Crack Breakfast Casserole

This irresistibly comforting breakfast casserole brings together sizzling sausage crisp bacon creamy cheeses and golden hash browns with a bold ranch twist It is the ultimate brunch crowd pleaser and makes every holiday morning something to look forward to

I first made this casserole for a family brunch and everyone went back for seconds It has become my go to dish for potlucks because it never disappoints and disappears fast

Ingredients

• Pork sausage: adds juicy savoriness and heartiness When possible buy fresh sausage from the meat counter for the best flavor
• Bacon: chopped up and cooked until crisp offers rich salty crunch Look for thick cut bacon for extra texture
• Cream cheese: softened for easy blending creates a luscious creamy base Use block cream cheese for purity
• Sour cream: supplies tang and extra creaminess Full fat gives the best results
• Whole milk: helps bind the eggs for a soft custardy bite Choose whole milk for richness
• Large eggs: bring structure and make this a real breakfast centerpiece Use fresh eggs if you can
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melts into gooey pockets of goodness Buy a block and shred it yourself for maximum melt and flavor
• Frozen shredded hash browns: form the sturdy filling Thaw and drain them well so the casserole is not watery
• Dry ranch seasoning: packs a punch of herbs and spice Opt for a brand you love and check for gluten free certification if needed
• Onion powder and garlic powder: create depth and round out the flavor
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: enhance all the other flavors Use kosher salt and crack your own pepper for best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Meats:

Brown pork sausage and chopped bacon together in a large skillet over medium high heat You want the bacon golden and the sausage fully cooked Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness then set aside on paper towels

Blend the Dairy and Eggs:

In a big mixing bowl use a hand mixer or whisk to combine softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth Add whole milk eggs dry ranch seasoning onion powder garlic powder salt and pepper Beat until you have a fully incorporated custard mixture

Combine Everything:

Gently mix the cooked meats thawed and well drained hash browns and half the cheddar cheese into the egg mixture Make sure the meats and potatoes are distributed evenly so every bite has a bit of everything

Assemble the Casserole:

Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish for easy serving Pour the mixture in and spread it evenly with a spatula Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for a golden finish

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 50 to 60 minutes Check at the 50 minute mark for doneness Remove the foil and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes so the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown

Let it Rest and Serve:

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes so it sets up before slicing Serve slices warm with optional hot sauce scallions or a little extra ranch on top

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My favorite part of this casserole is the crispy bacon on top Growing up my family always tried to sneak the crispiest piece before breakfast was served Now we all laugh and make sure to save some extra on the side for the bacon lovers in the house

Storage Tips

To store leftovers let the casserole cool completely and then transfer portions to an airtight container Refrigerate for up to four days Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through This recipe also freezes well Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil then freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use turkey sausage or a vegetarian sausage for a lighter or pork free version Swap pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese for some or all of the cheddar For extra veggies stir in diced bell peppers baby spinach or mushrooms right into the egg mixture Make sure vegetables are cooked and drained to keep things fluffy not watery

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Serving Suggestions

Breakfast casserole pairs perfectly with fresh fruit salad and a strong cup of coffee For a brunch spread add cinnamon rolls or a green salad The savory rich flavors also go well with a splash of hot sauce chopped scallions or even a dollop of extra sour cream

Cultural Context

Breakfast casseroles like this are an American staple especially in the Midwest and South Bringing together meat potatoes and cheese in a single baking dish is ideal for serving a crowd or making mornings easy My family always made a breakfast bake for Christmas morning and this recipe has taken over as the new favorite

Common Questions

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use certified gluten-free ranch seasoning and hash browns to keep it gluten-free.

→ What vegetables can I add for variation?

Diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach mix in well and boost the flavor and nutrition.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days and reheat before serving.

→ What’s the best way to reheat portions?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.

→ Can I substitute the meats?

Yes, use turkey sausage or omit bacon for a lighter version based on your preference.