If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to a hot, hearty breakfast without the morning rush, you are in for a treat with this Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole Recipe. This dish combines the savory goodness of breakfast sausage, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy hash browns all soaked in a rich, flavorful egg mixture—let it cook slowly overnight, and wake up to a delicious, comforting meal that feels like a warm morning hug. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or feeding a crowd without the hassle of early-morning prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients work together beautifully to create a breakfast casserole bursting with flavor, texture, and warmth. Each component plays a role: sausage adds a savory punch, hash browns bring a satisfying crispness, eggs provide the perfect custard base, and cheddar cheese melts into gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Cook and crumble for a rich, savory flavor that anchors the casserole.
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns: No peeling or chopping needed, these provide the perfect base texture and soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Use sharp or mild, depending on your preference; it melts perfectly to bind and add creaminess.
- 12 large eggs: The heart of the casserole, eggs blend everything together with a silky, custardy texture.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture so the bake isn’t dry, contributing to a soft, tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard: A subtle kick that brightens the egg mixture and deepens the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic note.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and complexity without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to tie all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by spritzing the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This small step is crucial to prevent sticking and helps with easy cleanup after your delicious casserole is all gone.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients
Begin by spreading half of the frozen hash browns evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, distribute half of the cooked, crumbled sausage on top, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering with the remaining hash browns, sausage, and cheese for a beautiful, balanced casserole structure.
Step 3: Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly. This mixture will soak into the layers and bind all the ingredients with a creamy custard that bakes perfectly overnight.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered sausage, hash browns, and cheese. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low. Let it cook for 8 hours so the casserole can set gently, allowing flavors to meld and textures to develop into a warm, fluffy delight.
Step 5: Serve
Once the eggs are fully cooked and the casserole looks golden and set, carefully slice it directly in the slow cooker and serve warm. It’s ready to delight your family or guests as a cozy and satisfying breakfast.
How to Serve Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, a sprinkling of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, or even a dollop of sour cream can brighten the flavors and add a fresh pop that contrasts the rich, cheesy casserole perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a star on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad for a sweet note or crispy bacon for an extra dose of savory. Even a simple side of toast with jam can perfectly round out your breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy brunch look, or cut it into bite-sized squares and offer it as finger food at a breakfast buffet or party. It also works fabulously topped with a spoonful of fresh salsa or avocado for a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings later in the week when you crave a quick, satisfying meal.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this casserole after cooking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placing them in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an easy breakfast anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through or gently in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-crockpot texture. Adding a quick sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating keeps things extra melty and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute breakfast sausage with turkey sausage, vegetarian sausage, or even cooked bacon. Just make sure whatever you choose is cooked and crumbled before layering to keep the casserole texture intact.
Is it okay to use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
While fresh potatoes can work, shredded frozen hash browns are more convenient and ensure even cooking overnight in the slow cooker. Fresh potatoes may require parboiling or pre-cooking to achieve the right texture.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes can be added between layers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of the added moisture some vegetables bring, which might alter cooking time or texture slightly.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the eggs are fully set and not jiggly in the center. You can test it with a toothpick or knife inserted into the middle—if it comes out clean, your casserole is ready to serve.
Can I double the recipe?
Doubling this recipe depends on the size of your slow cooker. You may need to use two slow cookers or cook in batches, as overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for the original recipe amount.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole Recipe is truly a game-changer, especially for those who want a delicious breakfast ready and waiting without the morning fuss. It’s warm, flavorful, and packed with all your favorite breakfast staples, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser. I highly encourage you to try it out, wake up to a wonderful smell, and enjoy a meal that feels like a special treat any day of the week.
Print
Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and convenient morning meal featuring layers of crispy hash browns, savory cooked sausage, and melted cheddar cheese, all combined with a flavorful spiced egg mixture. Prepared the night before and slow-cooked to perfection, it offers a warm, satisfying breakfast ready by morning with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main 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, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer Ingredients: Place half of the frozen hash browns at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then layer half of the cooked and crumbled sausage, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining hash browns, sausage, and cheese to build the base of your casserole.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This mixture adds flavor and binds the casserole together.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the eggs are fully set and the casserole is hot and cooked through.
- Serve: Carefully slice the casserole and serve warm for a delicious, filling breakfast option.
Notes
- Make sure the sausage is fully cooked and crumbled before layering.
- You can prepare the layers the night before and refrigerate, then start cooking in the morning for a fresh breakfast later.
- Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor or a milder cheese if preferred.
- Ensure the slow cooker is large enough (6-quart) to accommodate the casserole comfortably.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
