Crack Breakfast Casserole: Cheesy & Addictive
Crowd-Pleasing Brunch Breakfast.
A cheesy, addictive breakfast casserole with turkey ham, beef sausage, and hash browns. The perfect brunch dish.
I remember my mom making a version of this when I was a kid, especially on holiday mornings. The smell of sausage and cheese baking was the best alarm clock. I’ve tweaked her recipe over the years, adding my own little touches. Now, making it feels like a small tradition. It's a little messy to put together, sure, but the result is always so worth it. It’s the kind of food that makes memories.
Why This Casserole Feels Like Home
- •It's the ultimate comfort food for breakfast.
- •You can prep it the night before for an easy morning.
- •The cheesy, savory flavor is just so satisfying.
- •Perfect for feeding a crowd without any stress.
- •Clean-up is a breeze with just one baking dish.
Wow. I made this for a family brunch and there wasn't a single crumb left. My brother-in-law, who is so picky, asked for the recipe. It’s so easy but tastes like you spent hours on it. Definitely making this a regular thing in our house.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Shredded Hash Browns: Go for the frozen, thawed kind. Just make sure to squeeze out any extra water. This little step makes sure the bottom isn't soggy. A dry hash brown base gets wonderfully crispy.
- Beef Sausage: I like a simple ground beef sausage. It adds such a savory depth. Make sure to drain the grease well after cooking so the casserole isn’t too heavy.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Don't skimp here! A good quality sharp cheddar makes all the difference. I always grate my own. It just melts better and feels creamier.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, cook your sausage and onion until they’re nice and fragrant. This builds the first layer of flavor.
- Next, press the thawed, dried hash browns into your greased dish. This creates a sort of crust.
- Then, you just sprinkle everything on top: the sausage mix, the turkey ham, and most of the cheese. It’s that easy.
- This is the part that holds it all together. Just whisk the eggs, milk, and sour cream.
- The sour cream makes it so rich and tender. Don’t forget the salt and pepper!
- Pour this mixture slowly and evenly over all your layers, letting it seep into all the little spaces.
- Top with that last bit of cheese—this is what gets all bubbly and golden.
- Bake it until it's set in the middle. You don't want it to be jiggly.
- Letting it rest for a few minutes is key. It helps the slices hold together when you serve it.
A Few Common Questions
→Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it's a lifesaver! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you bake it from cold.
→Can I use different kinds of cheese?
Of course. A mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar is lovely. Gruyère would also be amazing if you want something a little fancier. Use what you love.
→How do I know when it's fully cooked?
The center should be set and not jiggly. A knife inserted near the middle should come out clean. The top will be beautifully golden brown and your kitchen will smell incredible.
Crack Breakfast Casserole: Cheesy & Addictive
Crack Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleaser! Turkey ham, beef sausage, cheese, eggs & hash browns baked golden. Perfect for brunch!
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45-50 minutes
Total Time
About 1 hour
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 011 lb ground beef sausage
- 021 small yellow onion, chopped
- 031 (20 oz) package refrigerated or frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 041 cup diced cooked turkey ham
- 052 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 061 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Egg Mixture
- 018 large eggs
- 021 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 031/2 cup sour cream
- 041 teaspoon salt
- 051/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 061/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 07Chopped chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef sausage and chopped onion until the sausage is browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess grease.
If using thawed frozen hash browns, squeeze them gently in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Spread the hash browns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Layer the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the hash browns. Sprinkle the diced turkey ham over the sausage. Top with 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set (a knife inserted comes out clean) and the top is golden brown. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions before serving.
Notes & Tips
- 1Feel free to add some sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies. Just cook them along with the sausage.
- 2If you like a little heat, a few dashes of hot sauce in the egg mixture is a wonderful addition.
Tools You'll Need
- •Squeeze the moisture out of your thawed hash browns. Seriously, don't skip this. It's the secret to a non-soggy casserole.
- •Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. It helps it hold its shape beautifully.
- •Using room temperature eggs and milk will help the custard mixture come together more smoothly.
- •Grease your baking dish well so serving is effortless.