Breakfast & Brunch > Breakfast & Brunch for a Crowd > Buffet-Style Brunch > Keeping Food Warm for Brunch

Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

This slow cooker breakfast casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd at your next brunch. It's easy to prepare ahead of time and keeps warm in the slow cooker, making it ideal for a buffet-style setup.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
6-8 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high
Servings
10-12
Ingredients
  • 1 lb Breakfast Sausage
  • 1/2 lb Bacon
  • 12 Eggs
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Diced Onion
  • 1/2 cup Diced Bell Pepper
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 6 cups Bread (cubed)

Prepare the Meat

First, cook the breakfast sausage and bacon in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Crumble the sausage and chop the bacon into smaller pieces.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked sausage, bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, and diced bell pepper. Stir in the cubed bread, making sure everything is well combined.

Slow Cook

Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. Pour the egg mixture into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the casserole is set and no longer jiggly in the center. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

Keeping Warm

Once cooked, keep the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting to maintain the casserole at a safe temperature for serving. Ensure the casserole stays above 140°F (60°C) for food safety. You can periodically stir the casserole to ensure even heating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve directly from the slow cooker using a large spoon or spatula. Offer additional toppings such as hot sauce, salsa, sour cream, or chopped green onions on the side.

FAQ

  • Can I prepare this the night before?

    Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it. In the morning, add about 30 minutes to the cooking time.
  • Can I use different types of cheese?

    Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
  • What if I don't have a slow cooker?

    You can bake this casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
  • How do I store leftovers?

    Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.