This Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole combines savory sausage, fluffy hash browns, melted cheddar cheese, and seasoned eggs into one ultimate morning dish. It’s a perfect combination of comforting and filling ingredients, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a satisfying breakfast. The slow cooking method ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully, giving you a hearty meal to wake up to. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the beauty of this casserole is its versatility. You can switch up the veggies, swap in your favorite cheese, or add some spicy sausage for an extra kick. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or simply enjoying a cozy weekend at home, this dish will impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare the night before and wake up to a warm breakfast, making it ideal for busy mornings.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb breakfast sausage
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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4 cups frozen hash browns
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1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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8 large eggs
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1 cup milk
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
Directions:
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until soft.
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Lightly grease the bottom of a slow cooker and add the hash browns, then layer the cooked sausage, sautéed onions, and peppers on top.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
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In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Pour over the casserole mixture in the slow cooker.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the eggs are set and the casserole is fully cooked.
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Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes | Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Choose a Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole?
A breakfast casserole made in a slow cooker is a fantastic solution for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or even holiday brunches. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to prepare it the night before. All the ingredients go into the slow cooker, and you let it do its magic overnight. In the morning, you’ll wake up to a perfectly cooked casserole, ready to be enjoyed by everyone in the family.
What makes the Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole stand out is its ability to combine hearty, satisfying ingredients into a single dish. From savory sausage to crispy hash browns, melted cheese, and perfectly scrambled eggs, this casserole is an all-in-one breakfast that delivers on flavor and convenience.
A Great Way to Feed a Crowd
When hosting a brunch or breakfast for a group, the challenge is often making sure everyone gets served while also keeping things simple in the kitchen. This casserole is a one-pan wonder that can serve a crowd with minimal effort. Whether you’re entertaining guests or cooking for your family, this recipe is versatile and scalable. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on the number of people you’re serving, making it ideal for both small and large gatherings.
One of the major benefits of preparing this dish in a slow cooker is that it frees up your time. You don’t need to babysit the stove or oven; just set everything in the slow cooker the night before, and let it cook while you sleep. By the time you’re ready for breakfast, the casserole is hot and ready to serve.
Convenient and Customizable
The beauty of the Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a vegetarian breakfast, you can swap the sausage for mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. You can also use a dairy-free cheese option for those with lactose intolerance or vegan diets. If you’re not fond of hash browns, feel free to substitute them with cubed bread for a different texture.
You can also adjust the flavor profile based on your mood or the season. Add some spice with a pinch of chili flakes or some green chilies for an extra kick, or swap out the bell peppers for seasonal vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes. This makes it a flexible option that you can tweak to fit your specific tastes.
Nutritional Benefits of the Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
This recipe is loaded with nutrients that will keep you full and energized throughout the morning. With protein-packed eggs, fiber-rich hash browns, and the added vitamins from vegetables like bell peppers and green onions, this casserole provides a balanced and hearty start to your day. The inclusion of breakfast sausage adds extra protein and flavor, but you can always opt for a leaner version of sausage or skip it for a lighter option.
Eggs, the main ingredient, are a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, they are rich in essential vitamins like B12 and choline, which help support brain health and cell function. The hash browns bring in carbohydrates for energy, while the cheese offers a dose of calcium and healthy fats.
The vegetables in the casserole are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are vital for immune support and maintaining healthy skin. Bell peppers, in particular, are rich in antioxidants, and adding green onions provides an extra punch of vitamins and minerals. All in all, this casserole delivers a well-rounded meal that helps keep you fueled and nourished.
Time-Saving and Stress-Free Breakfast
Busy mornings are often stressful, especially when you’re trying to get everyone fed and out the door on time. Traditional breakfast recipes, like pancakes or omelets, require more time and attention. The Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole eliminates that stress by allowing you to prep everything the night before. Just layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low, and you’re good to go. In the morning, you can enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast without having to worry about making a mess or spending too much time in the kitchen.
This makes it an ideal solution for busy families, parents who need to get kids off to school, or even individuals who want to wake up to a hot breakfast with minimal effort. You can set it and forget it, knowing that your slow cooker is working on your behalf while you catch some extra sleep.
The Ideal Comfort Food
Nothing beats the comforting aroma of breakfast cooking in the slow cooker overnight. As you wake up, the scent of melted cheese, sausage, and eggs will fill the air, making the kitchen feel like the coziest place in the house. This breakfast casserole isn’t just about nourishment; it’s about creating an experience. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re sharing it with your family on a busy weekday or serving it to guests at a weekend brunch.
The casserole is hearty and satisfying, making it a great choice for anyone who enjoys a filling breakfast that keeps them full for hours. Plus, it’s perfect for colder months when you crave something warm and indulgent. Whether you enjoy it with a side of fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee, this dish has all the elements of a perfect comfort breakfast.
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a fantastic breakfast option for those who appreciate both convenience and flavor. It combines hearty ingredients into one dish, making it easy to prepare and perfect for serving a crowd. Its flexibility allows you to customize it according to dietary preferences, and the fact that it can be prepped the night before makes it an ideal solution for busy mornings.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a stress-free breakfast, this casserole will not disappoint. With its savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and creamy eggs, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, the nutritional benefits and ease of preparation make it a great addition to any breakfast rotation. The next time you’re looking for a breakfast that’s both comforting and easy to make, give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it!