Easy and Savory Crack Breakfast Casserole for a Crowd

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of a savory breakfast casserole fresh from the oven. This easy crack breakfast casserole recipe has quickly become a favorite for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a holiday morning or a weekend brunch with friends. It’s packed with eggs, sausage, cheese, and flavorful seasonings that come together effortlessly.

this Recipe

When you need a hearty dish that pleases a group without spending hours prepping, this crack breakfast casserole is your go-to. Its rich, cheesy layers and meaty goodness make every bite irresistible, and you’ll love how simple it is to make ahead and bake when ready.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Feeds a large group easily with minimal prep work.
• Combines savory sausage, eggs, and melted cheese for rich flavor.
• Can be made the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
• Adaptable ingredients—swap meats or cheeses as you like.
• Comfort food that’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a crowd-pleasing crack breakfast casserole that’s bursting with flavor.

• 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled and cooked
• 10 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups cubed day-old bread (white or sourdough)
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/4 cup diced green onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories (approx.): 410 per serving

How to Make Easy and Savory Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe for a Crowd

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly; drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
4. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the cooked sausage and diced green onions on top.
5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage, pressing lightly to soak the bread thoroughly.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the casserole is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and serving warm.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use day-old bread for better texture that soaks up the eggs without becoming mushy.
• Let the cooked sausage cool before mixing to avoid scrambling the eggs prematurely.
• Feel free to swap cheddar with pepper jack or add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
• Cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight to bake fresh the next morning.
• Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover crack breakfast casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep it longer, freeze individual portions wrapped in foil or airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Frozen portions thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also use vegetarian sausage substitutes to keep the savory flavor.

What type of bread works best?

Day-old white or sourdough bread cubes work best because they absorb the egg mixture without getting soggy. Avoid very soft or fresh bread as it can make the casserole mushy.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a convenient and stress-free breakfast.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

Look for a golden, bubbly top and a firm center. Insert a toothpick or knife in the middle; it should come out clean without wet egg mixture.