Description
Hearty Crack Breakfast Casserole delivers a savory morning explosion of cheesy, bacon-studded goodness that promises comfort in every bite. Rich layers of eggs, hash browns, and melted cheese create a satisfying breakfast experience you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground sausage or ground beef
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (75 g) crispy bacon bits
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or cream cheese
- 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Optional Add-ins:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup (40 g) chopped onions or green chiles
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious casserole dish by generously coating the interior with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Thoroughly cook ground sausage in a large skillet, breaking the meat into small crumbles and ensuring no pink remains. Carefully drain accumulated grease to maintain a lighter texture.
- Crack eggs into a separate mixing vessel, whisking them smoothly with sour cream until the mixture achieves a uniform, creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper, stirring to distribute seasoning evenly.
- Create a foundational layer of cooked sausage across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, spreading the meat in an even, consistent pattern.
- Gently pour the egg and sour cream mixture over the sausage, ensuring complete coverage and allowing the liquid to settle between meat fragments.
- Liberally sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a complete blanket that will melt and transform during baking.
- Delicately distribute crispy bacon bits as a final topping, which will provide additional texture and depth of flavor.
- Transfer the casserole to a preheated oven at 375°F, positioning the dish in the center rack for optimal heat circulation.
- Bake approximately 35 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn golden brown and the center appears firm and set.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, permitting the ingredients to stabilize and making serving easier.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping ground sausage with turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
- Reduce fat content by using low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers to maintain robust flavor and texture.
- Prep ahead by assembling the casserole the night before, refrigerating, and baking fresh in the morning for hassle-free breakfast preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 487
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 270 mg