Crack Breakfast Casserole

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Crack Breakfast Casserole is everything you want in a comfort breakfast dish. It’s cheesy, creamy, savory, and has just enough crisp on top to keep things interesting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry holiday crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this hearty casserole layers eggs, bacon, cheese, and hash browns into one craveable bake.

This is one of those dishes where one bite turns into three, and suddenly the pan is half empty. It’s ridiculously easy to put together, and it delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. It also freezes beautifully, so you can make it ahead and reheat for busy mornings. If you’ve never tried it, get ready for a new breakfast favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Crack Breakfast Casserole

This casserole is designed to satisfy everyone at the table. It’s rich and flavorful thanks to the combination of smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and ranch seasoning. The eggs bake into a fluffy base that binds everything together, while the hash browns bring a tender bite that makes it feel like a full meal.

It’s great for breakfast, brunch, or even brinner (breakfast-for-dinner!). Plus, it’s totally customizable. Want to add sausage instead of bacon? Go for it. Prefer to toss in some veggies like peppers or spinach? It works. This recipe is flexible, foolproof, and always a hit.

Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh potatoes in place of frozen hash browns. Just peel and shred your potatoes (Russets work best), then rinse and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. You may also want to lightly cook them in a skillet for a few minutes to soften them slightly before layering into your casserole. The key is removing excess moisture so your bake doesn’t turn soggy.

Ingredients for the Crack Breakfast Casserole

This casserole keeps things simple but full of flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish utterly addictive.

  • Frozen hash browns
  • Eggs
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Cooked bacon
  • Milk
  • Ranch seasoning mix
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

The frozen hash browns are the base and provide a starchy, satisfying layer. Eggs hold everything together and add a rich, fluffy texture. Cheddar cheese brings a sharp, melty bite. Cooked bacon adds saltiness and savory depth. Milk helps create the creamy consistency, while the ranch seasoning gives it that craveable “crack” flavor. A little salt and black pepper round everything out.

Pin this Recipe

How To Make the Crack Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle over the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Mix the Egg Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

How to Serve and Store This Casserole

This recipe feeds about 8 people, making it ideal for family breakfasts or hosting guests. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some fresh fruit to balance out the richness. If you’re making it ahead, you can refrigerate the baked casserole for up to 4 days. Just reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

To freeze, wrap individual portions in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With Crack Breakfast Casserole?

Fresh Fruit Salad

A colorful fruit salad with melon, berries, and grapes keeps things light and refreshing.

Buttery Croissants

Soft, flaky croissants make a luxurious side and are perfect for soaking up any cheesy eggy goodness left on the plate.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick-cooked spinach with garlic adds greens and a touch of earthiness to complement the richness.

Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado balances the savory flavors and brings a bit of healthy fat to the plate.

Hot Sauce

A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce gives the casserole a kick without overwhelming the flavor.

Yogurt Parfaits

Layered yogurt, granola, and berries are a sweet and tangy way to round out your breakfast table.

Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re going full brunch, a warm cinnamon roll is the perfect sweet contrast.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Crack Breakfast Casserole is your kind of dish, check out these other comforting casserole recipes on Janet Dishes:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or add some sausage and peppers? Maybe topped it with jalapeños?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask me questions anytime – we’re all in this kitchen journey together.

Explore beautifully curated comfort breakfast ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next morning must-have!

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch or just want to jazz up your usual morning routine, Crack Breakfast Casserole has you covered. It’s rich, filling, and completely customizable, making it a dependable go-to for all occasions. Try it once, and it might just become your new morning ritual.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Crack Breakfast Casserole


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and savory dish packed with eggs, bacon, hash browns, and ranch flavor. Perfect for brunch or meal prep, it’s an easy breakfast casserole recipe the whole family will love.


Ingredients

12 oz frozen hash browns

8 large eggs

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

8 slices cooked bacon, chopped

1 cup milk

1 packet ranch seasoning mix

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Spread the frozen hash browns evenly in the dish.

3. Top with chopped bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.

4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.

5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.

6. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and top is golden.

7. Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded potatoes if desired—just drain them well.

This recipe is great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 325
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 230mg

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?