The Unofficial Crack Breakfast Casserole Cheesy SausageLoaded Comfort Bake

Sausage Crack Breakfast Casserole

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:55 Mins

Servings:8 servings

Ingredients:

• %) for base

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly.
• Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up. Drain excess fat, reserving about 1 tablespoon. Sauté the onion in the reserved fat until soft (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in Dijon mustard and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gently stir in the 1 cup of milk until just combined to form a shaggy dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
• Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar evenly over the dough base. Spread the cooked sausage/onion mixture over the cheese. Top with the remaining half of the cheddar.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the 8 eggs until pale and frothy. Gradually whisk in the 1 1/2 cups of milk/half and-half, dried thyme, and black pepper until smooth.
• Slowly and evenly pour the egg custard mixture over the layered ingredients. Gently press down on any dry spots poking through the liquid.
• Let the casserole sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes to allow the base to absorb liquid.
• Bake for 45 55 minutes, or until the centre is set and the top is golden brown and puffy.
• Let the casserole rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	475 calories
Fat	33g
Fiber	1g

Recipe Info

Category	Breakfast
Cuisine	American

Decoding the Crave: Why This Morning Bake Earns Its Name

There are certain recipes that defy their humble origins dishes so satisfying, so perfectly calibrated in flavour and texture, that they become legendary overnight. Our Crack Breakfast Casserole falls squarely into this category.

The moniker isn't about any illicit substance, of course, but rather the undeniable, almost irresistible quality that makes you reach for "just one more bite." It’s the breakfast dish you can't stop eating, a harmonious blend of savory meats, creamy eggs, and a tender, biscuit like base that anchors the entire masterpiece.

If you’re looking for the ultimate weekend showstopper, this is where your search ends.

Setting the Stage for Breakfast Bliss: An Overview

This particular bake transforms simple pantry staples into an unapologetically rich morning meal. It’s designed for comfort, designed for sharing, and designed to leave everyone at the table utterly satisfied.

Preparing this Easy One Pan Breakfast Casserole simplifies brunch cleanup considerably, letting you spend more time enjoying the company and less time scrubbing dishes.

The Allure of the Unapologetically Addictive Morning Meal

What gives this casserole its addictive quality? It’s the layering, pure and simple. We start with a sturdy, slightly crumbly base that prevents sogginess, load it up with deeply flavourful cooked meats and sharp cheese, and then bathe it all in a rich, herby egg custard.

The result, after baking, is a structure that holds together beautifully for slicing while remaining melt-in-your mouth tender inside. This is the flavour profile that demands seconds.

What Makes This Specific Recipe the Ultimate Weekend Centerpiece?

This Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Bacon (though we focus heavily on sausage here, bacon is an easy addition!) captures the quintessential rich American brunch experience.

Unlike many egg bakes that rely solely on bread cubes, we incorporate a unique flour and-butter base that bakes up closer to a tender biscuit, absorbing the custard perfectly. This textural difference sets it miles apart, positioning it as the Best Easy Breakfast Casserole you’ll ever try.

A Quick Look at Prep Time Versus Reward

We are aiming for maximum flavour with minimal fuss. You can expect about 25 minutes of active preparation time, which involves browning the meat, mixing the base, and whisking the custard. Followed by a straightforward 45 to 55-minute bake, the payoff far outweighs the effort.

This is a straightforward recipe; if you can mix and whisk, you are perfectly equipped to master this magnificent bake.

The Essential Arsenal: Components of the Supreme Crack Breakfast Casserole

To create a bake that truly earns its famous nickname, we need a careful balance of fat, salt, starch, and richness. The beauty of this Crack Breakfast Casserole Recipe lies in its modular nature each component plays a distinct, essential role in the final architecture of the dish.

Sourcing the Star Players for Richness and Texture

The foundation of flavour starts with quality ingredients. We need hearty breakfast sausage about one pound of bulk or removed casing to provide that savoury backbone. This is enhanced by aromatic additions: half a cup of finely diced yellow onion and a couple of minced garlic cloves, sautéed until soft.

A critical element of secret flavouring comes from one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, stirred into the cooked meat mixture to add a welcome tang that cuts through the richness.

Checklist: Dry Goods, Dairy, and Protein Requirements

For the structure and the custard, a few specific ratios are vital. The base requires 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, balanced with 1 tablespoon of baking powder for lift, and 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter.

For the liquid magic, the custard needs 8 large eggs and 1 1/2 cups of whole milk or, for superior decadence, half and-half. Seasoning relies on simple salt and pepper, punctuated by 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for an earthy complexity.

Pro-Tips for Selecting the Creamiest Cheese Blend

Cheese is non-negotiable for that 'crack' factor. You need 1 1/2 cups of sharp cheddar, shredded. Here’s the pro tip: divide that cheese in half. One portion goes directly onto the raw dough base before the meat, and the second portion tops the meat layer.

This dual layering ensures cheese permeates the structure from bottom to top, leading to that glorious, gooey texture. Always opt to shred your own cheese; pre-shredded varieties contain anti caking agents that inhibit a truly smooth melt.

Essential Equipment Needed for Assembly and Baking

Since this is an Easy One Pan Breakfast Casserole , we keep the tools minimal. You'll need a standard 9x13 inch baking dish, a large skillet for cooking your sausage mixture, a large bowl for mixing the dry base, and a separate bowl for whisking the custard.

A sturdy whisk and a rubber spatula are your best friends for ensuring everything is evenly combined without overworking the dough.

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The Step-by-Step Blueprint to Culinary Success

Crafting this dish is a logical sequence of preparation steps. We build from the bottom up: cook the meat, prepare the dough base, assemble the fillings, and finish with the custard pour.

First, preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) and ensure your 9x13 inch dish is generously greased. In your skillet, brown the sausage, draining most of the fat but reserving about one tablespoon.

Sauté your diced onion in that reserved fat until softened, then add the garlic and Dijon mustard, cooking until fragrant. Set this flavour packed mixture aside.

Next, tackle the base. In your mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Swiftly use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the cold, cubed butter into this mixture until it resembles coarse sand.

Stir in 1 cup of milk until just combined a shaggy, slightly messy dough is what you are aiming for; resist the urge to knead it smooth.

Press this shaggy dough evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms the crucial first layer. Sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar over this dough. Then, evenly spread your cooked sausage and onion mixture over the cheese layer, topping that with the remaining half of the cheddar.

Achieving Flawless Structure and Golden Perfection

The key to a truly memorable bake lies in how you treat the custard and the subsequent resting period before it enters the heat.

Phase One: Building the Flavor Foundation Layer

That dough base, once pressed into the pan, is the MVP for structure. It acts as a protective barrier, ensuring the heavy, moist toppings don't result in a dense, heavy bottom. Placing half the cheese beneath the sausage insulates the dough slightly, while the top layer melts beautifully into the custard during the bake, binding everything together.

Mastering the Custard: Whisking the Perfect Egg Base

In a clean bowl, whisk the 8 large eggs until they are pale and slightly frothy this aeration helps the final product be light. Gradually whisk in the 1 1/2 cups of milk/half and-half, along with the thyme and black pepper. The goal is a homogenous liquid.

Slowly and deliberately, pour this custard evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.

Crucially, after pouring, let the entire dish sit undisturbed on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flour base at the bottom to begin absorbing the liquid custard before the heat hits it, significantly reducing the chances of a soggy bottom and ensuring the base cooks up tender.

Baking Temperatures and Times for Optimal Doneness

Bake the casserole in your preheated 375° F ( 190° C) oven for 45 to 55 minutes. You are looking for a top that is puffed, golden brown, and set. To check for doneness, insert a thin knife near the centre; it should emerge mostly clean.

Avoid cutting into it immediately upon removal; let the Crack Breakfast Casserole rest on a cooling rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the internal structure to firm up completely.

Elevating Your Spread: Customization and Serving Suggestions

This casserole is already a powerhouse of flavour, but any truly great dish welcomes personalization. If you're looking to feed a Breakfast Casserole For A Crowd , this recipe scales beautifully with minimal fuss.

Creative Twists: Spice it Up or Keep it Mild

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, incorporating smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne into the sausage mix provides a lovely warmth. You can also substitute Monterey Jack cheese for half the cheddar for a milder, stretchier melt.

If you're feeling ambitious, adding sautéed vegetables like peppers or mushrooms alongside the onions makes this a hearty vegetarian friendly option (just omit the sausage, or substitute with vegetarian sausage crumbles).

A fun variation involves swapping out the standard base for Crack Breakfast Casserole with Crescent Rolls by using a layer of refrigerated crescent dough pressed into the bottom of the pan instead of the flour/butter mix.

Make Ahead Strategy: Prepping the Crack Breakfast Casserole Overnight

The convenience factor of this bake is high. To Freeze Breakfast Casserole or prepare it ahead, assemble everything through Step 7 (layering the meat and cheese) in the prepared dish, but do not add the custard.

Cover the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, pull it from the fridge, let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then pour the custard over the top and proceed with the original baking instructions, adding 5- 10 minutes to the cook time since the ingredients are cold.

Reheating Methods That Preserve Creaminess

Leftovers, if they happen, are a gift. Reheating slices gently is key to maintaining that creamy texture. The best method is slow reheating in a conventional oven, covered loosely with foil, at 325° F ( 160° C) until warmed through.

A quick zap in the microwave works, but it tends to dry out the edges faster.

Nutritional Insights: How to Lighten Up This Indulgence (If You Must!)

Let’s be honest: this dish, particularly when loaded with Crack Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Bacon , is an indulgence. If you absolutely must lighten the load, substitute the half and-half in the custard with skim milk, use turkey sausage instead of pork, and perhaps swap the sharp cheddar for a reduced fat variety.

However, remember that the richness is the very essence of what makes this Crack Breakfast Casserole so beloved! Serve it with a vibrant fruit salad to balance the plate.