Enjoy a warm and hearty slow cooker breakfast casserole that’s perfect for busy mornings. Simple ingredients come together for a delicious breakfast casserole.
Why You’ll Love It
This slow cooker breakfast casserole is the ultimate hands-off morning meal. Just toss your ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you start your day. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend brunches, making mornings stress-free and delicious. Plus, it’s customizable and packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cubed bread (day-old or fresh; gluten-free bread works too)
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled (substitute with vegetarian sausage if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the bread cubes, cooked sausage, bell peppers, onions, and half of the shredded cheese. Gently stir to thoroughly mix the ingredients without mashing the bread.
- Pour the mixture evenly into the slow cooker insert and spread it out.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours, or until the eggs are fully set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Once cooked, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh touch.
Expert Tips
To ensure your slow cooker breakfast casserole turns out perfectly, use day-old bread so it absorbs the egg mixture without getting soggy. Feel free to customize by adding mushrooms, spinach, or swapping sausage for bacon. If your slow cooker runs hot, reduce cooking time slightly and check for doneness earlier. For easy make-ahead meals, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then start cooking in the morning.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations
- Vegan: Use tofu scramble instead of eggs, plant-based sausage, and dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Low-Carb: Replace bread with cooked cauliflower rice or omit it altogether.
FAQ
- Can I prepare the slow cooker breakfast casserole the night before? Yes, you can assemble it the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Start cooking in the slow cooker in the morning.
- How long does the slow cooker breakfast casserole take to cook? Typically, it takes about 6 hours on low heat until the eggs are fully set.
- Can I use different meats in the casserole? Absolutely. Swap breakfast sausage with cooked bacon, ham, or a vegetarian alternative.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping? Yes, it reheats well and can be portioned for several meals.
- What bread is best for breakfast casserole? Day-old or slightly stale bread works best to soak up the egg mixture without turning mushy.
We’d love to hear how your slow cooker breakfast casserole turned out! Please leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share it with friends looking for easy breakfast ideas.