Wake Up to a Hearty, Ready-to-Serve Breakfast
Hola! I’m Emma, your Florida girl with a love for recipes that fill the kitchen with warmth and make mornings brighter.
This Easy Overnight Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole is one of my favorite ways to start the day, especially when I’m feeding a crowd or planning a lazy Sunday brunch. Layers of shredded potatoes, savory ham, onions, and melted cheddar cheese soak in a rich egg mixture overnight, so when you wake up, breakfast is already cooked and ready to enjoy. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just what every cozy morning needs.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6 hours |
| Total Time | 6 hours 15 minutes |
| Servings | 12 |
| Calories | 256 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Best Season | Holidays, weekends, or any busy morning |
Why You’ll Love This Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- No Morning Stress: Prep it the night before, set your slow cooker, and wake up to a warm, ready meal.
- Perfect for Crowds: Serves up to 12 people easily, great for holidays or family brunches.
- Customizable: Swap in sausage, bacon, or vegetables to suit your family’s taste.
- One-Pot Magic: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor thanks to your crock pot.
- Comfort Food Favorite: Creamy eggs, cheesy potatoes, and smoky ham come together perfectly.
Easy Overnight Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Overnight Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holidays or busy mornings. Layers of potatoes, ham, cheese, and eggs cook overnight into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
- 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham (about 1 pound)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Grease a 5–6 quart crock pot with nonstick spray or butter.
3. Spread one-third of the hash browns in the bottom of the crock, followed by one-third of the ham, onions, and cheese. Repeat the layers two more times.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until the eggs are set and edges are golden brown.
6. Let rest 20–30 minutes before serving. Top with green onions, salsa, or sour cream if desired.
Notes
Always grease the slow cooker insert to prevent sticking.
Use sharp cheddar for bolder flavor, or try a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack.
Add diced peppers, spinach, or sausage for variations.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze cooked slices for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Slow Cooker
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 recipe)
- Calories: 256
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 717mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 218mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
- 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham (about 1 pound)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Pro Tip |
|---|---|
| Eggs | Use large fresh eggs for the creamiest texture. |
| Milk | Whole or 2% milk works best for richness, or try unsweetened almond milk. |
| Potatoes | Use shredded or cubed hash browns, no need to thaw before layering. |
| Ham | Swap with sausage, bacon, or turkey for different flavors. |
| Cheese | Sharp cheddar adds boldness; Monterey Jack or pepper jack also melt beautifully. |
| Onions | Use yellow for sweetness or red for extra bite. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and whisk together with milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease or spray the inside of a 5–6 quart crock pot generously to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread one-third of the hash browns on the bottom, followed by one-third each of the ham, onion, and cheese. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with cheese on top.
- Pour the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the whisked eggs evenly over the layered ingredients so everything gets coated.
- Cook Overnight: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the eggs are set and edges are golden brown. Avoid opening the lid during cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Turn off the heat and let the casserole rest for 20–30 minutes. Slice or scoop onto plates and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Casserole
- Use Nonstick Spray: Eggs love to stick, so coat the crock well with spray or butter.
- Crispy Edges: Leave the lid off for 10 minutes after cooking to let edges crisp slightly.
- Cheese Choices: Mix cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for melty texture and tang.
- Avoid Overcooking: Check around the 5-hour mark if your slow cooker runs hot.
Recipe Variations to Try
- Sausage & Hash Brown Casserole: Replace ham with browned breakfast sausage for a classic flavor.
- Veggie Lovers: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a lighter option.
- Southwest Style: Mix in green chilies and top with salsa or avocado.
- Holiday Version: Use leftover turkey or prime rib for a festive breakfast twist.
Delicious Pairings for Brunch
Serve this hearty casserole with a side of fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, or buttery biscuits. It pairs perfectly with coffee, orange juice, or a sparkling brunch mocktail. For an extra treat, drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle chopped chives on top before serving.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can assemble everything the night before, cover the crock insert, and refrigerate. In the morning, place it in the slow cooker and turn on low for 6 hours. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm.
Kitchen Wisdom for Success
- Sharp Cheddar Works Best: It gives a deeper flavor than mild varieties.
- Layer Evenly: Ensures every bite has eggs, cheese, and potatoes.
- Cook on Low: Slow and steady cooking gives the perfect creamy texture.
- Let It Rest: Cooling for a few minutes before serving makes it easier to slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cook this on high? You can, but reduce the time to about 3–4 hours and monitor closely to avoid burning.
2. Can I use fresh potatoes? Yes, but lightly sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
3. Can I make it vegetarian? Definitely. Skip the ham and load it up with vegetables.
4. Can I prep this in advance? Yes, assemble the night before, refrigerate, and cook in the morning.
5. Can I freeze it? You can freeze fully cooked slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
6. How do I know it’s done? The edges should be golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
7. What toppings go best? Salsa, sour cream, green onions, or fresh herbs add a nice finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 slice (1/12 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 256 |
| Protein | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 717mg |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Calcium | 324mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Nutrition values are estimated using online tools and may vary based on brands and portion sizes.
Author’s Story
I learned early that a good breakfast can change your whole day. Growing up, our weekends always started with a slow cooker humming away in the corner of the kitchen. My mama would layer potatoes, eggs, and cheese the night before, and by sunrise, the aroma filled the house. This Overnight Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole is my modern twist on her classic, easy enough for busy mornings yet comforting enough for special occasions.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope this Easy Overnight Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole becomes your new favorite way to wake up. It’s warm, cheesy, and effortlessly satisfying. Serve it with love, a cup of coffee, and plenty of laughter around the table.
Looking for another cozy slow cooker recipe? Try my Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa. It’s a rich, satisfying dish with tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and melted cheese that everyone will love.
