Our Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to start your day with a warm, comforting meal that the whole family will love. Rich with crispy bacon, creamy eggs, and gooey cheese, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for busy mornings or weekend gatherings, it allows you to enjoy a delicious breakfast with minimal effort. Serve it warm, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Table of Contents
What Makes This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole Special
Easy Preparation for Busy Mornings
This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is designed for convenience. Simply prepare the ingredients the night before, cook it overnight, and wake up to a mouthwatering breakfast. It’s a great solution for hectic mornings when you need something hearty without the fuss.
Customizable Ingredients for Everyone
Another fantastic aspect of this casserole is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your family’s preferences. Whether you want to add vegetables, swap out meats, or use different types of cheese, the possibilities are endless. It’s truly a breakfast that can cater to all tastes!
Perfectly Cooked with Minimal Effort
The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the eggs become tender and fluffy. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a fully cooked breakfast ready to be served. This recipe is all about enjoying good food without the stress!
Essential Ingredients
Main Ingredients Overview
- 1 pound diced bacon (or breakfast sausage)
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups half and half (or dairy-free milk)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar preferred)
- 1 26-ounce bag frozen shredded hashbrowns
- 1 cup chopped onion (white or yellow, divided)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar preferred, for topping)
Optional Additions and Substitutions
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon or substituting it with veggie sausage. For a dairy-free option, simply replace the cheese with dairy-free cheese and use non-dairy milk. Feel free to add diced bell peppers, spinach, or even jalapeños for an extra kick!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
First, prepare a large plate with paper towels and set it aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Transfer the bacon to the paper towel-lined plate and discard excess fat.
Cooking in the Crockpot
In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the half and half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined. Incorporate the shredded cheese, frozen hashbrowns, chopped onion, and cooked bacon into the egg mixture, stirring until evenly mixed. Spray the Crockpot insert with neutral oil, then pour the egg mixture into it and cover with a lid. Cook on LOW for 8 hours, checking for doneness after 7 ½ hours. Once cooked, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and cook for an additional 30 minutes until melted.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Crockpot Breakfast Casserole warm, garnished with extra bacon and fresh green onions if desired. A side of salsa can really elevate the flavors, making for a truly hearty breakfast.
Tips for Perfect Results
Preventing Sticking in the Crockpot
To ensure your casserole comes out smoothly, make sure to thoroughly spray the Crockpot insert with neutral oil before adding the mixture. This will help prevent any sticking.
Adjusting Cooking Times for Different Preferences
If you prefer to prepare the casserole ahead of time, you can refrigerate it overnight and cook on HIGH for 3 hours in the morning. Always check for doneness, as slow cookers may vary.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. Enjoy your comforting breakfast casserole all week!
FAQs
Can you make a breakfast casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, a breakfast casserole is perfect for slow cookers. The gentle heat allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
What’s the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot?
Crockpot is a brand of slow cooker. However, both terms are often used interchangeably.
Can you cook a breakfast in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cookers are ideal for preparing breakfast dishes like casseroles, oatmeal, and more.
How long can breakfast sit in a crockpot?
For food safety, it is recommended to not let breakfast sit in a crockpot for more than 2 hours on the warm setting.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- All Recipes
- Easy Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
- Green Bean Casserole
- Easy French Toast Casserole
- Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Cozy Mornings
Conclusion
Your Crockpot Breakfast Casserole will be a hit, leaving everyone satisfied and smiling. For more delicious recipe ideas, check out this Pinterest page filled with inspiration. Enjoy this cozy dish and happy cooking!
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole: Easy and Comforting Delight
Equipment
- large plate
- paper towels
- large skillet
- slotted spoon
- 6-quart Crockpot
- neutral spray oil
- large mixing bowl
- whisk
- silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound diced bacon (or breakfast sausage)
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups half and half (or dairy-free milk)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar preferred)
- 1 26-ounce bag frozen shredded hashbrowns
- 1 cup chopped onion (white or yellow, divided)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar preferred, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare a plate with paper towels and set aside. Cook the diced bacon in a skillet until crispy, then transfer to the plate and drain excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the shredded cheese, frozen hashbrowns, chopped onion, and cooked bacon to the egg mixture, stirring until evenly mixed.
- Spray the Crockpot insert with oil, pour in the egg mixture, and cover with a lid.
- Cook on LOW for 8 hours, checking for doneness after 7 ½ hours, ensuring eggs are fully cooked.
- After cooking, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover, cooking for an additional 30 minutes until melted.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional bacon and green onions if desired.