Wake up to a cozy and delicious morning with this Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole. This no-fuss, make-ahead marvel brings together savory sausage or bacon, vibrant veggies, tender hash browns, and fluffy eggs, all smothered in melted cheddar. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for breakfast or brunch, and the magic really happens overnight while you sleep. Trust me, one slice and you’ll see why this casserole is my go-to for busy mornings and lazy weekends alike!

Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this dish is how effortlessly it layers simple staple ingredients into a show-stopping breakfast. Each component plays its part—lending flavor, texture, or a burst of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you won’t want to skip a single thing!

Breakfast sausage or bacon: Savory and satisfying, this adds heartiness and a ton of flavor; choose your favorite or switch it up for variety.
Onion: Diced onion melts into the casserole, offering subtle sweetness and balancing richness.
Red bell pepper: Provides a pop of color and gentle sweetness that lifts every bite.
Green bell pepper: Adds a mild, grassy flavor and vibrant color—essential for those veggie layers.
Frozen hash browns: These form the foundation, soaking up flavors and giving that classic breakfast feel without any fuss.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Ooey-gooey cheese brings creaminess and richness to each delicious forkful.
Large eggs: The star ingredient that pulls everything together, making the casserole fluffy and cohesive.
Milk: Adds moisture and lightness for a perfectly custardy texture.
Salt: Just enough to heighten all the flavors in the casserole.
Black pepper: A little pepper gives subtle warmth and classic breakfast taste.
Garlic powder: Infuses the eggs with aromatic depth and savory notes.
Paprika: For gentle smokiness and a touch of color throughout the casserole.
Optional toppings (green onions, salsa, hot sauce): Take each serving to the next level with fresh, spicy or tangy toppings of your choice!

How to Make Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Start by greasing the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker generously. This step makes cleanup a breeze and, more importantly, ensures every golden layer of your Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole releases with zero sticking. No one wants to lose that crackly cheesy edge!

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Begin building flavor from the ground up. Add half the hash browns to form a tender, crispy base. Next, sprinkle on half your crumbled sausage or bacon, then half of the diced onion and both peppers. Scatter on a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat those layers with all remaining ingredients—hash browns, sausage or bacon, vegetables, ending with cheese for that tempting golden top.

Step 3: Mix the Egg Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Give it a good whisk so everything is perfectly blended—this is your creamy, savory custard that brings every layer to life.

Step 4: Assemble and Cook

Gently pour the egg mixture over all the layered goodness in your slow cooker. The liquid finds its way through every nook, making sure each bite is lusciously moist. Pop the lid on, set to low, and cook for 7 to 8 hours (or high for 3 to 4 hours) until the eggs are set and the aroma has everyone gathering around the kitchen.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is set and lightly golden, switch off the slow cooker. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, topped with your favorite garnishes!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

Amp up every plate of Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole by scattering on fresh, snappy green onions, a spoonful of zesty salsa, or a dash of hot sauce for a kick. These simple toppings add a pop of color, flavor, and personality to each serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty casserole with a bright citrus salad, flaky biscuits, or buttery toast. The richness of the eggs and cheese is beautifully balanced by something light and fresh on the side, making for a perfectly rounded brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, serve the casserole right from the slow cooker surrounded by little bowls of toppings. Hosting a more elegant brunch? Scoop individual servings into ramekins, garnish artistically, and let everyone customize their own! It’s also fantastic sliced cold for a packable, picnic-friendly breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully—just let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors deepen and meld, making each bite somehow even better!

Freezing

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop them into a freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. This makes breakfast meal prep a total breeze; just thaw overnight and warm up as needed.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until steaming hot. A quick zap is all you need in the morning—add your favorite toppings to wake up those flavors anew!

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the sausage or bacon and load up on extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or even diced zucchini. The casserole holds together beautifully and still delivers that mouthwatering brunch satisfaction.

How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the slow cooker?

A generous coating of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter over every inch of the slow cooker insert will do the trick. For extra insurance, you can even line the insert with parchment paper.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

You sure can! Just shred the potatoes, give them a quick rinse to remove excess starch, and pat them dry before layering. They may need a little extra salt, but the flavor is unbeatable.

Is it possible to cook the casserole on high instead of low?

Yes, if you’re short on time, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours until the eggs are just set in the center. Just keep an eye on it during the last half hour so the edges don’t get too crisp.

What’s the best way to reheat Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole?

For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or in a 350°F oven until heated through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first for even heating.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole greeting you first thing in the morning. It’s hearty, reliable, and wildly satisfying—perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try and watch breakfast become everyone’s favorite meal of the day!

Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying morning meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Packed with savory sausage, colorful bell peppers, and creamy cheddar cheese, this easy dish is ideal for busy mornings or lazy brunches.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cups frozen hash browns
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Optional toppings: chopped green onions, salsa, or hot sauce

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Instructions

Grease the slow cooker: Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Layer ingredients: Layer half of the hash browns, sausage or bacon, onion, peppers, and cheese in the slow cooker. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Prepare egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Pour mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until eggs are set.
Serve: Serve warm with desired toppings.