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
Tyler 08.06.2014
This looks phenomenal! I’ve got one of the larger oval shaped slow cookers. I’m thinking the layers would be a bit thinner. Should any of the quantities or time cooked need to be adjusted?
Shelly 06.21.2014
I am making these tonight for a family reunion breakfast at BIL house, I just worry not enough.. I may try making another in a oblong cake pan, with only one layer.. Anxious to see how the family loves it..
Thanks for sharing, your experiences..
Christa 05.14.2014
Do you think I could use Almond Milk for the recipe? I’m starting a clease Monday and need breakfast ideas that are not just hard boiled eggs. And I’ll have to leave the cheese out. Also, if people are having problems with the cook time being too long even on low, I made some crockpot oats once and just cooked them on the low setting for about an hour and then switched it to Warm before I went to bed. I’m an old lady in a young body, so I go to bed around 9 each night and turned the pot off around 7am. Perfect!
Kristin 05.14.2014
I’m sure almond milk would work just fine!
Jen 05.12.2014
Happy belated 1st mother’s day! My sister in law made this for mother’s day brunch yesterday and it was such a huge hit! Even with the picky kiddos!! Thanks for another great recipe :)
18 Slow Cooker Breakfast Recipes | Mother's Home 05.06.2014
[…] – Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole Recipe From Iowa Girl […]
Katie 04.23.2014
This looks so delicious! Do you think it could be made without cheese and then topped with it individually? We have a few people who are lactose intolerant in our group!
Kristin 04.28.2014
Definitely! My Mom likes to serve it with a “toppings bar” including salsa, green onions, etc, so you could definitely put out a bowl of shredded cheese. :)
Lighter Orange Beef and Broccoli | Iowa Girl Eats 04.21.2014
[…] church on Sunday we parked it on my parent’s back deck and enjoyed my Mom’s Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole with fresh fruit for brunch. This casserole is such a winner, you guys. Everyone raves whenever she […]
aj 04.05.2014
so I have an odd qu I do not have a crockpot yet, I kept seeing most things for crockpot can be made in ricecooker. I know time will change I’m sure rice cooker is faster cooking time but do you think it can work? I may do the oven but my oven gets too hot I feel like it will be overcooked and the look of it will change.
-thanks
the second to last shot is food porn
Kristin 04.08.2014
Hey AJ! Unfortunately I’ve never used a rice cooker so I can’t be sure. Let me know if you do, and how it works out. It’s an interesting concept for sure!
Joyce Goldman 04.03.2014
It’s just my husband and I, and I have an old, smallish crockpot, so will this cook just fine if I half the entire recipe? Will I need to adjust the time to cook it at all?
Kristin 04.04.2014
I’ve never halved the recipe, but I think it would probably work just fine! I’d halve the cooking time then see if it needs more time after that.
Verna Brown 04.02.2014
Maybe everyone else assumes this, but since you didn’t mention it, is the casserole covered while cooking? Thanks!
10 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Budget 02.03.2014
[…] that early in the morning? Make these recipes that cook overnight and are ready for morning: crockpot breakfast casserole, berry banana overnight oats, or overnight slow cooker apple cinnamon […]
Paul 01.15.2014
I’ve recently become a slow cooker junkie, so when I got the invite to my friend’s 32nd birthday, which was themed as a pajama party/breakfast pot luck, I knew I wanted to use my crock pot.
Mine is only a 3 quart cooker so I made a smaller casserole by basically cutting what the recipe called for in half. And because a lot of my friends are vegetarians, (I’m a recovering one myself), I used veggie sausage instead of the real stuff. I also left out the mozzarella and used twice as much cheddar. The upside of having a smaller cooker is that it cooked up in half the time!
Anyway, this casserole was delicious, and it was the HIT of the party. Everyone raved about it, and there was none left when it was time to leave.
Thanks so much!
Joanne 01.01.2014
Made this last night and cooked it on low for brats this morning. It came out looking ver over cooked and not as pretty as yours. I wish I’d used the timer and cooked it for less time. How did you get it to come out so pretty? Mine was ugly and very brown. Perhaps I need to cook it on “keep warm” instead of low.
Iowa Girl Eats 01.07.2014
Hey Joanne! The only things I can think of is that maybe it over cooked, or the sausage wasn’t completely drained and the grease drained into the eggs causing them to brown? Hope it still tasted ok!
Simplifying Your Busy Christmas | Des Moines Moms Blog 12.31.2013
[…] cinnamon rolls, and I may have to utilize my Crock Pot and go with a breakfast casserole such as this one from Iowa Girl Eats! (She has some amazing recipes on her blog! Check her […]
Ann Y. 12.29.2013
This was amazing….made it for brunch with college friends and everyone wanted the recipe. Very little leftover, but the little bit that was heated up great for a small treat the next day. This is the fist time I have found your blog – did a search for crock pot breakfast and found it – but will be a regular visitor. THANK YOU !
Easy Crock Pot Breakfast Recipes - Wake Up to A Delicious Meal! 12.20.2013
[…] 17. Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole […]
Tim 12.17.2013
couldn’t wait for a holiday!This Iowa guy has the crock pot loaded and ready for breakfast in the a.m.. thanks for the recipe; also glad I stumbled onto your site as I see many more interesting recipe.goodnight
Monday Musings | Thanksgiving Leftovers | living in pursuit 12.02.2013
[…] Follow this principle and you’re sure to achieve a Zen-like state by night’s end, much as we were last Thursday evening. It started late Wednesday with Missy and her onslaught of Turkey-Day meal preparations (and continued well into Thursday). Her wonderful dishes included crock-pot breakfast casserole: […]
Yum Yucky 11.27.2013
Awwww yeah. It looks real tasty ‘n stuff. I WANT!
Andrea 11.26.2013
I’m cooking it overnight tonight for a breakfast club at my office tomorrow. Can’t wait it sounds so yummy! :-)