Mountain Man Crock Pot Breakfast Recipe

Introduction

The Mountain Man Crock Pot Breakfast is a hearty, all-in-one meal perfect for busy mornings or weekend gatherings. Loaded with layers of hash browns, savory ham or bacon, cheese, and eggs, this slow-cooked dish delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort.

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
• 12 eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease or spray the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Add one-third of the frozen hash browns to the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Layer with one-third of the ham or bacon, one-third of the chopped onion, and green pepper if using. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle one-third of the grated cheddar cheese over the layered ingredients.
5. Step 5: Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining hash browns, meat, onion, green pepper, and cheese until all ingredients are used.
6. Step 6: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk until smooth and well combined.
7. Step 7: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
8. Step 8: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the eggs are fully set and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, substitute ham with cooked sausage or your favorite breakfast meat.
• Try adding diced mushrooms or tomatoes for extra veggies.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.
• Make sure to spray the slow cooker well to prevent the casserole from sticking to the sides.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions gently in the microwave until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen in portions; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before layering to avoid a watery dish.

What if I don’t have a 4-quart slow cooker?

You can adjust the ingredient quantities to fit your slow cooker size or cook the casserole in batches if needed.

Mountain Man Crock Pot Breakfast Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

This hearty and satisfying Mountain Man Crock Pot Breakfast is a delicious slow-cooked casserole perfect for a weekend brunch or a convenient meal prep. Featuring layers of crispy hash browns, savory ham or bacon, sautéed onions and green peppers, melted cheddar cheese, and a fluffy egg and milk custard, it delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort using a slow cooker.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hash browns
• 1 lb precooked ham or bacon
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped (optional)

Dairy & Eggs

• 1 1/2 cups grated medium cheddar cheese
• 12 eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Slow Cooker: Grease or spray the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker thoroughly to prevent sticking during cooking.
2. Layer Ingredients: Add one third of the frozen hash browns evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, layer one third of the precooked ham or bacon, followed by one third of the chopped onion and the optional green pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle one third of the grated cheddar cheese over this layer.
3. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process twice more with the remaining hash browns, meat, onions, peppers (if using), and cheese so that you end up with three distinct layers.
4. Mix Eggs and Milk: In a medium bowl, whisk together the twelve eggs and 3/4 cup whole milk until the mixture becomes smooth and consistent.
5. Combine and Cook: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours until the eggs are fully set and cooked through.
6. Serve: Once done, gently cut into portions and serve warm as a filling breakfast or brunch option.

Notes

• Use precooked bacon or ham to reduce overall cooking time and avoid undercooked meat.
• Chop the vegetables uniformly for even cooking and texture.
• Do not open the slow cooker frequently during cooking to maintain temperature and timing.
• The green pepper is optional; you can substitute or omit based on preference.
• This recipe can be prepared the night before by layering ingredients and refrigerating, then cooking in the morning.
• Cook on low heat specifically; high heat may cause uneven cooking or browning.

Keywords: crock pot breakfast, slow cooker breakfast casserole, hash brown casserole, ham and cheese breakfast, hearty breakfast, make ahead breakfast