Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
This Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole is perfect for busy mornings because it’s simple to put together and cooks while you sleep. Packed with tasty ingredients like potatoes and cheese, it offers a hearty start to your day without much effort. You’ll appreciate how adaptable it is to fit different tastes and health needs.
One reason to try this dish is its ease of preparation, as it allows you to set it up the night before and wake up to a hot meal. It brings health benefits from fresh veggies and protein that keep you energized. The flavors blend into something comforting and delicious.
In fact, this casserole is so versatile that you can tweak it for various diets, making it a go-to option for families. Imagine starting your day with a warm, homemade breakfast that feels special yet straightforward to make.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
- 5. Mastering Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
- 8. Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole. Below is a complete list based on the recipe, ensuring you have everything needed for a successful dish. This list pulls from the specific details provided, making it easy to follow.
- 32 ounces frozen shredded or diced hash brown potatoes
- 1 pound cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or ham
- 2 cups (about 8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 sliced green onions
- ½ cup finely diced white onion
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- 1 diced green bell pepper
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
This structured list covers all items with precise measurements to help you shop and prepare accurately. For special dietary options, you can swap ingredients as needed, but always start with these basics for the best results.
How to Prepare the Perfect Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting this Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole right starts with simple steps that anyone can follow. Begin by preparing your ingredients to make the process smooth and enjoyable. This guide incorporates the specific preparation method to ensure your casserole turns out just right.
First, cook the meat like bacon, sausage, or ham, then drain the excess fat but leave about 1 tablespoon in the pan. If you want, soften the white onion in that fat or oil to cut its sharpness. Next, grease a 6-quart slow cooker and layer half of the hash browns, meat, onions, peppers, and cheese without stirring.
Repeat the layering with the remaining hash browns, meat, onions, peppers, and top it off with cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
Finally, cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. After cooking, let the casserole rest uncovered for 15 minutes before serving to set properly. Explore similar hash brown casserole ideas on our site for more inspiration.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
One of the best parts of this Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re watching your diet or trying new flavors, swaps can keep it tasty and healthy. Here’s how to adjust based on common needs.
For protein and main components, consider replacing the meat with plant-based options like tofu or tempeh. If you want leaner choices, swap in turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional bacon or ham. You can also switch hash browns for sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice to make it lower in carbs or gluten-free.
When it comes to vegetables and seasonings, try zucchini or mushrooms in place of bell peppers for a fresh twist. Add a bit of tomato salsa for spice, or mix in herbs like basil to boost flavors. These changes help accommodate various preferences while keeping the dish nutritious. Remember, other breakfast bakes on our blog offer more ideas for customization.
Mastering Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole: Advanced Tips and Variations
Once you get the basics down, you can elevate your Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole with some pro tips. Using frozen hash browns works best as they cook evenly without getting soggy. Pre-softening onions helps mellow their flavor, and lining the slow cooker makes cleanup a breeze.
Tips for Better Results
- Layer ingredients carefully for even cooking and great texture.
- Experiment with cheeses like feta or add spices such as smoked paprika.
- Garnish with items like avocado or green onions for a nice finish.
- Prep ahead by assembling everything except the egg mixture and refrigerate overnight.
Adjust cooking times if you’re making a larger batch, and remember it freezes well cool, slice, and reheat for easy meals. For more on potato choices, check out this external resource on potato nutrition.
| Tips Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Use parchment paper for easy removal. |
| Storage | Freeze portions for up to 3 months. |
| Variations | Add herbs for extra flavor. |
A nutritional breakdown for one-eighth of the casserole using ham shows about 460 calories, 24 grams of carbohydrates, 31 grams of protein, 27 grams of fat (with 11 grams saturated), 310 milligrams of cholesterol, 990 milligrams of sodium, plus vitamins like 1004 IU of vitamin A and 26 milligrams of vitamin C. For more health insights, visit this article on meal benefits.
How to Store Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole: Best Practices
Proper storage keeps your Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole fresh and tasty for later. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave or oven until hot. This method helps maintain the casserole’s texture and flavor. For meal prep, make extras and have them ready for busy mornings.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
How long does it take to cook a slow cooker breakfast casserole?
Cooking times for a slow cooker breakfast casserole typically range from 7 to 8 hours on the low setting or 3 to 4 hours on high in a 6-quart slow cooker. Smaller or larger slow cookers may require slight adjustments in time. For best results, check the casserole for doneness by ensuring the eggs are fully set and the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
Can I make the breakfast casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before cooking?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ingredients in advance. For best texture, assemble all ingredients except the eggs and refrigerate overnight. Add the eggs just before cooking to prevent separation. Alternatively, you can fully assemble the casserole including the eggs and cook it on low overnight; just make sure your slow cooker has a timer or turn-off function to avoid overcooking.
What types of potatoes are best for a slow cooker breakfast casserole?
Frozen hash browns work well because they thaw slowly during cooking, preventing sogginess. Both shredded and diced hash browns can be used depending on your texture preference—shredded for softer texture and diced for more distinct potato pieces. Avoid using fresh potatoes as they may require longer cooking and risk uneven texture.
Can I freeze leftover slow cooker breakfast casserole, and how should I reheat it?
Leftover breakfast casserole can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. For best quality, freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, making sure the center reaches a safe temperature.
Is it necessary to precook meat and vegetables before adding them to the casserole?
Precooking meat like sausage or bacon is recommended to remove excess fat and ensure it is fully cooked. Vegetables like onions can be added raw, but sautéing them beforehand softens their flavor and reduces moisture released during cooking. However, you can skip this step if pressed for time; the slow cooker will still cook ingredients thoroughly.
Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
🥞 Start your day with a hearty and convenient CrockPot Breakfast Casserole that’s perfect for busy mornings.
🍳 This recipe combines savory meats, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese for a satisfying, make-ahead meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
– 32 ounces frozen shredded or diced hash brown potatoes
– 1 pound cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or ham
– 2 cups (about 8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 2 sliced green onions
– ½ cup finely diced white onion
– 1 diced red bell pepper
– 1 diced green bell pepper
– 12 eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1-First, cook the meat like bacon, sausage, or ham, then drain the excess fat but leave about 1 tablespoon in the pan. If you want, soften the white onion in that fat or oil to cut its sharpness. Next, grease a 6-quart slow cooker and layer half of the hash browns, meat, onions, peppers, and cheese without stirring.
2-Repeat the layering with the remaining hash browns, meat, onions, peppers, and top it off with cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
3-Finally, cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. After cooking, let the casserole rest uncovered for 15 minutes before serving to set properly.
Notes
🥔 Use frozen hash browns for the best texture and convenience.
🧅 Pre-soften onions to mellow their flavor and enhance the overall taste.
🍳 Line the slow cooker with parchment or foil for easier removal and cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 8 hours
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow cooking, layering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of casserole
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 990 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 310 mg
Keywords: CrockPot Breakfast Casserole, Easy Morning Meals, Slow Cooker Breakfast, Hearty Breakfast