Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole – Easy Morning Delight

This slow cooker breakfast casserole is a hearty, hands-off recipe perfect for busy mornings. Enjoy a warm, savory start with effortless prep.

Why You’ll Love It

If you’re looking for a breakfast that will warm you up on busy mornings without requiring you to stand over the stove, this slow cooker breakfast casserole is exactly what you need. Not only does it combine hearty breakfast staples like eggs, sausage, and hash browns, but the slow cooker does all the hard work. You can prepare it the night before or early in the morning, then come back to a hot, satisfying meal. It’s perfect for families, brunches, or meal prepping breakfasts for the week.

This breakfast casserole is packed with protein and comforting flavors, making it a favorite in the category of breakfast casseroles. Plus, the slow cooker method locks in moisture and flavors for a fluffy yet packed-with-taste dish that everyone will enjoy.

Easy Weeknight Dinners and Healthy Breakfast Recipes are great places to find more hassle-free meals like this one.

Ingredients

• 1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled (substitute ground turkey for leaner alternative)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (use unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free option)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (try vegan cheese for dairy-free)
• 4 cups frozen hash browns
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until blended smoothly.
3. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Layer the frozen hash browns evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Scatter the cooked sausage evenly over the hash browns.
6. Add the chopped bell peppers and onions for added flavor and a slight crunch.
7. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the layered ingredients.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a golden crust during cooking.
9. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly browned.
10. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious breakfast casserole.

Expert Tips

To ensure your slow cooker breakfast casserole sets perfectly, avoid opening the lid during the first several hours of cooking. Use a toothpick to test doneness — it should come out clean when inserted in the center. For extra texture, add some cooked bacon pieces or swap hash browns for diced sweet potatoes.

If you plan to make this ahead, assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, just place it in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze portions individually for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

• Vegan: Use tofu scramble or chickpea flour-based egg substitute, vegan sausage, and dairy-free cheese. Substitute hash browns with roasted potatoes.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure all sausage and processed ingredients are gluten-free. The base ingredients here are naturally gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Replace milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese.
• Refined Sugar-Free: This recipe contains no added sugars by default.

FAQ

• Q: Can I prepare the slow cooker breakfast casserole the night before?
  A: Yes, assemble your casserole in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, start the slow cooker as usual.
• Q: What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
  A: Microwave individual portions or reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil to retain moisture.
• Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
  A: Yes, dice and parboil fresh potatoes before layering them to ensure they cook fully in the slow cooker.
• Q: How do I make this recipe healthier?
  A: Swap out the sausage for lean turkey or plant-based protein, use low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
• Q: How long does it take to cook a slow cooker breakfast casserole?
  A: Typically, 6 hours on low heat is ideal for fully set eggs and evenly cooked ingredients.

We’d love to hear how your breakfast casserole turns out! Please comment below, rate the recipe, and share it with friends who could use easy, comforting breakfasts.