Description
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and delicious make-ahead dish perfect for busy mornings. Featuring layers of crispy bacon, sautéed onions and green peppers, shredded cheese, and frozen hashbrowns, all soaked in a seasoned egg and milk mixture, then slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot. It’s an effortless recipe that yields a flavorful and satisfying breakfast casserole, ideal for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 6–8 strips bacon
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- Green onion, for garnish
Other
- 1 (2 pound) bag frozen hashbrowns
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot and Bacon: Spray the crock pot with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they are crisp. Remove the bacon, chop it into pieces, and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet or a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and peeled garlic clove for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Layer Ingredients: Place one-third of the frozen hashbrowns evenly on the bottom of the crock pot. Add one-third of the cooked bacon, one-third of the sautéed onion, green pepper, and garlic mixture, and one-third of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
- Mix and Pour Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs, whole milk, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours. The casserole is done when a food thermometer inserted in the center reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating the eggs are fully set and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting overnight breakfast casserole.
Notes
- You can use your preferred type of cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different flavors.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños during the sautéing step.
- Using frozen hashbrowns straight from the bag works best; no need to thaw before layering.
- The dish can be refrigerated overnight before cooking to simplify morning prep.
- If your crock pot runs hot, check the casserole periodically to prevent overcooking.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add extra vegetables or plant-based sausage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, slow cooker breakfast, breakfast bake, crock pot casserole, hashbrown casserole, bacon breakfast, make ahead breakfast
