A crockpot breakfast casserole is one of the easiest ways to feed a hungry household in the morning. You mix simple ingredients, let the slow cooker do the work, and wake up to a hot meal that tastes like a full diner breakfast in one dish.
This version uses hash brown potatoes, breakfast sausage, bacon, eggs, and cheese. Everything cooks together into a hearty casserole that slices cleanly and holds well on a buffet or kitchen counter for family or guests. It is practical for busy weekday mornings, weekends, or holidays when you want real food without watching a pan on the stove.
You do not need special skills to make this. If you can brown sausage in a skillet and whisk eggs in a bowl, you can handle this recipe. Most of the work happens before the slow cooker is turned on. After that you can go to bed or get other things done while breakfast cooks.
This guide walks through ingredients, timing, slow cooker tips, and simple variations, all written for home cooks using everyday kitchen tools.
What Is an Easy Crockpot Breakfast Casserole?
A crockpot breakfast casserole is a layered dish cooked in a slow cooker instead of the oven. Frozen hash brown potatoes form the base. Cooked sausage and bacon add protein and flavor. Eggs and milk bind everything together. Cheese melts through the layers and across the top.
The result sits somewhere between a frittata and a strata, but it is handled like a casserole. You scoop or slice it into servings. It stays warm for a long time in the slow cooker, which makes it useful for busy mornings or brunch buffets at home.
The main advantages for home cooks are:
- You can assemble it ahead of time.
- The slow cooker frees up the stove and oven.
- It serves several people with very little last-minute work.
Ingredients for Crockpot Breakfast Casserole (U.S. and Metric Measures)
Here are the base ingredients for a straightforward slow cooker breakfast casserole. The table includes both U.S. measurements and approximate metric equivalents so you can choose whichever is more natural for you.
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | U.S. Measure | Metric Approximation |
|---|---|---|
| Large eggs | 12 large | about 600 g without shells |
| Milk (whole or 2 percent) | 1 cup | 240 ml |
| Frozen hash brown potatoes | 32 oz bag | about 900 g |
| Bacon, cooked and crumbled | 1 lb raw bacon, cooked and chopped | about 450 g |
| Breakfast sausage, browned | 1 lb | about 450 g |
| Green onions, diced | 1/2 cup | about 50 g |
| Green bell pepper, diced | 1 medium | about 150 g |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 3/4 lb (about 3 cups packed) | about 340 g |
| Dry mustard powder | 1/4 teaspoon | about 1 g |
| Salt | To taste | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste | To taste |
A few notes on these ingredients:
- Eggs: Large eggs are standard in most American recipes. If your eggs are smaller, you can add one or two more.
- Milk: Whole milk produces a slightly richer casserole. Low fat milk works, but the texture may be a little firmer.
- Hash browns: Use plain shredded or diced potatoes from the freezer section. Seasoned hash browns will also work, but you may want to reduce the added salt.
- Bacon and sausage: Choose regular breakfast sausage and standard sliced bacon. Use mild or hot sausage depending on what your household prefers.
- Vegetables: Green onions and bell pepper add color and freshness. If you prefer a simpler flavor, you can reduce or skip them.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the casserole more flavor than mild cheddar. Pre-shredded cheese is fine, but shredding your own melts a bit more smoothly.
- Seasoning: Dry mustard adds a gentle tang that keeps the casserole from tasting flat. Salt is optional if your sausage and bacon are already quite salty.
What Equipment Do You Need for This Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole?
You do not need anything fancy, but having the right size slow cooker matters.
- A 5 to 6 quart slow cooker works well for this amount of ingredients.
- A large skillet for browning sausage and cooking bacon if you make it on the stove.
- A cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables and cooked meat.
- A large mixing bowl and whisk for the egg mixture.
- A measuring cup and spoons for milk and seasonings.
- A cheese grater, if you are shredding cheese from a block.
If your slow cooker tends to run hot or has a strong heating ring, you may also want a slow cooker liner or a light coating of oil on the crock to help with cleanup.
How Do You Make Crockpot Breakfast Casserole Step by Step?
This casserole comes together in three main phases: cooking the meat, layering the ingredients, and pouring on the egg mixture.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Sausage
- Cook the bacon
- Place the bacon strips in a large skillet.
- Cook over medium heat until crisp, turning as needed.
- Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
- When cool enough to handle, chop or crumble into bite size pieces.
- Brown the sausage
- In the same skillet, drain off most of the bacon fat, leaving just a thin layer.
- Add the sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spatula.
- Cook over medium heat until the sausage is browned and no pink remains.
- Drain off excess fat so the finished casserole is not greasy.
Set the cooked bacon and sausage aside to cool slightly while you prepare the vegetables and cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese
- Dice the green onions and bell pepper into small, even pieces.
- If you are shredding cheese from a block, grate it now and measure about 3 cups packed, or the metric amount above.
Some home cooks like to soften the bell pepper for a couple of minutes in the same skillet used for sausage. This is optional. A quick sauté gives a slightly sweeter, softer pepper. If you enjoy a bit of bite, you can keep the pepper raw.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker crock or spray it with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
You will create two or three layers, depending on the depth of your slow cooker. Three thinner layers tend to cook more evenly and give better distribution of meat and cheese in each serving.
- Spread about one third of the frozen hash browns across the bottom of the crock in an even layer.
- Sprinkle one third of the cooked sausage and one third of the bacon over the potatoes.
- Add some of the diced green onions and bell pepper.
- Sprinkle one third of the shredded cheese over the top.
Repeat this pattern for a second and third layer: potatoes, meat, vegetables, cheese. End with a layer of cheese on top.
If you prefer a simpler casserole, you can reduce or skip the bell pepper. You can also replace green onions with finely chopped white or yellow onion and layer that directly over the potatoes for a more traditional breakfast flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Egg and Milk Custard
In a large mixing bowl:
- Crack in all 12 eggs.
- Add the milk and dry mustard.
- Season with black pepper. Add salt only if you know your bacon and sausage are not very salty.
- Whisk until the eggs and milk are fully blended and no obvious streaks remain. You want the mixture smooth but not frothy.
Dry mustard helps balance the richness of the egg, cheese, and meat. If you do not have mustard powder, you can leave it out. The casserole will still set, but the flavor will be a little more mild.
Step 5: Pour and Cook
Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Pour in a circular motion so that it seeps through the layers rather than flooding one spot. You can gently press down with the back of a spoon to help the liquid settle if needed.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and choose your cooking time.
How Long Should You Cook Egg Casserole in a Crockpot?
The traditional advice for recipes like this has often been 8 to 10 hours on low. That length of time can leave the edges dry and rubbery in many modern slow cookers, which tend to run hotter than older models.
For better texture, consider these general guidelines:
- On low: 4 to 6 hours.
- On high: 3 to 4 hours.
The exact time depends on:
- The size and shape of the slow cooker.
- Whether your slow cooker runs hot.
- How often the lid is lifted.
Start checking toward the shorter end of the range, especially the first time you make the recipe in your own appliance.
How Do You Know When the Casserole Is Done?
Use these visual and texture cues:
- The center should be set, not liquid. When you gently move the crock, the middle should not wobble like uncooked egg.
- A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with no wet egg clinging to it.
- The edges will be lightly browned and may pull away from the sides a bit.
If the center still looks shiny and underdone, continue cooking in 15 to 20 minute increments on low, checking again each time.
Once the casserole is set, you can turn the slow cooker to warm to hold it for a few hours while people eat. This keeps it hot without overcooking it as aggressively as the low setting.
Can You Prepare Crockpot Breakfast Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can assemble this casserole ahead of time, which is one of the main advantages for home cooks who have busy mornings.
Here are two common approaches:
Option 1: Assemble the night before, cook in the morning
- Assemble all the layers of potatoes, meat, vegetables, and cheese in the slow cooker insert.
- Whisk the egg and milk mixture and pour it over the layers.
- Cover the insert and place it in the refrigerator overnight.
- In the morning, return the insert to the slow cooker base.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 4 to 6 hours, or until the eggs are fully set.
If you use this method, keep in mind that the insert and ingredients will be cold when you start. This can add some time to the cooking process, so lean toward the longer side of the time range.
Option 2: Cook overnight, eat in the morning
If you want to wake up to breakfast already cooked:
- Assemble and cook the casserole on low for about 4 to 5 hours.
- When the eggs are set, switch the slow cooker to warm.
- The warm setting can hold the casserole safely for several hours, as long as the internal temperature stays hot.
This method works best if you plan to start the slow cooker in the late evening and eat within 7 to 8 hours. For example, starting the casserole around 11 p.m., cooking on low until about 3 or 4 a.m., then holding on warm until 7 or 8 a.m.
Every slow cooker behaves differently, so you may need one or two trial runs to learn the timing that fits your appliance and schedule.
How Do You Store and Reheat Leftover Breakfast Casserole?
One of the advantages of this recipe is that leftovers keep well. You can portion the casserole into individual servings for quick breakfasts during the week.
Storing in the refrigerator
- Let the casserole cool slightly at room temperature, but not longer than about 1 to 2 hours.
- Transfer portions to airtight containers or wrap tightly.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing portions
- Cut the cooled casserole into squares.
- Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer safe container.
- Label and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture, then warm gently.
Reheating
- Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until steaming hot.
- Oven or toaster oven: Place in a small baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat at about 325°F (165°C) until hot in the center.
Reheating slowly helps keep the eggs from becoming rubbery.
What Variations Can You Try with This Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole?
Once you are comfortable with the basic recipe, it is simple to adjust it to your household’s tastes.
Can you use different cheeses?
Yes. Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in or replace it with other melting cheeses:
- Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
- Pepper Jack for a little heat.
- A blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra stretch.
Sharp cheddar is a good choice if you want more flavor without changing the recipe in other ways.
Can you change the vegetables?
You can adjust vegetables to match what you have on hand or what people will actually eat. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap green onions for finely chopped white or yellow onion.
- Use red or yellow bell pepper instead of green for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Add a handful of baby spinach between layers for more color.
- Add a small amount of diced jalapeño for heat, if your household likes spice.
If you include vegetables with a lot of moisture, such as mushrooms or tomatoes, it helps to cook them briefly in a skillet first. That way they release some of their liquid before going into the slow cooker, and the casserole sets more evenly.
Can you make it less salty or lighter?
Breakfast sausage and bacon bring plenty of salt and fat. If you prefer a lighter version:
- Use turkey sausage or a leaner breakfast sausage.
- Choose center cut bacon or reduce the total amount used.
- Skip added salt in the egg mixture and rely on the meats and cheese for seasoning.
- Use part skim cheese or reduce the total cheese slightly.
Even small adjustments, like choosing a leaner sausage and omitting extra salt, can make the casserole feel a bit lighter while keeping the same basic structure.
Can you make a vegetarian version?
Yes, you can. The texture will be slightly different without meat, but the casserole still holds together.
To make it vegetarian:
- Replace the sausage and bacon with extra vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
- Consider adding a plant based sausage if you like that style of product.
- Add a bit more cheese or one extra egg to help with structure.
Taste the cooked vegetables as you go and season them well, since you will not have the built in salt from bacon and sausage.
What if you want a very simple version?
If you cook for people who prefer plain food, you can strip this recipe down:
- Use only hash browns, sausage, eggs, milk, cheese, and black pepper.
- Skip bell peppers and green onions entirely.
- Use mild sausage and a mild or medium cheddar.
You still get a filling breakfast with familiar flavors, and it is usually popular with children and adults who do not care for visible vegetables in their eggs.
Can You Adjust This Recipe for Different Slow Cooker Sizes?
The measurements given work best in a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker.
If your slow cooker is smaller, around 4 quarts, you can:
- Reduce the eggs to 8 or 10.
- Use about 24 oz (680 g) of hash browns instead of the full 32 oz.
- Reduce meat and cheese slightly so the crock does not overflow.
If your slow cooker is larger, around 7 to 8 quarts, you can either:
- Stretch the recipe a little by adding more potatoes and a couple of extra eggs, or
- Cook the original amount and accept that the casserole will be a bit thinner and may cook more quickly.
Whenever you change the volume of ingredients or the shape of the slow cooker, treat the first batch as a test run. Watch the center carefully and adjust cooking time on future batches based on how it sets.
How Do You Avoid Common Crockpot Breakfast Casserole Problems?
Even a simple recipe can have a few trouble spots the first time it is made. Here are common issues and ways to avoid them.
The edges are overcooked and rubbery
This usually means the casserole cooked too long or your slow cooker runs hot. To help prevent this:
- Start with the shorter end of the suggested cooking time and check for doneness early.
- Use the warm setting once the eggs are set instead of leaving it on low.
- Consider using three thinner layers instead of two thick layers so the center cooks more quickly.
The center is still runny
If the center is runny while the edges are done, the casserole needs more time. Leave it on low and check again every 15 to 20 minutes.
If this happens every time, your slow cooker may tend to heat more around the sides. A few adjustments can help:
- Make sure the layers are even, not piled higher in the middle.
- Allow refrigerated ingredients to sit out briefly before cooking so they are not extremely cold.
- Avoid lifting the lid often, since that releases heat and can slow cooking.
The casserole feels greasy
Excess fat from sausage and bacon can make the finished dish feel heavy. To avoid this:
- Drain the cooked sausage thoroughly.
- Blot bacon on paper towels and discard most of the rendered fat.
- Use a leaner sausage or reduce the amount of bacon if needed.
The flavor seems bland
If the texture is fine but the taste feels flat, try one or more of these adjustments next time:
- Use sharp cheddar instead of mild.
- Keep the dry mustard in the recipe.
- Add a small pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the egg mixture.
- Serve with toppings like salsa, hot sauce, or a spoonful of sour cream for extra interest at the table.
What Are Some Simple Ways to Serve Crockpot Breakfast Casserole?
This casserole is filling on its own, but a few simple sides and toppings can turn it into a complete breakfast spread.
You can:
- Serve it with sliced fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad.
- Add toast, biscuits, or English muffins on the side.
- Offer small bowls of salsa, hot sauce, or ketchup at the table for people to add if they like.
- Include coffee, tea, and juice to round out the meal.
For a casual brunch at home, you can leave the casserole in the slow cooker on warm and let people help themselves as they pass through the kitchen.
Easy Crockpot Breakfast Casserole Recipe Card
Yield, time, and basic details
- Yield: About 8 to 10 servings
- Prep time: 25 to 35 minutes (depending on how you cook bacon)
- Cook time: 4 to 6 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Cooking method: Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs (about 600 g without shells)
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1 bag (32 oz / about 900 g) frozen hash brown potatoes
- 1 lb (about 450 g) bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 lb (about 450 g) breakfast sausage, browned and drained
- 1/2 cup (about 50 g) diced green onions, or finely chopped white or yellow onion
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced (about 150 g), optional
- 3/4 lb (about 340 g) shredded cheddar cheese, preferably sharp
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste, optional depending on how salty the meats and cheese are
Instructions
- Cook the meats
- Cook the bacon in a skillet or in the oven until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
- Brown the sausage in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain off excess fat.
- Prepare vegetables and cheese
- Dice the green onions and bell pepper.
- Shred the cheddar cheese if you are using a block.
- Grease the slow cooker
- Lightly grease the inside of a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker or spray with cooking spray.
- Layer the ingredients
- Spread one third of the frozen hash browns in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Top with one third of the sausage and one third of the bacon.
- Sprinkle on some green onions and bell pepper.
- Add one third of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat this process for a total of two or three layers, ending with cheese on top.
- Mix the egg custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, black pepper, and salt (if using) until smooth and well combined.
- Add the egg mixture
- Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, letting it seep down through the layers.
- Cook the casserole
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the eggs are set in the center and a knife inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean.
- Hold and serve
- Once the casserole is done, switch the slow cooker to warm to hold it for serving.
- Scoop or slice into portions and serve hot with your preferred sides and toppings.
With a little planning and a straightforward list of ingredients, this easy crockpot breakfast casserole can become a reliable option for home breakfasts, weekend mornings, and relaxed gatherings, all without tying you to the stove.
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