Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole with Ham, Cheese, and Spinach

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal, making breakfast stress-free and delicious. With eggs, hash browns, spinach, ham, and cheddar cheese, this hearty dish cooks while you sleep so you wake up to a warm, satisfying meal. Serve it with crispy breakfast potatoes or a fresh fruit salad for the perfect brunch spread.

Just toss everything into the slow cooker before bed and wake up to a hot, hearty breakfast that's ready to serve. This crockpot hash brown casserole is endlessly customizable. Swap in your favorite veggies, cheeses, or proteins to make it your own. Plus, it's not just great for brunch. This casserole is perfect for meal prep, too! Make it at the start of the week, slice it into portions, and you'll have a quick, protein-packed breakfast ready to go every morning. Whether you're hosting guests or just need an easy way to start the day, this slow cooker casserole makes mornings effortless.

Breakfast casseroles are perfect for any time of year, from Christmas morning to a busy weekday! Try out this Butternut Squash and Spinach Breakfast Casserole or Breakfast Egg Casserole to make your mornings even more exciting!

What do you need to make egg casserole in the crockpot?

With a few simple ingredients and a crockpot, you can make this hands-off breakfast recipe in a flash!

• Hash brown potatoes: These make up the hearty base of the casserole. You can use refrigerated or frozen hash browns, but just make sure they're thawed if they are frozen. They soak up flavor and create a slightly crispy layer at the bottom.
• Boneless lean ham: A great way to add protein and a salty, smoky bite. Leftover ham from a holiday meal? Perfect! You could also swap it for cooked bacon or sausage.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and slightly tangy cheddar brings richness to every bite. You can mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor.
• Eggs + egg whites: The key to holding everything together! Using whole eggs and extra egg whites makes this casserole lighter but still creamy and satisfying.
• Skim Milk: This helps keep the eggs fluffy without making the dish too heavy. Any milk will work, but if you want a richer texture, use whole milk or even a splash of half-and-half.
• Crockpot: A 6 qt. crockpot will be perfect for this recipe!

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar is a great choice because it melts well and adds a rich, sharp flavor. However, you can mix and match cheeses based on what you have or the flavor you prefer. Monterey Jack or mozzarella will give you a creamier, milder taste, while Swiss or Gouda adds a slightly nutty, smoky flavor. If you like a little spice, try Pepper Jack for a subtle kick. For the best texture, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly into the casserole.

Can I swap out the ham for something else?

Definitely! You can use cooked bacon, sausage, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just make sure any meat is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, but fresh spinach contains more moisture. To prevent a watery casserole, sauté it first for a minute or two to wilt it down, then drain any extra liquid before adding it.

What other veggies can I add?

This recipe is super flexible! Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid from watery veggies so the casserole doesn't get soggy.

How to Make an Egg Casserole in the Crockpot

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to make this recipe:

1. Layer the Base

Mix the hash browns with the diced onions and peppers, then spread them evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. Give them a little seasoning to start building flavor.

2. Add the Good Stuff

In a bowl, mix the spinach and ham, then layer half of it over the potatoes. Sprinkle on some cheese, then repeat with the remaining ham and spinach, finishing with the rest of the cheese.

3. Pour in the Eggs

Whisk the eggs, egg whites, and milk together with a little salt and pepper. Once it's nice and smooth, pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the slow cooker.

4. Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker on low for a few hours or on high if you need it done faster. It's ready when the eggs are fully set and cooked through.

Pro Tip: If you're making this overnight, keep it on the lowest setting so it doesn't overcook. A programmable slow cooker with a warm setting works great for this!

Can I make this casserole overnight?

Yes! If you want to wake up to a ready-to-eat breakfast, cook it on the lowest setting for about 6-8 hours. If your slow cooker has a "keep warm" function, it's even better—this prevents overcooking. If your slow cooker runs hot, check it around the 6-hour mark to make sure the eggs don't get too firm.

Do I need to thaw the hash browns first?

Yes, it's best to thaw frozen hash browns before adding them. If they go in frozen, they can release extra moisture and make the casserole soggy. Simply leave them in the fridge overnight or microwave them for a few minutes until defrosted.

How do I keep the eggs from getting rubbery?

Overcooking is the most common reason eggs turn rubbery. Stick to the low setting if possible, and don't leave it on heat longer than needed. Also, using a mix of whole eggs and egg whites keeps the texture light and fluffy instead of dense.

Recipe Ideas for Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

There are virtually endless combinations when it comes to making breakfast casseroles in your crockpot. Here are some combinations we love to make when we aren't making this ham, spinach, and cheese option.

• Sausage, peppers, and onions: Brown some lean ground turkey breakfast sausage along with sliced onions and bell peppers. Throw in some cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
• Caprese: Add diced tomatoes (or drained canned diced tomatoes), chopped basil, and fresh or shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Lorraine: Add chopped center-cut bacon, diced onion, Swiss cheese, and the secret ingredient - a touch of nutmeg to make a crustless version of this classic dish.
• Southwestern: Add diced tomatoes, poblano peppers, corn, black beans, and cheddar cheese. Toss in some Homemade Taco Seasoning for even more taco flavor.
• Veggie: Go all out with the vegetables, adding zucchini, summer squash, tomatoes, spinach, and broccoli along with your favorite cheese.
• Bacon and leek: Chop and cook some center-cut bacon along with some sauteed leeks. Add them to the casserole along with some shredded Gouda or Swiss cheese. You could also throw in some sundried tomatoes.
• Turkey and broccoli: Grab some deli turkey and cooked broccoli. Chop everything into bite-sized pieces and add it to the slow cooker along with some sharp cheddar cheese.

Tips for Making Crockpot Egg Casserole

These tips will make this recipe a breeze!

• Prep: Make sure to spray the slow cooker really well with cooking spray so that the eggs don't stick. You can also use a slow cooker liner.
• Don't overcook: It is important not to overcook this recipe. If you know that your slow cooker runs hot or cooks quickly, you may want to take it out earlier. It's finished once the eggs puff up and are cooked through. Check the center with a toothpick or knife since that part will finish last.
• Cook the veggies: You can use all different veggies in this recipe, but it is usually best to cook them first. This is especially true for vegetables that release a lot of water, like spinach or zucchini.
• Potatoes: Any type of hashbrown potatoes work. You can use shredded hash browns or diced potatoes from the freezer or from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. If you want to make your own, precook them before adding them to the crockpot.
• Low carb: For a low carb version, you can substitute cauliflower rice for the hashbrown potatoes.
• Paleo: For a Paleo version, leave out the cheese and use almond milk and shredded sweet potatoes.
• Whole30: For a Whole30 version, leave out the cheese and use canned coconut milk in place of the dairy milk.

Toppings

Play around with different toppings for a truly personalized result!

• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado or Guacamole
• Pico de Gallo
• Hot sauce
• Salsa Verde or Habanero Salsa
• Green onions
• Pickled Red Onions