Description
Mountain Man Crock Pot Breakfast is a hearty, layered breakfast casserole made with crispy hash browns, savory ham or bacon, onions, green pepper, and melted cheddar cheese, all bound together with eggs and milk. Designed to cook overnight in a slow cooker, this easy, set-it-and-forget-it dish is perfect for busy mornings, family gatherings, and meal prepping. It’s customizable with different proteins and vegetables and pairs well with toast, salsa, or hot coffee for a comforting and satisfying start to the day.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hash browns
- 1 lb precooked ham or bacon
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups grated medium cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 12 eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Grease or spray the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer Ingredients – First Layer: Add one third of the frozen hash browns evenly to the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by one third of the precooked ham or bacon, one third of the chopped onion, and if using, one third of the chopped green pepper. Season this layer with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle one third of the grated cheddar cheese over the top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times, using the remaining hash browns, meat, onion, green pepper, seasoning, and cheese, to build three complete layers in total.
- Combine Eggs and Milk: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs and 3/4 cup whole milk until fully blended and smooth.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, allowing it to seep between layers.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until the eggs are fully set, cooked through, and the casserole is firm.
- Serve: Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally with toppings such as salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, or chopped chives, and side dishes like toast or V8 juice.
Notes
- Use thick-cut precooked ham or bacon and freshly grated medium cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Test your slow cooker’s cooking time as temperatures may vary; start checking for doneness at 6 hours.
- Greasing the slow cooker well prevents the casserole from sticking and helps with easy serving.
- Feel free to customize by swapping ham or bacon for sausage or adding extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and make great on-the-go meals or breakfast burritos.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free; omit meat for a vegetarian option.
- For a lower fat or carb version, consider using turkey sausage, reducing cheese, or substituting some hash browns with sweet potatoes.
- Serve with salsa or hot sauce for added flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mountain Man Breakfast, slow cooker breakfast, breakfast casserole, hash brown casserole, crock pot breakfast, easy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, brunch recipe, hearty breakfast, layered breakfast casserole
