This hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole combines hash browns, sausage, cheese, and eggs, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. It's the ideal solution for busy mornings or when hosting guests, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Convenient Preparation: Assemble the casserole the night before and let the slow cooker do the work overnight, so you wake up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast.
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Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields multiple servings, making it perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or meal prepping for the week.
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Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
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Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in a slow cooker reduces the number of dishes to wash afterward.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
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1 (32-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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12 large eggs
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1 cup milk
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1 teaspoon dry mustard
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional additions: diced bell peppers, onions
Directions
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Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
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Layer Ingredients: Place half of the frozen hash browns at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with half of the cooked sausage and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining hash browns, sausage, and cheese.
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Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Combine and Cook: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the eggs are set and the casserole is heated through.
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Serve: Once cooked, slice and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe serves approximately 8 people.
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 8 hours on low
Variations
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Vegetable Additions: Incorporate diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
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Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack to suit your taste.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, place it in the slow cooker and cook as directed.
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh hash browns can be used. If using fresh, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Can I use a smaller slow cooker?
If using a smaller slow cooker, consider halving the recipe to ensure even cooking.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese.
Can I make this casserole without meat?
Yes, omit the sausage and add more vegetables or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the slow cooker?
Spraying the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray before adding ingredients helps prevent sticking.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before cooking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Can I cook this casserole on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
Can I use egg substitutes?
Yes, egg substitutes can be used in place of regular eggs.
Conclusion
This Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole is a versatile and convenient dish that combines the comforting flavors of hash browns, sausage, cheese, and eggs. Whether you're feeding a crowd or preparing for a busy morning, this casserole offers a delicious and hassle-free solution.
Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
This Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that combines hash browns, sausage, cheese, and eggs, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Ideal for busy mornings or large gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole can be prepared the night before and cooked while you sleep. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast in the morning with minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer Ingredients: Place half of the frozen hash browns at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with half of the cooked sausage and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining hash browns, sausage, and cheese.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the eggs are set and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Once cooked, slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, cook as directed.
- Fresh hash browns can be used instead of frozen, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add more vegetables or a meat substitute.
- The casserole can be frozen before cooking and stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours on low
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
