Start your day with a hearty and satisfying Mountain Man Crock Pot Breakfast! This easy, slow-cooked recipe combines layers of flavors and textures, making it the ultimate breakfast for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or family gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll enjoy a meal that’s packed with savory goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal chopping and preparation required.
- Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for family breakfasts or meal prepping.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to suit your taste.
- Set and Forget: Let your crock pot do the work while you focus on other things.
- Comforting and Delicious: Packed with hearty flavors that make mornings better.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Eggs
- Frozen hash browns
- Breakfast sausage
- Shredded cheese
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
- Optional add-ins: bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach
Directions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray or line it with a slow cooker liner.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread the hash browns evenly at the bottom. Add a layer of cooked sausage, followed by shredded cheese. Repeat the layers if desired.
- Mix the Eggs: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the eggs are set and the edges are golden.
- Serve: Scoop and serve directly from the crock pot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or tomatoes.
- Spicy: Use chorizo instead of breakfast sausage and add diced jalapeños.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and cheese substitutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes! Assemble the ingredients in the crock pot, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next morning.
Do I need to cook the sausage before adding it?
Yes, pre-cooking the sausage ensures it’s fully cooked and enhances the flavor.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Grate fresh potatoes and pat them dry before layering.
How can I prevent the edges from burning?
Use a slow cooker liner or regularly check for doneness towards the end of cooking.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a great lean alternative.
What’s the best type of cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar is classic, but any melting cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack works well.
How can I add more flavor?
Season each layer with additional spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yes, bake in a greased casserole dish at 350°F for 45–50 minutes or until the eggs are set.
Can I double the recipe?
If your crock pot is large enough, you can double the ingredients. Cooking time may increase slightly.
What side dishes go well with this breakfast?
Pair it with fresh fruit, toast, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Mountain Man Crock Pot Breakfast is a wholesome and flavorful way to start your day. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious breakfast that’s as effortless as it is satisfying!
PrintMountain Man Crock Pot Breakfast
This hearty and satisfying breakfast is perfect for feeding a crowd. Packed with layers of hash browns, sausage, eggs, and cheese, it’s an easy, no-fuss dish that cooks overnight in the slow cooker. Wake up to a warm and comforting breakfast ideal for family gatherings, camping mornings, or busy weekdays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (overnight on low)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 (26-32 oz) package frozen hash browns
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (or diced ham, bacon, or a mix)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the slow cooker)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot:
Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray or grease it with butter to prevent sticking. - Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned. If using bacon, cook until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. - Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread half of the hash browns on the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add a layer of half the cooked sausage, onions, and bell peppers (if using).
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining hash browns, sausage, veggies, and cheese.
- Mix the Eggs:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. - Pour and Cook:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the crock pot.
Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the eggs are fully set and cooked through. - Serve:
Once cooked, turn off the crock pot, let it cool slightly, and serve warm. Garnish with additional cheese, green onions, or salsa if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite breakfast meats or veggies.
- For a creamier texture, swap out milk for heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.