This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast lovers. With layers of hash browns, sausage, bell peppers, and cheese, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that cooks overnight in your crockpot. The best part? You can wake up to a hot and hearty meal that’s ready to serve. Perfect for family breakfasts, brunch parties, or meal prep, this casserole is easy to customize with your favorite veggies, meats, or cheeses. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it an excellent option for a wide range of diets. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit or toast, and you’ve got a complete, delicious breakfast to start the day right.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 large eggs
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 3 cups frozen hash browns
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer half of the frozen hash browns on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Top with half of the cooked sausage, bell peppers, onion, and shredded cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining hash browns, sausage, vegetables, and cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the eggs are set.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours (on high) | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
The Ultimate Crockpot Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty and Easy Morning Meal
If you’re searching for an effortless breakfast that packs flavor, nutrition, and the ability to feed a crowd, look no further than the Crockpot Breakfast Casserole. This dish is the perfect solution for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or any occasion when you want to wake up to a ready-made meal. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, this breakfast casserole makes mornings not only easier but more delicious.
What is a Crockpot Breakfast Casserole?
A Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is a layered dish made primarily with eggs, breakfast meats, vegetables, and cheese. This savory meal is cooked in a slow cooker (crockpot) over a period of hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while you sleep or attend to other activities. The base of the casserole typically consists of hash browns or diced potatoes, followed by a combination of cooked sausage, crispy bacon, or ham, and a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers and onions. The final touch is a generous amount of cheese and a well-seasoned egg mixture that binds all the ingredients together.
Cooking this casserole in a crockpot takes the hassle out of breakfast preparation. Instead of scrambling to make individual components on the stove, you simply layer all the ingredients in the slow cooker, set the timer, and let the magic happen. By the time you wake up or return from your morning errands, a warm and hearty meal is ready to be enjoyed.
Why Make a Crockpot Breakfast Casserole?
1. Easy Meal Prep: One of the biggest benefits of making a crockpot breakfast casserole is that it requires minimal preparation. You can assemble the casserole the night before, set your crockpot to low, and wake up to a hot breakfast ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy families or individuals who want a fuss-free morning routine.
2. Ideal for Feeding a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting brunch, having overnight guests, or cooking for your family, this casserole is designed to feed multiple people. With about 8 servings per batch, it’s a great option for holidays, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
3. Customizable: The beauty of this casserole is its versatility. You can customize the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, swap the sausage for turkey sausage, use a different type of cheese, or add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can even make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat altogether.
4. Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease. Just make sure your hash browns or potatoes are free from any added gluten ingredients, and you’re good to go.
5. Nutrient-Rich: With a base of eggs, sausage, cheese, and vegetables, this casserole is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Eggs provide essential nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin D, and healthy fats, while sausage adds more protein. The vegetables bring in fiber and antioxidants, making this dish a balanced meal to start the day.
How to Customize Your Breakfast Casserole
One of the most exciting aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste, dietary needs, or even the season. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and load up on vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and tomatoes make great additions. You can also add a plant-based sausage substitute for that meaty texture.
2. Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the casserole. You can also use spicy sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Cheesy Delight: Love cheese? Add different types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top before serving adds a salty, umami-rich finish.
4. Healthier Option: For a lighter version, use lean turkey sausage, low-fat cheese, and load up on more veggies. You can also substitute egg whites for half of the eggs to reduce cholesterol.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
- Use Frozen Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns work best because they hold up well during the long cooking process. Fresh potatoes may release too much water, making the casserole soggy.
- Don’t Overcook: The eggs can become rubbery if overcooked, so be sure to monitor your crockpot, especially if using the high setting. The casserole is done when the eggs are set and no longer jiggly in the center.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble everything the night before and store the crockpot insert in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place it in the slow cooker and start cooking.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast throughout the week.
Conclusion:
The Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is a go-to recipe for anyone who wants a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make breakfast. It’s perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who enjoys a warm breakfast without the morning hassle. With endless customization options, this dish can suit any taste or dietary preference, making it a versatile and reliable addition to your breakfast repertoire.
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Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Description
This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast lovers. With layers of hash browns, sausage, bell peppers, and cheese, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that cooks overnight in your crockpot. The best part? You can wake up to a hot and hearty meal that’s ready to serve. Perfect for family breakfasts, brunch parties, or meal prep, this casserole is easy to customize with your favorite veggies, meats, or cheeses. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it an excellent option for a wide range of diets. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit or toast, and you’ve got a complete, delicious breakfast to start the day right.
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 3 cups frozen hash browns
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer half of the frozen hash browns on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Top with half of the cooked sausage, bell peppers, onion, and shredded cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining hash browns, sausage, vegetables, and cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the eggs are set.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on high)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320 kcal
