This easy slow cooker breakfast casserole recipe with bacon, cheese, onion, peppers, and hash browns is my secret weapon for busy weeks. Perfect for meal prep or as an overnight crockpot breakfast casserole.
When busy times hit, this slow cooker bacon and egg casserole is one of my go-to recipes! This hearty egg casserole is layered with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and golden hash browns for the ultimate comfort breakfast.
I used to think my big-batch cooking days would end once my kids left for college, but it turns out I love it just as much now for meal prepping, stocking the fridge, and freeing up time for everything else on my plate. It’s easy, convenient, and economical too.
Why you’ll love this crockpot breakfast casserole
- Customizable: swap bacon for sausage, or both! Add veggies, mix up the cheese
- Hearty and filling: shredded hash brown potatoes make the casserole hearty, filling and perfectly layered.
- Set it and forget it: let the crock pot or slow cooker do all the work!
- Crowd pleasing: this slow cooker bacon and egg casserole is great for potlucks, holidays, Sunday brunch.
Ingredients you’ll need
To make this easy slow cooker egg casserole, gather these simple ingredients:
- Eggs – the base of any great breakfast casserole recipe. I used a dozen eggs for my 6qt crockpot size.
- Shredded hash browns – I use it frozen, it’s easy. Most times I use just potatoes hash browns and sometimes I use root vegetables hash browns like in this Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole recipe. Some store will have it in the freezer isle (Whole Foods).
- Bacon – I prefer thick cut, but any type or brand will work. I cook them whole then crumble it using a wooden spatula afterwards.
- Cheese – choose your favorite cheese, mine is this thick cut sharp cheddar cheese.
- Onion and bell pepper – they add lots of flavor and texture. I used red bell pepper for a pop of color.
- Milk – Keeps the eggs light and fluffy. I used regular milk but have also tested this recipe with plant based milk and cheese and it turned out great too!
- Scallions – add crunch and flavor. I sprinkle scallions throughout the dish and also as a topping.
- Seasoning – salt, pepper, paprika and oregano or Italian seasoning.
which slow cooker i use?
After trying a few slow cooker or crock pots over the past few decades, I’ve settled for the GreenPan Elite 6qt slow cooker. This slow cooker has 8 programmable functions like sear, sauté, brown, steam and roast, allowing me to get all the steps done in one pot. It makes my life in the kitchen so much easier and once I am done cooking and I can put it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning!
How to make breakfast casserole in the slow cooker
- Cook the bacon (or sausage) until crispy, then crumble into small pieces.
- Layer the casserole: hash brown potatoes, red bell pepper, cheese, and scallions. Repeat layers.
- Whisk eggs and milk with seasonings, then pour evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Cook in the slow cooker:
- On LOW for 6–8 hours (perfect for an overnight crockpot breakfast).
- On HIGH for 3–4 hours for a quicker option.
- Serve warm with fresh herbs, extra cheese, or hot sauce.
Note: full detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below
recipe tips and variations
👉🏻 Overnight slow cooker egg casserole: Assemble at night, let it cook low and slow, and wake up to breakfast ready to go.
👉🏻 Make it a sausage and bacon breakfast casserole: Add both proteins for extra flavor.
👉🏻 Veggie option: Add mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
👉🏻 Cheese swaps: Cheddar is classic, but try Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a new flavor profile.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days. For meal prep use, store in separate containers like these small storage glass containers with airtight lids for easy grab and go meals.
Freezer: Wrap individual portions of the casserole tightly in parchment paper, wax paper, or reusable beeswax wraps and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave individual slices or bake at 350°F until heated through.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This crockpot breakfast casserole is a classic for good reason. It’s easy, hearty, and customizable, whether you need a hands-off weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or simple meal prep for the week!
Want more breakfast casserole ideas?
How about this Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole made with ham slices and cheddar cheese sandwiched between layers of soft buttery brioche bread or this Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole that is loaded with salmon, eggs and veggies!
Or try these veggie packed lunch casseroles!
This Tuna Noodle Casserole is jam packed with veggies which makes this traditional comfort food into a healthy and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. For a vegetarian option try this Baked Zucchini Casserole which has been a fan favorite and must try!
Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 eggs
- 6 slices bacon
- 16 oz hash brown
- 1 whole red bell pepper chopped
- 6 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup scallions diced
- 1 tsp sea salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Select the brown/ sauté mode on the slow cooker. (If your slow cooker or crock pot does not have this feature, you'll need to do this step on the stove top). Place the bacon in the slow cooker and sauté for about 8-10 minutes until just about done. The timing will depend on the thickness of the bacon.
- For the final few minutes, push the bacon to one side and add in the onions. Cook until onions are soft.
- Use a wooden spatula to break up the bacon into crumbles. Then stir it with the onions.
- Select high temperature mode and set it for 3-4 hours or low heat for 6-7 hours. Toss in half the hash brown and half of the following; cheese, scallions and bell pepper. Repeat with a second layer of everything.
- In a bowl whisk together the eggs, milk and seasoning until smooth.
- Pour egg mixture evenly on top of the casserole ingredients. If desired, add more shredded cheese on top but it is not necessary.
- Cover and cook for 3-4 hours on high heat or 6-7 hours on low heat. When done, uncover and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra scallions.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Great recipe to make for family gatherings after church. And so easy as well as versatile.