This Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole is a warm and yummy way to start your day! Packed with eggs, cheese, and your favorite veggies, it’s super filling and perfect for busy mornings.
Plus, it cooks while you sleep! Just toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and wake up to a delicious breakfast. Seriously, who wouldn’t love that? 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Large eggs are the star of this dish, providing the base. For a vegan option, try silken tofu blended until smooth or chickpea flour mixed with water. Just note that the texture will vary.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk adds creaminess. Almond, soy, or oat milk are great dairy-free alternatives if needed. Choose unsweetened varieties to avoid adding unwanted flavors.
Breakfast Sausage: Cooked sausage is essential for flavor. You can swap it with turkey sausage or skip it altogether for a vegetarian casserole. You could use mushrooms or extra veggies instead!
Bacon: Though it adds savory goodness, you can also use turkey bacon or even leave it out to make it leaner. Try cooked mushrooms for a different twist!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is perfect for a bold flavor. If you’re not a cheddar fan, try Monterey Jack or mozzarella. For vegan cheese, there are many delightful plant-based options available.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Casserole in the Slow Cooker?
Cooking the casserole perfectly takes a bit of attention. The key is to monitor the cooking time! Here’s how to do it:
- Grease the slow cooker well to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Check the casserole around the recommended time to see if it’s set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- If it’s not cooked through but looks done on the edges, you might need to cover it back up and let it cook for a little longer.
Let it sit for 10 minutes after cooking; this helps firm it up, making slicing easier!
Enjoy making this delicious breakfast casserole that can feed the whole family!
How to Make a Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (reserve some for topping)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups hash brown potatoes (frozen or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and cooks for 6 to 7 hours on the low setting (or 3 to 4 hours on high). It’s perfect for a weekend brunch or any time you want a hearty meal without much effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by greasing the inside of your 4 to 6-quart slow cooker generously with non-stick spray or a bit of butter. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure everything is well combined so your casserole turns out evenly flavored.
3. Add the Add-Ins:
Now it’s time to stir in the fun stuff! Add the cooked sausage, chopped bacon (remember to save some for the top), shredded cheddar cheese, diced red bell pepper, chopped onion, fresh spinach, and hash browns. Mix everything until it’s evenly coated!
4. Pour and Spread:
Carefully pour the egg mixture into the greased slow cooker. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so every slice will have a bit of everything!
5. Top it Off:
Lastly, sprinkle the reserved bacon and some extra cheddar cheese over the top. This will give your casserole a delicious, oooey-gooey finish once it’s done cooking!
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. When it’s done, the casserole should be set, and you can check doneness by inserting a knife in the center—it should come out clean!
7. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, carefully remove the lid and let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to slice.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your casserole with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful breakfast with family or friends!
This casserole is not only hearty and filling but also easy to prepare. Enjoy your meal as breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, and have fun customizing it with your favorite ingredients!
Can I Use Egg Whites Instead of Whole Eggs?
Absolutely! You can substitute egg whites for whole eggs to reduce the cholesterol and calories. Just use about 1/4 cup of egg whites for each egg, so you’ll need 2 cups of egg whites for this recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Hash Browns?
If you want to switch things up, try using cooked quinoa, tater tots, or even diced potatoes. Just make sure they’re cooked so your casserole sets properly.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, this casserole is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that the breakfast sausage and any other packaged ingredients you use are marked gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
