The holidays are steeped in tradition for my family. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving we always kick things off with a scoop of hot and hearty Crockpot Breakfast Casserole, plus a pan of Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls and bottomless mimosas.
Heck we even schedule our family’s birthday celebrations around brunch time so we can serve this easy crock pot breakfast casserole as the main event. It is a CINCH to assemble, feeds an army, and is dearly loved by all.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to feed a large group for the holidays, serve as BFD (my kids LOVE this!) or for make-ahead breakfasts all week long, this slow cooker breakfast casserole covers it all.
Watch How to Make It!
Ingredients Needed
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole calls for a handful of everyday ingredients that are layered in the crock pot before pushing on. So, so simple. The recipe is naturally gluten free and versatile too. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen shredded hash browns: I like Ore Ida brand, which is gluten free and holds up well to slow cooking. No need to thaw them or anything before tossing into the crock pot.
- Breakfast sausage: I like Jimmy Dean brand which, again, is gluten free. Feel free to use the maple or spicy varieties, though I always go with the classic mild breakfast sausage.
- Shredded cheeses: Both shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese ensure each bite of this breakfast casserole is satisfying and totally irresistible.
- Green onions: Sliced green onions provide a pop of color and flavor to this dish. Feel free to slice up a few extra to top each bowl with.
- Milk: Whatever you’ve got on hand. I’ve used everything from unsweetened almond milk to whole milk.
- Eggs: Can’t have breakfast casserole without it! I recommend using large, in-shell eggs vs an egg product.
- Salt and Pepper. ‘Nuf said!
Variations
Clearly this is a super classic breakfast casserole recipe – potatoes, meat, and cheese. That said, it’s very easy to customize. Here are some ideas:
- Switch up the meat. Use bacon or diced ham instead of sausage, or veggie crumbles to keep this recipe vegetarian. Costco has big bags of pre-crumbled cooked bacon that are actually very high quality!
- Add veggies. Diced bell peppers and onions, sauteed mushrooms, or even green chiles, would be a delicious addition to the green onion layer of the breakfast casserole.
- Choose a different cheese. Smoked gouda, fontina, colby jack, monterey jack, or pepper jack cheeses would all be delicious in here.
What Size Crock Pot To Use
As written, this slow cooker breakfast recipe will fill a 6-quart crock pot and feed 8-10 hungry folks. Many people have successfully halved this recipe using a smaller crock pot – you’ll just need to reduce cooking time a bit.
This recipe is great because you can cook it overnight on LOW for 8-9 hours, or cook on HIGH for 4 hours. Have someone turn it on in the morning when they wake up and get coffee started, and the breakfast casserole will be ready by brunch time!
Great for Meal Prep
What I especially love about this recipe is that it reheats beautifully so you can scoop individual portions of the cooked casserole into glass storage containers then reheat in the microwave each morning for a nearly instant, protein packed breakfast.
My middle child loves a hot and hearty breakfast vs cold cereal, so he gets very excited when I have this breakfast casserole on hand to heat up for his breakfast — or even as an after school snack.
Best Tips for Success
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole isn’t rocket science — layer the ingredients into a crock pot then turn it on. BUT, after making this recipe countless times over the years, I do have a few tips for success!!
- A browned top isn’t indicative of a cooked center. Especially when you cook it on high, the casserole might appear done based on the browned appearance of the top after even 2 hours. But the center won’t be cooked all the way through so keep (slow) cooking!
- Spray the sides of the crock pot very well with nonstick cooking spray before adding the ingredients to ensure each scoop comes out cleanly.
- OR, use a slow cooker liner to make clean up a breeze. My Mom usually does this.
How To Make Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
Start by spraying a 6-quart crock pot with nonstick spray then spread frozen shredded hash browns in an even layer on the bottom. Like I said, I prefer Ore Ida because the quality is very consistent.
Next add a layer of browned and drained breakfast sausage. You can brown/drain/refrigerate the breakfast sausage several days ahead of time.
The next layer is equal amounts of shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, followed by a flavorful layer of chopped green onions.
Repeat the hash brown, sausage, and cheese layers one more time then whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper and pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Pop the lid on top then cook for 4 hours on HIGH, or 8 hours on LOW, or until the top of the breakfast casserole is golden brown, and the center is set.
Look at those layers of flavor!!
What to Serve with Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
Although it is completely delicious and satisfying all on it’s own, we like to serve Crockpot Breakfast Casserole with a toppings bar including:
- Chopped fresh green onions
- Salsa
- Bacon bits (what can I say we go big)
- Sliced or diced avocado (LOVE the combo of eggs and avocado)
- Pickled jalapenos
A fresh fruit salad and pan of Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls are always nearby too!
Storage Tips
Feel free to dig into the crockpot egg casserole as soon as its done, then top with your favorite toppings (or not, if you’re a purist) and dig in! Like I said though, this casserole reheats super well. Here’s what to do:
- To store: Scoop individual sized portions of leftovers into glass storage containers with lids then refrigerate for 3-4 days.
- To reheat: Microwave individual sized portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until warmed through. I like to break the scoop of breakfast casserole up a bit before microwaving to ensure it reheats evenly.
- To freeze: Freeze individual sized portions in freezer-safe containers. Microwave at 50% power for 1-1/2 minutes then stir and continue microwaving until food is warmed through.
That’s all she wrote! Whether you serve this hot and hearty breakfast casserole for your next holiday get together, or weekend brunch – I hope you love it – enjoy!
More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Gluten Free Breakfast Casserole
- Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls
- Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Gluten Free Zucchini Bread
- Mini Egg Bites
- Gluten Free French Toast Casserole
free email bonus
Dinner Made EASY
5 days of simple yet flavorful recipes that take the stress out of dinnertime!
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
Description
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is the perfect breakfast recipe to feed a hungry crowd, or make for meal prep. Cheesy, hearty, and hands OFF!
Ingredients
- 30oz frozen shredded hash browns (I like Ore-Ida)
- 1lb breakfast sausage, browned and drained (I like Jimmy Dean)
- 8oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 8oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk, any kind
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
- Spray a 6-quart crock pot with nonstick spray then arrange half the hash browns into the bottom. Layer in half the cooked sausage, half of each kind of cheese, and the green onions. Repeat the hash brown, sausage, and cheese layers.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, then slowly and evenly pour over the top. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or LOW for 8 hours, or until eggs are set in the center. Scoop into bowls then serve.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Video
Photos by Ashley McLaughlin
Overnight Breakfast Casserole | TramplingroseTramplingrose 11.20.2012
[…] thanks.), and I don’t think about casseroles and the like. Well, I didn’t, until I saw this recipe for an overnight breakfast casserole on Iowa Girl Eats.The dozen eggs that broke my fall Sunday […]
kim rossi 11.20.2012
I made this today. Set it up in the crockpot to cook overnight ( 7 hours worked btw) Good Stuff!!! I just wanted to say I love your recipes, I make at least 1 a week (like the skillet chicken parm was last nights dinner haha!) Thanks for making it look like I know what Im doing!
Kristin 11.17.2012
This was a HUGE hit with family over the weekend. Thank you!!
Katie @ Blonde Ambition 11.16.2012
This is an EPIC casserole. I can’t even.
Friday Favorites | Iowa Girl Eats 11.16.2012
[…] This pomegranate-champagne punch sounds like it’d be a great addition to my family’s Thanksgiving morning festivities!Favorite find: Nike Fuelband. I know several people who have the new Nike Fuelband, and they all […]
Sara 11.14.2012
Could you specify what is considerd a “large crockpot.” The one in the picture looks similar in size to mine, but I am just wondering if you know how many quarts yours holds.
This looks amazing and I am going to try it soon!
Thanks!
Diedre 11.14.2012
I LOVE using Ziplist! So excited you’re pairing up with their app and website!
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction 11.14.2012
This is sound a great idea! My family will love it!
Susan 11.14.2012
I love using Ziplist! So glad that you’ve added to your blog~
Katie 11.14.2012
Anyone have thoughts on how this would work with morningstar breakfast sausages instead of sausage – I would worry about it drying out, but could put it in frozen. Let me know what you think! This looks amazing!
Iowa Girl Eats 11.14.2012
The original recipe from Jimmy Dean called for pre-cooked sausage crumbles, so I bet it would work fine!
ErikaMC 11.14.2012
I’ve been using the Catch app on my phone and computer to save all the recipes I like but I will have to try ZipList and compare.
I kinda miss your daily breakfast posts and hearing about your walks with your mom? More breakfast posts please :)
Tracy 11.14.2012
Love this recipe! Do you have any thoughts on baking it in the oven? The reason is 8 hours is not enough time for overnight and 4 hours is too long in the morning for our schedule.
Iowa Girl Eats 11.14.2012
I’m sure it could work! Maybe 350-375 for 45 minutes to an hour?! Let me know if you give it a try!
Bill 08.02.2013
Works just fine in the oven at 350 degrees for an hour.
Jimmy 12.20.2013
You can always plug your crockpot into a timer , I used a timer that we had been using to cut our Christmas lights on and off . It worked great .
Brandy 11.14.2012
This looks good, but since I am not going to be feeding any large amount of people soon, I wonder if I can cut it in half, like just do one set of potato, sausage, cheese layers? Would you adjust the cook time?
Iowa Girl Eats 11.14.2012
I would adjust the cooking time to 2 hours or so on high. Might just need to watch it to see when it’s done!
Brandy 11.15.2012
Thanks! I am making it this weekend :)
Chris 01.07.2013
Did your cutting the recipe in half and changing the time to 2 hours on high work? I want to make too, but for smaller group.
Thanks.
Amber 06.25.2013
This looks SO good. I cannot wait to try. Do you think that it would work to cut the recipe in half and cook on low for 4 hours? I only need to feed 4 people, and if I could throw it in before church and it be almost done when we get back, that would be amazing. Thoughts?
Iowa Girl Eats 06.26.2013
Hey Amber! I’m not sure as I’ve never tried. I don’t see a HUGE problem with doing that it, but let us know how it turns out!
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats 11.14.2012
I have to admit, I’ve always been afraid of breakfast casseroles in the crock pot, thinking they would burn. But yours sure looks like it won’t! I will have to try!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe 11.14.2012
Love the ease of this – too bad Thanksgiving has already passed here in Canada, but this could be a top contender for Christmas morning!
Lisa 11.14.2012
Yummmm, looks delish! My friend has been telling my how great Ziplist is also. Guess this is now my time to try it out!
Carrie @ Season It Already! 11.14.2012
This is sooooo perfect. I’m making this this weekend. Can’t wait. I’m going to use chorizo in place of the sausage for some extra kick. Thank you!
Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats 11.14.2012
Love this breakfast casserole!! I make a similar recipe (but with bacon) for special occasions and it comes out great!! I want to warn you though NOT to try shredding your own potato and using it in this recipe (except if maybe you cook it for first). Even if you try squeezing it dry, it won’t cook up well in the slow cooker (not that I’d know from experience or anything! haha).
Sara 11.14.2012
Thanks for the tip about the potato Chelsea. I live in New Zealand and we don’t have anything as impressive as those shredded hashies looked in the picture and I was going to grate some potato but now I won’t bother! I will just try pulling our usual hash browns apart. Cheers :)
Haley @ The Saucy Apple 11.14.2012
I’m always looking for good breakfast casserole recipes, and I’m always looking for good crockpot recipes. Hence, I LOVED this post. I can’t wait to try this recipe. :)
Kristin 11.14.2012
This is great and will be perfect for Thanksgiving morning! Thanks so much!