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To make a tasty Crack Breakfast Casserole, gather these main ingredients: - 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed - 8 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled (or turkey sausage) - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a rich and filling dish. The bread is the base, soaking up the egg mixture. The sausage adds protein and flavor. Cheddar cheese gives a creamy texture that melts beautifully. You can customize your casserole with optional add-ins. Consider these: - Spinach or kale for added greens - Mushrooms, sliced for an earthy taste - Diced tomatoes for a fresh touch - Jalapeños for some spice - Feta cheese for a tangy twist These options let you play with flavors and textures, making the dish your own. If you need to swap any ingredients, here are some great substitutions: - Use egg whites instead of whole eggs for a lighter dish. - Almond milk or oat milk works well if you want a dairy-free option. - Use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a milder flavor. - Swap sausage for diced ham or cooked bacon for variety. These substitutions keep the dish delicious while meeting your dietary needs. Feel free to experiment! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or butter. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs and 2 cups of whole milk. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix all these ingredients until they blend well. Next, take your loaf of crusty bread and cut it into cubes. Layer these cubes evenly in the bottom of your greased baking dish. After that, pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Make sure you cover all the bread to soak it well. Now, sprinkle 1 cup of crumbled breakfast sausage, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 finely chopped onion over the egg mixture. Finally, top it all with 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Cover your dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Let it bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. You want to see the cheese bubbling and the center set firmly. Once the casserole is done baking, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This cooling time helps the casserole set up and makes it easier to cut into squares. Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. You can prepare this casserole the night before. Simply follow the steps, but stop before baking. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. In the morning, remove the wrap and bake it straight from the fridge. Add 10 extra minutes to the bake time for best results. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you love heat, add some cayenne pepper. For a fresh twist, mix in fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Taste the egg mixture before pouring it over the bread. This way, you can fine-tune the salt and pepper. For serving, cut the casserole into squares for easy portions. You can sprinkle some extra cheese on top just before serving. This adds a nice touch and looks great. Pair each slice with fresh fruit for a colorful plate. Remember, a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors even more! Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use day-old or slightly stale bread. It absorbs the egg mixture better, preventing a soggy casserole. Add Veggies: Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge. Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Taste the egg mixture before pouring it over the bread and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of the Crack Breakfast Casserole. Swap out the sausage for your favorite veggies. Try using mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add more bell peppers for extra flavor. Use a plant-based cheese to keep it dairy-free. This way, you keep the dish tasty and filling. If you want to make this dish a bit healthier, there are easy swaps. Instead of whole milk, use skim milk or a plant-based milk. You can replace the bread with whole grain or gluten-free bread. For the cheese, try a low-fat version. These changes cut down on calories but keep the flavor. Feel free to mix up the meats in your casserole. You can use turkey sausage for a leaner option. If you like a bit of spice, try chorizo or pepperoni. You can even go meatless and use extra veggies instead. Each choice brings a new flavor and makes the dish unique. To keep your Crack Breakfast Casserole fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the casserole cool first. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick snacks. Just heat for 1-2 minutes or until warm. To freeze the casserole, cut it into squares and wrap each piece with plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab just what you need. The casserole will stay good for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before warming it up in the oven or microwave. Yes, you can use stale bread. Stale bread adds texture and absorbs moisture well. It helps the casserole stay together. If you have leftover bread, cut it into cubes and use it. Just make sure it’s not moldy. Absolutely! To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Many stores sell gluten-free options. You can also check for gluten-free sausage. This way, you keep the great taste while accommodating dietary needs. Many sides go well with this casserole. Fresh fruit adds a nice touch. You might also enjoy yogurt or a light salad. Serve it with coffee or juice for a complete breakfast. These sides balance the rich flavors perfectly. In this blog post, I covered how to make a delicious Crack Breakfast Casserole. We discussed key ingredients, optional add-ins, and swaps for different diets. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips to make it ahead, and serving ideas. You learned about variations, how to store leftovers, and reheating tips. This casserole is fun to make and enjoy with friends. It’s easy to customize, too. No matter how you choose to prepare it, you will love the results!

Crack Breakfast Casserole

A delicious and hearty breakfast casserole made with bread, eggs, cheese, and sausage.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf crusty bread, cubed
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled (or turkey sausage)
  • 1 unit bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Layer the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  • Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure to distribute it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the crumbled sausage, diced bell pepper, and chopped onion over the egg mixture.
  • Top with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even coverage across the dish.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the center is set.
  • Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions before cutting into squares to serve.

Notes

Serve slices on individual plates with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a side of fresh fruit for a colorful breakfast ensemble.
Keyword breakfast, casserole, cheese, eggs, sausage