Crack Breakfast Casserole

I've made a lot of breakfast casseroles over the years, but nothing has earned quite the level of obsession in my household like this Crack Breakfast Casserole. It’s warm, cheesy, meaty, and the kind of thing you dream about the night before a big brunch. With layers of crispy bacon, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese soaked into cubes of golden bread, it’s comfort food at its finest. And the best part? You can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.

This casserole isn’t just for lazy Sundays. I've brought it to potlucks, made it for out-of-town guests, and even reheated it for weekday breakfasts. It never fails to get recipe requests, and honestly, it couldn’t be easier to throw together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers to last all week, this dish hits every mark for flavor, ease, and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Crack Breakfast Casserole

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that checks all the right boxes: it’s savory, cheesy, and packed with protein. It's also incredibly customizable, forgiving if you’re missing an ingredient or two, and can be made ahead of time. With every bite, you get a little crunch, a bit of creaminess, and a whole lot of flavor.

What Kind of Bread Works Best?

I’ve tried this with all kinds of bread, and I keep coming back to sturdy, day-old French bread or sourdough. You want something with structure that will soak up the egg mixture without turning soggy. Avoid soft sandwich bread—it tends to disintegrate. Cubing and lightly toasting your bread before assembly also helps add texture.

Options for Substitutions

This casserole is a great canvas for mixing things up. Don’t eat pork? Swap the bacon and sausage for turkey versions or vegetarian alternatives like plant-based sausage. Want to add veggies? Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers work great. You can also switch up the cheese—cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even gouda can take this casserole in a new direction.

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Ingredients for This Crack Breakfast Casserole

Eggs – The heart of the dish, eggs create the custardy base that holds everything together.

Whole Milk – Adds creaminess and richness to the egg mixture. You can substitute with half-and-half for an even silkier texture.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully and gives the casserole a sharp, cheesy kick. Freshly shredded is best.

Cooked Bacon – Brings smoky, salty crunch. Crumble it over the top or layer it throughout.

Breakfast Sausage – Adds hearty, savory flavor. Browned and crumbled sausage blends perfectly into the layers.

French Bread (cubed) – Absorbs the egg mixture without turning mushy. A day or two old is ideal.

Salt & Pepper – Basic seasoning to enhance the overall flavor.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – For added depth and savory warmth.

Chopped Fresh Parsley – Adds freshness and color as a finishing touch.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. If you're prepping ahead, line it with parchment for easy cleanup.

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Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Sausage

In separate pans, cook the bacon until crispy and the sausage until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease and set both aside to cool slightly.

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Step 3: Cube the Bread

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, consider toasting it in the oven for 10 minutes to dry it out a bit—it’ll absorb the egg mixture better that way.

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Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure it's well combined.

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Step 5: Layer the Ingredients

Spread half the bread cubes into the baking dish. Sprinkle on half the sausage, half the bacon, and half the cheese. Repeat with the remaining bread, meat, and cheese.

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Step 6: Pour and Soak

Slowly pour the egg mixture over the entire dish, making sure everything gets evenly soaked. Press down lightly on the top to help the bread absorb the liquid.

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Step 7: Rest or Refrigerate

Let the casserole sit for at least 30 minutes (or cover and refrigerate overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to fully soak.

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Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. If it browns too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.

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Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

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How Long to Prepare the Crack Breakfast Casserole

Prep Time: If you're working with pre-cooked bacon and sausage, the prep takes about 20–25 minutes. This includes cubing the bread, whisking the egg mixture, and layering everything into the dish. If you're starting from raw meats, add an extra 10–15 minutes for cooking.

Bake Time: Once assembled, the casserole bakes for 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F (175°C). You'll know it's ready when the center is set, and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so it firms up nicely.

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Tips for Perfect Crack Breakfast Casserole

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best absorption.
• Shred your cheese fresh for better melt and flavor.
• Make sure to drain excess fat from bacon and sausage to avoid greasiness.
• Press the bread down gently after pouring in the egg mixture to ensure it soaks evenly.
• Bake uncovered for a crispier top, or tent with foil if you prefer a softer texture.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using fresh bread without toasting – it can get soggy and mushy.
• Skipping the resting time – it needs at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to soak fully.
• Overbaking – this can dry out the eggs and make the casserole rubbery.
• Under-seasoning – always taste your meat and egg mixture before assembling.
• Crowding the dish with too many fillings – stick to balanced ratios for best results.

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What to Serve With Crack Breakfast Casserole?

1. Fresh Fruit Salad

Light and refreshing, fruit salad balances out the richness of the casserole.

2. Yogurt Parfaits

Layered with granola and berries, they add a sweet, creamy contrast.

3. Hash Browns or Home Fries

Perfectly crisped potatoes make a hearty, satisfying companion.

4. Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A fresh green salad can help cleanse the palate and lighten the meal.

5. Cinnamon Rolls or Muffins

Add a touch of sweetness to your brunch table with a baked treat.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked casserole in slices or whole. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate. Just bake it fresh in the morning.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely. Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or gouda for different flavors.

Is it okay to add vegetables?

Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or onions work well—just avoid adding them raw.

Can I make this without meat?

Yes. Skip the bacon and sausage or use plant-based substitutes for a vegetarian version.

How do I know when it's fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the center is firm and no longer jiggles. A knife inserted should come out clean.

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Conclusion

This Crack Breakfast Casserole is your ultimate make-ahead breakfast, perfect for weekends, holidays, or feeding a crowd. With its savory mix of crispy bacon, sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese layered over toasted bread, it delivers maximum comfort with minimum effort. Whether you’re planning brunch or just want to make mornings easier, this casserole is one you’ll want to make again and again.

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