Crack Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate hearty breakfast dish loaded with hashbrowns, eggs, cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning for a creamy, cheesy, and irresistible flavor. The term “crack” comes from its addictive combination of bacon, cheese, and ranch, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a crowd favorite.
This casserole is perfect for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s easy to make ahead of time, bakes beautifully, and reheats well. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or serving guests, this breakfast bake is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons homemade ranch mix)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons green onions or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook Bacon
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
Step 3: Mix Egg Base
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread hashbrowns evenly in the baking dish.
- Layer with crumbled bacon, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the casserole is set and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with green onions or chives and serve warm.
Variations
- Sausage Swap: Use breakfast sausage instead of bacon.
- Loaded Style: Add jalapeños, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace hashbrowns with riced cauliflower.
- Extra Cheesy: Add Colby Jack or pepper jack cheese for more flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Thaw and pat hashbrowns dry to avoid excess moisture.
- Cream cheese adds richness but can be left out for a lighter version.
- Bake covered first to set the eggs, then uncovered for golden cheese.
- Let casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing for easier serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fresh fruit or a light salad.
- Serve alongside biscuits, toast, or bagels.
- Enjoy with coffee, tea, or orange juice for a complete brunch.
Tips
- Prep the night before for a stress-free breakfast, just bake in the morning.
- Double the recipe for larger crowds.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze individual portions for meal prep.
- Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 23g
- Sodium: 680mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make crack breakfast casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, bake first, cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.
Q3: What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
- Use homemade ranch mix or combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, and salt.
Q4: Can I make it without cream cheese?
- Yes, it will be less creamy but still delicious.
Q5: Can I add vegetables?
- Absolutely, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work well.
Conclusion
Crack Breakfast Casserole is a cheesy, savory, and satisfying dish that combines bacon, ranch, hashbrowns, and eggs into an addictive breakfast bake. Easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for crowds, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Whether for holidays, brunch, or meal prep, this casserole guarantees happy plates and no leftovers.