This Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a holiday favorite! Packed with eggs, cheese, and your choice of bacon or sausage, it’s easy to prepare and smells amazing as it cooks.
Cooking it all night means you can wake up to a tasty breakfast without any fuss. I love to serve it with some fresh fruit on the side—perfect for a festive morning! 🎄🍳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: Use your favorite breakfast sausage for great flavor. If you want a healthier option, turkey sausage works well too, or you can swap for a vegetarian sausage if you’re looking for a meat-free version.
Eggs: Six large eggs create a fluffy texture. If you have egg allergies, try using egg substitutes like flaxseed meal mixed with water or commercial egg replacers that are designed for baking.
Hash Browns: I always use frozen shredded hash browns for convenience. If you don’t have them, you can shred fresh potatoes, but remember they need to be cooked separately to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar brings a nice sharpness. You could also try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added spice. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese shreds.
Bell Peppers: I love the mix of green and red for color, but any color bell pepper works. You could also use mushrooms or spinach if you’re looking to change things up!
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Cooks Evenly?
To get perfect results with your crockpot breakfast casserole, spread the ingredients evenly and set the cooking time correctly. Keep these tips in mind:
- Grease the crockpot well to prevent sticking.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly in the bowl before adding them to the crockpot.
- If you’re cooking on low, go for 6 to 8 hours. On high, it’s 3 to 4 hours. Check for doneness in the center!
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after cooking before cutting, as this helps it hold together better.
Enjoy your holiday breakfast! It’s easier when you have everything prepared ahead of time, right?
Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, you’ll need to let it cook for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in the crockpot. It’s a great way to have a hearty breakfast ready with minimal effort on Christmas morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Start by cooking the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and browned. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
2. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs with the milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until everything is well blended. This will create a great base for your casserole.
3. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, diced green and red bell peppers, diced onion, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. It should look colorful and inviting!
4. Prepare the Crockpot:
Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot insert to prevent sticking. Pour the egg and sausage mixture into the crockpot and spread it out evenly.
5. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. This layer will melt beautifully while it cooks and add a delicious cheesy flavor!
6. Cook It Up:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll want to ensure the casserole is set in the center before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done cooking, carefully remove the crockpot insert. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired, and enjoy your warm, comforting breakfast!
This hearty, cheesy, and savory Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole will surely be a hit at your holiday breakfast table!
Can I Use Egg Whites Instead of Whole Eggs?
Yes, you can use egg whites to lighten up the casserole! Substitute about 12 egg whites for the 6 whole eggs. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh potatoes, peel and shred them, then cook them briefly in boiling water until just tender before mixing them into your casserole. This helps to remove excess moisture and prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm portions in the microwave or cover and place in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before! Mix everything together, refrigerate it, and then add it to the crockpot in the morning. Just be sure to cook it on the same low or high setting to get the best results!