Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Cook it down in a skillet until wilted, let it cool, then squeeze out the excess moisture before adding to the casserole.

What if I don't have a slow cooker liner?

No problem! Simply coat your slow cooker insert thoroughly with nonstick spray. You might need to soak the insert a bit longer during cleanup, but the casserole will turn out just as delicious.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just ensure the cheese substitutes are ones that actually melt for the best texture.

How do I know when the casserole is done cooking?

The casserole is finished when the eggs are completely set and no longer jiggly in the center. If you insert a knife in the middle, it should come out clean without any wet egg mixture.

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This heavenly Crockpot Breakfast Casserole transforms ordinary morning ingredients into a remarkable feast while you sleep! Loaded with savory bacon, vibrant vegetables, and a perfect blend of cheeses, this hands-off breakfast masterpiece cooks overnight so you can wake up to an incredibly satisfying meal. Perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or holiday gatherings when you’d rather be enjoying coffee with your guests than standing over a hot stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just layer ingredients, pour in the egg mixture, and let your slow cooker work its magic while you sleep.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep this casserole the night before and wake up to a fully cooked, delicious breakfast that’s ready when you are.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of crispy bacon, melty cheese, and savory vegetables creates a breakfast that will satisfy everyone at your table.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to what you have on hand or to accommodate different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bacon: Provides that irresistible smoky flavor and crispy texture that makes breakfast feel special. Use center-cut for a leaner option.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds bright color, sweet flavor, and nutritional value to balance the richness of the dish.
Shallot: Offers a milder, more elegant flavor than regular onion. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates the overall taste.
Eggs: Forms the foundation of our casserole, creating a fluffy, protein-rich base that holds everything together.
Milk: Creates a custardy texture when combined with the eggs. Using nonfat milk keeps the dish lighter.
Dijon Mustard: Don’t skip this! It adds a subtle tanginess that enhances all the other flavors without tasting “mustardy.”
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and cayenne create the perfect balance of flavor with just the right amount of heat.
Day-Old Baguette: Using slightly stale bread ensures it will absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy. The texture contrast is wonderful!
Frozen Spinach: Packs in nutrients and color. Make sure to squeeze it very dry to prevent a watery casserole.
Artichoke Hearts: Provides unique flavor and meaty texture. Pat them dry thoroughly after chopping.
Fontina Cheese: Melts beautifully for that perfect gooey cheese pull. It’s worth seeking out for its mild, nutty flavor.
Feta Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy punch that wakes up your taste buds. The contrast with the melty fontina is magical.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make this breakfast casserole your own? Try these tasty variations:

Meat Lover’s Version: Swap the bacon for a combination of cooked breakfast sausage and diced ham.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli.
Mediterranean Twist: Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of bell peppers and add some chopped olives and oregano.
Different Bread Options: Try sourdough, whole grain bread, or even croissants torn into pieces for a more indulgent version.
Cheese Swaps: Replace fontina with gruyère, gouda, or cheddar depending on what you prefer or have available.

How to Make Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Line your 6-quart slow cooker with a disposable liner and spray with nonstick spray. This might seem like an extra step, but you’ll thank yourself later when cleanup is a breeze!

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Cook your bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium-low heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Patience is key here – resist cranking up the heat or you’ll end up with burned bacon. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and save 1 tablespoon of that liquid gold bacon fat.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, sauté bell peppers and shallots over medium heat until softened, about 6 minutes. This step builds incredible flavor by capitalizing on that bacon goodness.

Step 4: Prepare Egg Mixture

Whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne until slightly foamy. The goal is to get some air into the mixture for a fluffier result.

Step 5: Layer Ingredients

Start by spreading bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared slow cooker. Layer half of the bell pepper mixture, spinach (break up those clumps!), artichoke hearts, and fontina. Repeat layers, then top with crumbled feta.

Step 6: Add Egg Mixture and Bacon

Pour the egg mixture over everything, gently pushing down ingredients to ensure they’re mostly submerged. Sprinkle the crispy bacon on top.

Step 7: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, until eggs are completely set. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole (still in the liner) from the slow cooker, transfer to a large plate, and let it rest for 10 minutes before removing the liner. This brief resting period makes slicing much easier.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Prep Time Saver: Cook bacon and vegetables the evening before and refrigerate to make morning assembly even quicker.
Checking Doneness: The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly. Insert a knife in the center – it should come out clean.
Perfectly Dry Spinach: After thawing frozen spinach, place it in a clean kitchen towel and twist to squeeze out every last bit of moisture.
Even Cooking: If your slow cooker tends to have hot spots, rotate the insert halfway through cooking time if possible.
Preventing Burning: If your slow cooker runs hot, check for doneness at the 6-hour mark to prevent overcooking the edges.

How to Serve

This versatile breakfast casserole pairs beautifully with so many accompaniments:

Morning Basics:

Serve with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch.

Bread Options:

Offer toast, English muffins, or warm biscuits for those who might want to create a breakfast sandwich.

Condiment Bar:

Set out hot sauce, salsa, sliced avocado, sour cream, or extra cheese to let guests customize their portions.

Beverage Pairings:

Coffee, tea, mimosas, or a spicy Bloody Mary complement this casserole perfectly for a weekend brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight!

Freezing

Cut cooled casserole into individual portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece in parchment paper first for best results.

Reheating

Microwave refrigerated portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, or microwave using the defrost setting before heating completely. A quick trip under the broiler after microwaving will revive the top’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! You’ll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Cook it down in a skillet until wilted, let it cool, then squeeze out the excess moisture before adding to the casserole.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker liner?

No problem! Simply coat your slow cooker insert thoroughly with nonstick spray. You might need to soak the insert a bit longer during cleanup, but the casserole will turn out just as delicious.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just ensure the cheese substitutes are ones that actually melt for the best texture.
How do I know when the casserole is done cooking?

The casserole is finished when the eggs are completely set and no longer jiggly in the center. If you insert a knife in the middle, it should come out clean without any wet egg mixture.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is my go-to solution for stress-free entertaining and family breakfasts. There’s something magical about waking up to a fully cooked, delicious meal that required no morning effort! The combination of crispy bacon, melty cheese, and nutritious vegetables creates a breakfast that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re hosting weekend guests, planning a holiday breakfast, or just treating your family to something special, this set-it-and-forget-it casserole delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.