Crack Breakfast Casserole – The Ultimate Cheesy, Savory, Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast
Few breakfast dishes are as indulgent, comforting, and utterly irresistible as this Crack Breakfast Casserole. Loaded with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, tater tots or hash browns, and fluffy eggs, then baked to golden, bubbling perfection — it’s the kind of breakfast you make once and crave forever.
Why is it called “Crack” casserole? Because it’s dangerously addictive. One bite and you’re hooked. Whether you’re serving this dish for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, potluck, or just a cozy Sunday morning at home, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make this creamy, cheesy breakfast bake from scratch, plus how to prep it ahead of time, freeze it, reheat leftovers, and customize it to fit your family’s taste.
Why You’ll Love Crack Breakfast Casserole
- Packed with flavor — bacon, cheese, eggs, and potatoes in one dish
- Easy to make ahead and reheat
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Freezer-friendly for batch cooking
- Naturally gluten-free if made with GF ingredients
- Totally customizable
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 8–10 and can be doubled for larger groups.
Base Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2% for creaminess)
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen tater tots or shredded hash browns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra meltiness)
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked sausage or ham
- 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Fresh herbs like chives or parsley for brightness
How to Make Crack Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease if you’d like to sauté vegetables.
Tip: For hands-free cooking, bake the bacon on a sheet pan in the oven at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
Step 3: Mix the Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
Step 4: Soften the Cream Cheese
Place the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl. You can microwave it for 10–15 seconds to make it easier to stir.
Stir in about 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar and a spoonful of the egg mixture to loosen the cream cheese. Mix until mostly smooth.
Tip: Don’t worry if the cream cheese isn’t perfectly smooth — it will melt into the casserole during baking.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In the greased baking dish, layer:
- Frozen tater tots or hash browns (spread evenly)
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Shredded cheddar and mozzarella
- Spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture (scatter evenly)
- Any optional ingredients (veggies, sausage, herbs)
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top. Gently press down with a spatula to help the ingredients settle.
Optional: Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Test for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick in the center — it should come out clean.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set up and makes it easier to serve.
Garnish with sliced green onions, extra bacon, or chopped parsley if desired.
Recipe Variations
Crack Breakfast Casserole is endlessly flexible. Try one of these twists:
With Sausage Instead of Bacon
Replace the bacon with cooked breakfast sausage or spicy chorizo.
Vegetarian Version
Leave out the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a veggie-packed version.
Extra Creamy
Use half-and-half or heavy cream in place of milk for a richer custard texture.
Low-Carb/Keto
Use cauliflower hash browns or diced zucchini in place of tater tots, and skip the cream cheese if preferred.
Spicy
Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
Make-Ahead (Unbaked)
- Assemble the casserole completely
- Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap
- Refrigerate overnight
- Bake as directed the next morning, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time
Make-Ahead (Baked)
- Bake the casserole and let it cool completely
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven
Freezer Instructions
To freeze before baking:
- Assemble the casserole in a foil or freezer-safe dish
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking
To freeze after baking:
- Cool completely
- Cut into portions and wrap individually
- Freeze in containers or zip-top bags
- Reheat in microwave or oven
Reheating Instructions
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave for 60–90 seconds. Add a splash of milk or broth if the casserole seems dry.
Serving Suggestions
Crack Breakfast Casserole pairs beautifully with lighter, fresher sides to balance its richness:
- Fresh fruit or fruit salad
- Yogurt with granola
- Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Toast, croissants, or English muffins
- Coffee or a citrusy juice like orange or grapefruit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots or hash browns?
Yes, but they should be pre-cooked. Dice and roast them first, or shred and par-cook them in a skillet to ensure they soften during baking.
Can I use low-fat or dairy-free cheese?
You can use lighter cheeses, but the texture and richness may be slightly different. Dairy-free cheese substitutes also work if they melt well.
What type of bacon works best?
Regular or thick-cut pork bacon works well. You can also use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
Will the cream cheese be lumpy in the casserole?
It may not melt perfectly smooth before baking, but once baked, it creates creamy pockets throughout the dish that enhance the flavor.
Can I use egg whites or an egg substitute?
Yes. Replace whole eggs with a carton of egg whites or liquid egg substitute (roughly 1 1/4 cups total).
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free hash browns and double-check your bacon and cheese ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Crack Breakfast Casserole isn’t just a fun name — it’s a must-try recipe for any breakfast lover who wants something hearty, cheesy, and completely satisfying. With layers of crispy bacon, creamy eggs, melted cheese, and golden potatoes, it hits all the right comfort food notes.
It’s simple enough for everyday mornings but special enough for holidays and brunches. Best of all, you can make it ahead, freeze it, and customize it to suit any crowd. Once you serve it, expect everyone to ask for the recipe — and seconds.