Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of a hearty breakfast that practically cooks itself! This Crock Pot Sausage Breakfast Casserole is the morning miracle you've been dreaming of - a mouthwatering blend of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and cheesy bread that transforms your slow cooker into a breakfast paradise. Perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or feeding a hungry crowd, this no-fuss recipe will have everyone at the table begging for seconds before they're even fully awake!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Gather 1 pound of breakfast sausage, 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 4 cups of cubed bread, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 large eggs and whisk them together until well beaten. Add the 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the eggs, and whisk until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the 4 cups of cubed bread and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix them together until the bread is evenly coated with cheese.
- In the slow cooker, layer the cooked sausage evenly at the bottom. Then, add the bread and cheese mixture on top of the sausage.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread and sausage layers, ensuring that the bread is well soaked. Use a spatula to gently press down the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. Make sure not to remove the lid during cooking, as this will affect the cooking time and result.
- After 6 hours, check to see if the casserole is set and cooked through. The center should be firm, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help it firm up a bit more.
- Serve the casserole warm, and enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Sausage Breakfast Casserole with family and friends!
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread for the best texture. It absorbs the egg mixture more effectively and prevents a soggy result.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese types like cheddar, monterey jack, or a Mexican blend to customize the flavor.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then simply pop it into the slow cooker in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the bread is evenly distributed and fully soaked in the egg mixture for consistent cooking throughout.
- Grease Prevention: Lightly spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to make cleanup easier.
- Doneness Check: Use a toothpick or knife inserted in the center to confirm the casserole is fully cooked - it should come out clean.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 378kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 238mg
