Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of a hearty breakfast, without any morning fuss. This Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the answer to your busy morning prayers. It’s incredibly simple to prepare the night before, and the slow cooker does all the work while you sleep. The secret ingredient? A flavorful base of sauteed garlic and onion that elevates this casserole from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, stress-free breakfast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole is more than just a convenient breakfast; it’s a flavor-packed experience. Here’s why I think you’ll love it:
Unique Flavor Twist: The sauteed garlic and onion base is what sets this recipe apart. It adds a depth of flavor and sweetness you won’t find in typical breakfast casseroles.
Elevated Taste: Sauteing the garlic and onion mellows their sharpness and creates a rich, savory foundation that complements the sausage and cheese perfectly.
Overnight Convenience: Simply assemble the casserole the night before, and wake up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is excellent for meal prepping, ensuring you have a delicious breakfast ready for several days.
Feeds a Crowd: It’s ideal for holidays, brunch gatherings, or any occasion where you need to feed a large group.
Family-Friendly and Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients Needed
- 30 oz frozen shredded hash browns (Ore-Ida recommended)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (browned and drained, Jimmy Dean recommended)
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 green onions (chopped)
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Hash Browns: I recommend Ore-Ida frozen shredded hash browns because they have a great texture and crisp up nicely in the slow cooker.
Breakfast Sausage: Jimmy Dean sausage is my go-to for its classic flavor. However, you can substitute with bacon, ham, or vegetarian sausage crumbles to suit your preferences. For a gluten-free option, ensure your sausage is certified gluten-free.
Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Smoked gouda, fontina, colby jack, monterey jack, or pepper jack would all be delicious additions.
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use your favorite dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives.
How to Make Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Onion
In a skillet, sauté minced garlic and diced onion with a little oil over medium heat. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step unlocks a depth of flavor that truly enhances the entire casserole. To understand more about the process, you might find this article about how to sauté helpful.
Step 2: Prepare the Crock Pot
Spray a 6-quart crock pot generously with nonstick spray, making sure to coat the bottom and sides thoroughly. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier. For even easier cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner.
Step 3: Layer Hash Browns
Arrange half of the frozen shredded hash browns evenly into the bottom of the crock pot, on top of the sauteed garlic and onions. They should form a solid base layer.
Step 4: Add Sausage, Cheese, and Green Onions
Layer half of the cooked breakfast sausage, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the chopped green onions over the hash browns. Distribute them evenly.
Step 5: Repeat Layers
Repeat the hash brown, sausage, cheese, and green onion layers. This ensures an even distribution of all the ingredients.
Step 6: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.
Step 7: Pour Egg Mixture
Slowly and evenly pour the egg mixture over the top of the casserole, ensuring it covers all the layers. Gently press down with a spatula to help the egg mixture seep through the layers.
Step 8: Slow Cook
Cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or LOW for 8 hours, or until the eggs are set in the center. The edges should be firm and the center should be slightly jiggly. Remember that slow cookers can vary, so check for doneness periodically. If you’re new to using this appliance, it may be helpful to review more information about slow cookers.
Step 9: Serve
Scoop the Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy the cheesy aroma and the delicious flavors!
Adjusting for Slow Cooker Size
Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker. A smaller 4-quart slow cooker may cook faster, while a larger 8-quart slow cooker may require a bit more time.
For a smaller slow cooker, start checking for doneness after 3 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW. If using a smaller slow cooker, consider reducing the ingredients proportionally to avoid overflow. If you only have a 4qt crockpot, reduce all ingredients by approximately 25%.
Regardless of size, the eggs should be set in the center. Remember, a browned top doesn’t always indicate a cooked center.
To ensure even cooking, especially in slow cookers with hot spots, you can rotate the crock pot halfway through the cooking time.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
- Spray the crock pot VERY well with nonstick spray, going up the sides, to prevent sticking.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Brown the sausage well before adding it to the casserole to enhance flavor.
- Don’t overcook – check for doneness periodically.
- Customize with your favorite cheeses and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or green chiles.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before cutting and serving for cleaner slices.
- Garnish with fresh green onions or salsa for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Don’t forget the sauteed garlic and onion for the signature flavor!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to spray the crock pot, leading to sticking and difficult cleanup.
- Overcooking the casserole, resulting in a dry or rubbery texture.
- Adding too many vegetables, which can make the casserole watery.
- Not browning the sausage beforehand, which can affect the overall flavor.
- Not checking for doneness, leading to an undercooked center.
- Adding too much milk, resulting in a soggy casserole.
- Using pre-shredded cheese, which contains cellulose and may not melt as well.
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas
Serve this Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole with your favorite toppings. Chopped fresh green onions, salsa, bacon bits, or sliced avocado are all great choices. For added spice, offer pickled jalapenos. Pair it with a fresh fruit salad or gluten-free cinnamon rolls for a complete brunch. Consider breakfast taco variations using gluten-free flatbread. Set up a toppings bar with various options for customization.
Storage and Make-Ahead
You can easily prep this casserole ahead of time. Assemble it the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply place it in the slow cooker and cook as directed. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in glass storage containers. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Adaptations for Special Occasions
This casserole is perfect for holiday brunches or family gatherings. Customize it for different holidays by adding seasonal vegetables or spices. A festive presentation can make it even more special.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution for a delicious and stress-free breakfast. The unique flavor twist of sauteed garlic and onion will have everyone coming back for more. Feel free to experiment with variations and serving ideas to make it your own. This recipe is foolproof and perfect for beginners. Print this recipe, share it with friends, and explore other breakfast recipes on the blog!
FAQ
Can this be prepped ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Cook as directed in the morning.
What is the best way to prevent sticking in my slow cooker?
Spray the crock pot VERY well with nonstick spray, going up the sides. You can also use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Can this recipe be modified for different dietary needs (vegetarian, dairy-free)?
Yes, you can easily modify this recipe. Use vegetarian sausage crumbles, dairy-free milk, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. You can swap out different cheeses, meats, and dairy products as needed.
How should I adjust the recipe for a smaller slow cooker?
Reduce the ingredients proportionally for a smaller slow cooker. Start checking for doneness earlier, as it may cook faster. If you only have a 4qt crockpot, reduce all ingredients by approximately 25%.
What are some creative variations I can try?
Try different meat swaps like bacon or ham, experiment with various cheeses, or add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or green chiles.
How long can I store leftovers and how do I reheat them?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Can this be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What size crock pot to use?
I recommend using a 6-quart crock pot for this recipe. However, you can adapt the recipe for smaller or larger sizes as discussed in the “Adjusting for Slow Cooker Size” section.
Looking for more easy breakfast ideas? You might enjoy this recipe for Cheesy Sausage Egg Breakfast Bake too!
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Easy Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet, sauté minced garlic and diced onion with a little oil over medium heat. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Spray a 6-quart crock pot generously with nonstick spray, making sure to coat the bottom and sides thoroughly.
- Arrange half of the frozen shredded hash browns evenly into the bottom of the crock pot, on top of the sauteed garlic and onions. They should form a solid base layer.
- Layer half of the cooked breakfast sausage, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the chopped green onions over the hash browns. Distribute them evenly.
- Repeat the hash brown, sausage, cheese, and green onion layers. This ensures an even distribution of all the ingredients.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.
- Slowly and evenly pour the egg mixture over the top of the casserole, ensuring it covers all the layers. Gently press down with a spatula to help the egg mixture seep through the layers.
- Cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or LOW for 8 hours, or until the eggs are set in the center. The edges should be firm and the center should be slightly jiggly. Remember that slow cookers can vary, so check for doneness periodically.
- Scoop the Slow Cooker Overnight Breakfast Casserole into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy the cheesy aroma and the delicious flavors!
Notes
Lia Monet is a food blogger, recipe developer, and the founder of EasyAsMeals, a food blog focused on easy recipes, quick dinners, and everyday home cooking. She creates tested, family-friendly recipes using simple ingredients to help busy families cook affordable and delicious meals at home.
