottom surface of your prepared crockpot. It’s important not to thaw them beforehand; they cook beautifully directly from their frozen state.
3. Add First Sausage Layer: Next, create an even layer with half of your cooked and thoroughly drained breakfast sausage over the hash browns. Ensure the sausage is well-crumbled and distributed for uniform flavor in every bite.
4. Cheese & Onions Layer: Distribute precisely half of both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the sausage layer. Then, sprinkle all of the finely chopped green onions across this layer, adding a wonderfully fresh, zesty, and aromatic kick.
5. Repeat Layers: Now, simply repeat the exact layering process. Add the remaining frozen hash browns, followed by the rest of the cooked breakfast sausage. Finish these savory layers with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
6. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a spacious large mixing bowl, carefully crack all 12 large eggs. Add the 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Use a sturdy whisk to vigorously combine these ingredients until they are completely well blended and slightly frothy, indicating a perfect mixture.
7. Pour Over Casserole: With a steady hand, slowly and evenly pour the whisked egg mixture over all the meticulously layered ingredients in the crockpot. Take care to ensure the liquid gently seeps down into the hash browns and sausage for thorough saturation.
8. Cook: Securely place the lid onto your crockpot. Cook this delightful crockpot breakfast casserole on the HIGH setting for exactly 4 hours, or on the LOW setting for approximately 8 hours. The longer, gentler cooking time on LOW often results in a slightly creamier and more tender texture.
9. Check Doneness: To confirm your casserole is fully and safely cooked, insert a knife or thin skewer into the very center. The eggs should appear completely set and firm, with no runny or jiggly spots. The inserted utensil should come out clean.
10. Serve: Once perfectly cooked to your liking, scoop generous portions of your warm and ready crockpot breakfast casserole into individual bowls or onto plates. Garnish with extra green onions or your favorite toppings if desired, and then enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the absolute best results for your crockpot breakfast casserole every single time you prepare it with these incredibly helpful and practical tips.

• Thorough Cooking: Do not rely solely on the visible top browning to indicate doneness. Always diligently check the very center to ensure all the eggs are completely set and firm. To ensure your breakfast casserole is safely cooked, always verify that it reaches the recommended safe minimum internal temperatures for casseroles.
• Prevent Sticking: Generously spray your crockpot with plenty of nonstick cooking spray, or use a convenient slow cooker liner for remarkably easy cleanup.
• Avoid Soggy Potatoes: Ensure your breakfast sausage is thoroughly drained of all excess grease before adding it. Use frozen hash browns and importantly, do not thaw them; this significantly helps prevent a mushy or watery texture.
• Even Cooking: Spread your casserole layers as evenly as humanly possible. This crucial step ensures all ingredients cook consistently at the same rate, preventing any dry or undercooked spots.
• Prevent Burnt Cheese: If you prefer, consider adding the final layer of cheese during only the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. This clever trick prevents it from over-browning or becoming too dry.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This incredibly versatile crockpot breakfast casserole pairs wonderfully with numerous sides and can be effortlessly adapted to suit virtually any taste preference.

• Serving Suggestions:
  • Offer a fun and interactive toppings bar complete with fresh salsa, creamy sliced avocado, your favorite hot sauce, or extra chopped green onions for a vibrant touch.
  • Complement the hearty and robust casserole with a light and refreshing fresh fruit salad or a batch of our delightful Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls.
  • Transform it into exciting breakfast tacos by serving generous scoops of the casserole on warm flatbread or soft tortillas for a new twist.
• Storage Tips:
  • Refrigerate any leftover casserole promptly in an airtight container for a maximum of 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
  • For extended storage, meticulously freeze individual portions in robust freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat refrigerated portions conveniently in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed through.
• Variations: Feel completely free to stir in some cooked spinach, savory roasted red peppers, or different aromatic spice blends directly into the egg mixture for exciting new flavor dimensions.

Nutrition

Understanding the estimated nutritional content of your meals is incredibly helpful for effectively managing your daily diet and making informed choices. This hearty crockpot breakfast casserole offers a substantial amount of protein and beneficial healthy fats, which together provide sustained energy throughout your day. Please always remember that these estimated values are precisely that – estimates – and can certainly vary based on specific brands used, any ingredient substitutions made, and individual portion sizes. Use this information as a general guiding principle only.

FAQ

Here are comprehensive answers to some of the most common questions about successfully making this fantastic crockpot breakfast casserole. These insights will help you achieve perfect results.

• Can I prepare this casserole the night before? Yes, you absolutely can! Assemble the entire casserole within your crockpot, cover it securely, and then refrigerate it overnight. Simply place it into the slow cooker in the morning and cook exactly as directed.
• What size crockpot is best for this recipe? A 6-quart crockpot is the perfectly ideal size for accommodating the full recipe, ensuring all the generous layers fit comfortably and cook with perfect evenness.
• Can I use fresh shredded potatoes instead of frozen? While this recipe is meticulously optimized for frozen hash browns, you may use fresh ones. Ensure you thoroughly rinse and firmly squeeze out all excess moisture from fresh potatoes to prevent a watery or diluted casserole.
• How do I prevent the casserole from being watery or mushy? Ensure your breakfast sausage is very well-drained after browning to remove excess grease. Additionally, avoid overcooking, as this can sometimes contribute to a less desirable mushy texture.
• Can this recipe be baked in a conventional oven? This specific recipe is carefully designed and precisely optimized for the unique slow cooking process in a crockpot. If you prefer to bake, it’s best to seek out recipes specifically tailored for oven-baked breakfast casseroles to ensure the finest results.

Conclusion

This incredibly easy, wonderfully cheesy, and utterly satisfying crockpot breakfast casserole stands out as a true lifesaver for both incredibly busy mornings and special family occasions alike. Bid farewell to morning stress and enthusiastically say hello to delicious, hands-off cooking that consistently delivers a hearty, fulfilling meal with absolutely minimal effort on your part. Whether you’re efficiently meal prepping for the upcoming week or delighting a hungry crowd, this simple and robust recipe will very quickly become a cherished favorite in your beloved home. Enjoy the ultimate convenience and incredible flavor of this amazing slow cooker dish!

Easy Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

This easy crockpot breakfast casserole is packed with hash browns, savory sausage, two kinds of cheese, and eggs, making for a delicious and convenient meal perfect for feeding a crowd.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 30 oz frozen shredded hash browns Ore-Ida recommended
• 1 lb breakfast sausage browned and drained, Jimmy Dean recommended
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 green onions chopped
• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk any kind
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Equipment

• 6-quart crock pot
• large bowl
• whisk

Method

 

Instructions

1. Spray a 6-quart crock pot with nonstick spray. Layer half the hash browns, half the cooked sausage, half of each cheese, and the green onions. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, then pour evenly over the layers. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours, until the eggs are set in the center, then scoop and serve.

Notes

Cook time can vary between 4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW, depending on your preference and crockpot. Ensure eggs are fully set before serving.