Breakfast Casserole in a Slow Cooker Recipe

Name: Breakfast Casserole in a Slow Cooker
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 365 min
Total time: 380 min
Ingredients: cooking spray; 1 (26 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed; 12 eggs, beaten; 1 cup milk; 1 tablespoon ground mustard; salt and ground black pepper to taste; 1 (16 ounce) package maple-flavored sausage; 1 (16 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

Cook Time: 365 minutes

Ingredients

Cooking spray
1 (26 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
12 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon ground mustard
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 (16 ounce) package maple-flavored sausage
1 (16 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

Step 1: Spray the crock of a slow cooker with cooking spray. Spread the thawed hash browns evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker crock.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and discard it.

Step 4: Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the layer of hash browns in the slow cooker. Then, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese on top of the sausage.

Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cheese and sausage layers in the slow cooker.

Step 6: Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours until the eggs are set and the dish is fully cooked through.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	641
Total Fat	54g	69%
Saturated Fat	23g	114%
Cholesterol	376mg	125%
Sodium	989mg	43%
Total Carbohydrate	21g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1g	5%
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	36g	71%
Vitamin C	9mg	9%
Calcium	488mg	38%
Iron	3mg	14%
Potassium	620mg	13%

This Breakfast Casserole in a Slow Cooker is a delicious and easy dish, perfect for busy mornings when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work while you sleep, allowing you to wake up to a warm, satisfying breakfast. A combination of hash browns, sausage, eggs, cheese, and seasoning, this casserole is customizable and can easily be tweaked to fit your tastes.

History and Origins

The concept of a breakfast casserole, especially one made in a slow cooker, has its roots in the American tradition of easy, family-friendly meals. Breakfast casseroles date back to the mid-20th century when home cooks began to experiment with different ways to combine breakfast ingredients like eggs, meat, potatoes, and cheese. The slow cooker version emerged as an extension of the growing popularity of crockpot cooking, which became especially popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The slow cooker allowed for easy preparation with minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy mornings or large gatherings.

Regional Features

While breakfast casseroles are enjoyed throughout the United States, the specific ingredients and preparation methods can vary depending on the region. In the South, for instance, casseroles often feature ingredients like sausage, cheddar cheese, and hash browns. In the Midwest, casseroles might incorporate more hearty ingredients like bacon or ham, often served with a generous helping of potatoes. The slow cooker version of this dish adds a level of convenience that makes it particularly popular for holiday breakfasts or family brunches, where ease of preparation is key.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Breakfast casseroles are similar to other egg-based dishes such as quiche or frittatas, but they differ primarily in texture and preparation. A traditional quiche is baked in a pie crust, while a breakfast casserole is typically layered with hash browns or bread at the base and cooked without a crust. Additionally, a breakfast casserole often includes ingredients like sausage or bacon that aren't commonly found in quiches. The slow cooker method gives the casserole a unique texture, with the eggs and cheese melting into the potatoes and sausage, creating a hearty and comforting dish.

Where It Is Typically Served

Breakfast casseroles, particularly the slow-cooked variety, are often served at family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, and brunches. They're especially popular on Christmas morning, Thanksgiving Day, and other festive occasions when preparing a big meal ahead of time is a time-saving necessity. This casserole can also be found at church potlucks, community events, or any casual gathering where comfort food is on the menu. Its ease of preparation and the ability to serve a crowd make it a go-to dish for large groups.

Interesting Facts

The slow cooker, originally known as a "crockpot," was invented in the 1970s and quickly became a kitchen staple due to its ability to cook food slowly over a long period of time, which is perfect for making breakfast casseroles.
Breakfast casseroles were initially designed as a way to use up leftover ingredients, making them a frugal and resourceful meal option. The addition of potatoes, meat, and eggs made them filling and affordable.
In some regions, breakfast casseroles are made with cornbread or biscuits as the base, adding a distinctly Southern twist to the dish.

FAQ about Breakfast Casserole in a Slow Cooker Recipe

Yes. You can assemble the casserole ingredients the night before and store the mixture in the refrigerator. In the morning, place it into the slow cooker and start cooking. Do not leave raw eggs at room temperature overnight.

Yes, but use the low setting and limit cooking time to around 6 hours. Cooking longer may cause the edges to become dry or the cheese to overcook.

Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

It’s not recommended to freeze the uncooked mixture because of the eggs and dairy. Instead, cook the casserole fully, cool it, then freeze portions for later use.

Yes. Bacon, ham, or turkey sausage all work well. You can also combine different meats for added flavor. Just make sure they are cooked before adding to the slow cooker.

Using frozen hash browns can make the casserole watery. It’s best to thaw and drain them before layering to maintain a firm texture.

Yes. Omit the sausage and add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach. You may also use plant-based sausage for a meatless version.

Overcooking or using a very hot slow cooker can dry out the eggs and cheese. Try reducing cooking time to 5–6 hours and check for doneness earlier.

Doubling the recipe is possible only if you have an extra-large slow cooker (at least 8 quarts). Cooking time may need to increase slightly, but avoid overfilling the pot.

Comments

Angela Thomas

09/06/2022 10:36:03 AM

The first time I tried this recipe, it turned out a bit watery, likely due to using frozen hash browns, and it was a tad bland. For the second attempt, I switched to "O'Brien" potatoes, which come with peppers already mixed in, and I generously seasoned them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before adding the rest of the ingredients. I also experimented with using bacon instead of sausage, though you could potentially combine both meats for a flavorful twist. I found that cooking it on low for 6 hours was more than sufficient. In conclusion, this recipe is a great starting point but may require some adjustments to suit your personal preferences. Make sure to have your seasonings at the ready if you prefer a more robust flavor profile.

Jerry Gonzalez

04/04/2023 09:11:55 PM

After perusing numerous reviews, I decided to follow several recommendations. I used 10 slices of untoasted white bread, 10 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1.5 tablespoons of mustard (I substituted mustard powder), 1.5 pounds of maple sausage, and 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese. I greased a 9x13 baking pan and baked the dish at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, then lowered the temperature to 300 degrees for an additional 30 minutes.

Jerry Mitchell

07/21/2024 03:41:41 AM

I made some modifications to the original recipe. To start, I placed the hash browns in the crockpot on high while I got everything else ready. I cooked plain pork sausage, adding fresh garlic and a bit of maple syrup for extra flavor. I decided to keep some of the grease for added taste. I then layered the hash browns and sausage in the crockpot with leftover Thanksgiving ham, and added extra cheddar cheese since we all love cheese. Finally, I sprinkled real bacon bits all over before cooking. The family absolutely loved it and agreed that it's a recipe worth keeping!

Ashley Young

03/10/2025 11:02:54 PM

I found that it took exactly 8 hours from starting the cooking process to serving, which I felt could be done in less time. I suggest using only half of the amount of potatoes recommended. I recommend microwaving them first in a greased crock pot to thaw them and drain if needed. I also added 1 can of green chilis, 1 teaspoon of horseradish, 1/4 cup of cilantro, and a few slices of white bread. The flavor was excellent, although the texture was just okay. The dish was quite hot when served, so if you're in a hurry, I would recommend preparing it ahead of time.

Nancy Hall

12/19/2022 12:05:01 AM

Review: I recently made my second slow cooker breakfast casserole and was a bit apprehensive about the texture, as my first attempt didn't turn out quite right. However, with this recipe, all my worries were put to rest. I decided to use Canadian bacon as my protein and added some diced onion and yellow red peppers for extra flavor. While preparing it, I happened to have some leftover Russian Cheese Salad (made with mozzarella, mayo, and garlic) from this site, so I threw that in too, and it really elevated the dish, especially with the garlicky kick. The best part is how customizable this recipe is and how quickly it comes together. While it may not win any beauty contests in terms of presentation, the convenience of not having to preheat the oven and wait an hour for a traditional breakfast casserole is worth it. This will definitely be a go-to breakfast option when I have overnight guests. Big thanks for sharing this fantastic recipe!

Tyler Rivera

04/04/2025 05:18:07 AM

I absolutely adore this recipe! It's perfect for family brunches or Christmas morning breakfast! Two thumbs up :)

Elizabeth Wilson

05/09/2024 10:17:03 AM

The meal was decent. There were too many potatoes and not enough meat. Next time, I plan to enhance it by incorporating bacon or ham and mixing the meat into the potatoes before adding cheese and eggs.

Joshua Cruz

03/11/2025 09:52:52 PM

Quick and Easy! Just the way I prefer it. Not a fan of maple, so I opted for bacon instead. Curious to see how it would taste with Italian sausage. Planning to incorporate onions and mushrooms in my next attempt.

Brenda Walker

07/19/2023 06:50:59 PM

I substituted hash browns with O'Brian potatoes mixed with peppers and onions, and added extra sausage. It was a hit at the breakfast event I brought it to.

Catherine Harris

12/16/2023 03:04:45 AM

Wonderful flavor! I decided to use fewer potatoes and skipped draining the sausage, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish. Just be sure not to overcook it.

Cook Time: 30 minutes