Easy Overnight Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

Imagine waking up to the aroma of a delicious, hot breakfast already made for you! This crockpot breakfast casserole offers the ultimate hands-off solution for busy mornings. For those new to this cooking method, understanding the benefits of slow cooker cooking can transform your meal prep. It transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal with minimal effort, allowing your slow cooker to do all the work overnight. Prepare it the evening before and wake up to a satisfying, warm breakfast ready to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

You’ll quickly fall in love with this easy overnight crockpot breakfast casserole for so many reasons. It’s truly perfect for stress-free mornings, especially on weekends or holidays. This recipe easily feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings or brunches. You can also highly customize the ingredients to suit everyone’s preferences. It’s a hearty, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful meal that keeps you full. Plus, the minimal cleanup required is always a bonus!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite crockpot breakfast casserole. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture.

• 32 ounces Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes (1 bag)
• 1 pound bacon (or sausage or ham, cooked & crumbled or diced)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
• 2 green onions (sliced)
• 1 small white onion (finely diced, about ½ cup)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 12 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (any kind)
• 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Notes & Substitutions

Potatoes: Feel free to use either shredded or diced frozen hash browns. Just ensure they are thawed and well-drained. Meat: Pre-cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage or diced cooked ham work beautifully in place of bacon. Cheese: Sharp cheddar offers the best flavor, but Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend are also great. Vegetables: Use fresh bell peppers and onions, or thaw frozen diced versions. Dairy: Any kind of milk works, from whole to skim. You can also use half-and-half or even heavy cream for a richer casserole. Seasonings: Adjust salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your personal taste. Consider a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.

Equipment

You won’t need much specialized equipment to bring this delicious breakfast to life.

• 6-quart slow cooker (or larger)
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

Preparing this comforting slow cooker breakfast casserole is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready with minimal fuss.

Step 1: Prep Meat and Vegetables First, if using bacon or sausage, cook it thoroughly until crispy, then crumble or dice it. Drain any excess fat, leaving about one tablespoon in the pan. Next, dice your red and green bell peppers and the white onion. Slice the green onions for garnish later.

Step 2: Soften Onions (Optional) If you prefer a milder onion flavor, add the diced white onion to the pan with the reserved bacon fat. Cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. This step mellows their bite.

Step 3: Grease Slow Cooker Generously spray the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the hash brown casserole from sticking to the sides.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients Begin building your layers in the greased slow cooker. First, place half of the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom. Next, add half of the cooked meat, followed by half of the diced white onion and bell peppers. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over these layers. Repeat this layering process with the remaining hash browns, meat, vegetables, and cheese. Do not stir the layers.

Step 5: Whisk Egg Mixture In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 12 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1½ teaspoons of dry mustard powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy. This forms the flavorful base for your crockpot breakfast casserole.

Step 6: Pour Evenly Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over all the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Make sure the liquid is distributed well, reaching all the hash browns and other components.

Step 7: Cook Overnight (Low Setting) Place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the crockpot breakfast casserole on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours. This long, slow cooking time is perfect for assembling it the night before for a morning feast.

Step 8: Cook Quicker (High Setting) If you need it ready sooner, cook the casserole on the high setting for 3-4 hours. Always check for doneness before serving.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving Once cooked, carefully uncover your slow cooker. Let the casserole rest for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the breakfast casserole to set up firmly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy without crumbling.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieve the perfect breakfast every time with these helpful tips for your slow cooker breakfast casserole.

Prevent Sogginess: Always ensure your frozen hash browns are completely thawed and thoroughly drained before layering them. Excess moisture can lead to a watery casserole. Avoid Watery Casserole: Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. Also, drain excess liquid from any cooked meat or vegetables before adding them. Checking Doneness: The casserole is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden, and the center firm. To ensure your breakfast casserole is safely cooked, refer to the safe minimum internal temperatures recommended by food safety authorities. Lid Condensation: To prevent condensation from dripping onto your casserole and making it soggy, place a paper towel or clean kitchen towel under the slow cooker lid before cooking. Uniform Cooking: Spread your layers evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. This ensures that every part of the casserole cooks at a consistent rate.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile crockpot breakfast casserole adapts beautifully to your preferences and needs, from serving options to future meal planning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of your warm casserole with a dollop of fresh salsa or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. Top individual servings with a spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of extra sliced green onions. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a slice of buttered toast.

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freezer: For longer storage, cool the casserole completely, then slice it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Reheating: Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave until warm through. Frozen portions can be reheated in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or microwaved until hot.

Variations

Protein: Experiment with cooked chorizo for a spicy kick, ground turkey sausage for a leaner option, or even leftover cooked chicken or steak for a heartier meal. Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach (stirred into the egg mixture), or diced jalapeños for more flavor and texture. Cheese: Swap cheddar for Swiss, Monterey Jack, or spicy pepper jack cheese to change the flavor profile. Flavor Boosts: Mix a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce directly into the egg mixture for an extra depth of flavor.

Nutrition

This easy breakfast casserole provides a hearty start to your day. Estimated nutrition values per serving:

Please note: These are estimated values and can vary significantly based on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I assemble the casserole the night before? Absolutely! Prep all the layers and pour the egg mixture over them, then cover and refrigerate the slow cooker insert overnight. In the morning, simply place it in the slow cooker and begin cooking.

What size slow cooker is best for this crockpot breakfast casserole? A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. If you have a larger slow cooker, the casserole might cook slightly faster.

How do I prevent a watery casserole? Make sure to thoroughly drain any excess moisture from your thawed hash browns, cooked meat, and vegetables. You can also place a paper towel under the lid to absorb condensation.

Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen? Yes, you can use freshly shredded potatoes. Be aware that fresh potatoes might absorb more liquid, so you might need to adjust cooking time slightly or add a little extra milk.

Conclusion

This easy overnight crockpot breakfast casserole offers an incredibly convenient and delicious solution for any morning. Whether you are hosting a holiday brunch or simply seeking a stress-free start to your day, this hearty dish delivers fantastic flavor with minimal effort. Its customizable nature allows you to tailor it perfectly to your family’s preferences. Give this recipe a try and transform your mornings with a warm, satisfying meal waiting for you!