This Crock-Pot Breakfast Casserole delivers a savory breakfast that’s slow-cooked to perfection.
There’s something so special about waking up on a cozy morning to the aroma of a hearty breakfast. The delicious smell coming from the kitchen as you’re waking up can unlock Saturday morning memories from childhood, when breakfast was already made and waiting for you at the kitchen table. Although I’m the one getting up to cook breakfast these days, this Crock-Pot breakfast casserole delivers just that experience by cooking it all overnight. It’s a breakfast that practically makes itself, allowing me to wake up to a ready-made meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, or simply allowing me to indulge in a slow, leisurely weekend morning.
When you finally lift the lid and serve up this casserole, you’ll find that it’s not just a quick meal. This substantial breakfast offers you and your family a morning of comfort and connection, made possible without all the hustle and hassle in the kitchen. Each slice is packed with nourishing ingredients that satisfy hunger and warm the soul, making it perfect for those slow mornings spent with your loved ones. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday brunch, a friendly get-together, or simply treating yourself to an easy, delicious breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen, bringing a little extra joy to any morning it’s served.
There are so many layers of deliciousness at play in this casserole. The potatoes provide you with a sizable base, soaking up all the flavors as they cook. The sausage and shredded cheese give the dish its rich, savory flavor. Then you have your eggs, whisked together with a splash of milk and seasonings. (Side note: Do not underestimate the role of dry mustard! It has a sharp flavor that nevertheless doesn’t overpower the other seasonings, enhancing the overall taste and flavor profile in a subtle way.) This delicious, creamy mixture poured over the top brings it all together perfectly.
An Easy, Indulgent Breakfast…
This dish is the epitome of convenience and comfort, offering a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort. The simplicity of the recipe allows you to easily throw it together ahead of time without sacrificing any flavor. The layers of tender potatoes, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, are all slow-cooked to perfection. You also have plenty of options for ingredient substitutions, so you can customize the casserole however you like. You can swap out the sausage for ham or chorizo, add in some mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flavor, or even mix in some diced tomatoes for a fresh, tangy contrast. You can also add in or substitute any cheeses you have on hand, whether it’s sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend you love. The goal here is to take advantage of this “set it and forget it” recipe—layer all the delicious ingredients, let it cook overnight, and pop the lid in the morning to enjoy!
How Should I Store Leftover Casserole?
Any leftover breakfast casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can then be reheated in the microwave or oven, whichever you prefer!
Can It Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this casserole can be made ahead of time a couple of different ways!
If, for example, you’re batch-cooking meals ahead of time for freezer storage (I did this when pregnant with my son to have easy meals ready after his arrival) this casserole can easily be frozen after it cooks. Just allow it to cool completely then cut it into smaller portions and store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to a month. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the microwave or oven.
If you’re looking for more of a short-term make-ahead option, you can always assemble the layers in the Crock-Pot and store it all in the fridge overnight or during the day. Whenever you’re ready to start cooking it, just take it out and press “Start”!
Should I Cook The Peppers and Onions Ahead Of Time?
This added step isn’t necessary; however, it can help in eliminating any added moisture that’s released from the veggies during the cooking process. If you find that your casserole is a bit soggy coming out of the Crock-Pot, this could be the reason why.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is such a great option for a main dish in your breakfast or brunch spread. With the eggs and sausage satisfying the need for savory, you might want some sweet options to serve alongside it. These Meyer Lemon Coffee Cakes would be a great pairing, or you can try something like these Chocolate Chip Scones, too. A menu item that’s “off the griddle” would also be a delicious addition, like Fluffy Blueberry Pancakes or French Toast Brûlée. Or if you’re looking for more overnight options to keep prep time to a minimum, don’t forget about your options for overnight oats! There are so many yummy flavors to choose from, like Strawberry Overnight Oats, Blueberry, or Chocolate. Your Crock-Pot casserole is just one part of what will be your favorite, cozy breakfast!
Crock-Pot Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled
- 30 oz frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Layer half of the hash browns at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Top with half of the cooked sausage, diced onion, red bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining hash browns, sausage, onion, bell pepper, and cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the eggs are set and the edges are lightly browned.
- Serve warm directly from the slow cooker.
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