Description
This hearty Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is perfect for a no-fuss, make-ahead breakfast. Combining crispy hash browns, savory breakfast sausage, smoked bacon, colorful bell peppers, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy egg mixture, it slowly cooks overnight in a crockpot for a delicious, warm morning meal that serves eight to nine people.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 28 ounces O’Brien frozen hash browns
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced (1 cup)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (1 cup)
- ½ cup sweet yellow onion, diced
Meats
- 1 pound mild breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled (2 cups)
- 1 pound smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled (1¼ cups)
Dairy & Eggs
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- ¾ cup half and half
- 12 large eggs
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Crockpot: Generously spray a 6 to 7-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease serving later.
- Add Hash Browns: Spread the frozen O’Brien hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared crockpot to form the base layer.
- Add Vegetables: Sprinkle the diced green and red bell peppers along with the diced sweet yellow onion evenly over the hash browns for color and flavor.
- Add Meat Layers: Distribute the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage and smoked bacon evenly over the vegetable layer, creating a hearty protein layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the meat layer to add creaminess and a rich tang.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk the 12 eggs together with half and half, onion powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper until fully combined.
- Pour & Cook: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
- Serve: Once cooked through and lightly firm, serve the casserole hot directly from the crockpot.
Notes
- Make sure to cook and crumble the breakfast sausage and bacon ahead of time for best results.
- Do not stir after pouring the egg mixture; layering is key for distinct flavors.
- You can prepare all ingredients the night before and refrigerate, then start the crockpot in the morning.
- This recipe is easily doubled or halved depending on crockpot size.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
