Slow Cooker Denver Omelet Breakfast Casserole Recipe: A Hearty, Hands-Off Breakfast

Why Slow Cooker Denver Omelet Breakfast Casserole is the Ultimate Breakfast Dish

A Slow Cooker Denver Omelet Breakfast Casserole is a perfect dish for busy mornings when you want something hearty, filling, and easy to prepare. This casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Denver omelet, packed with eggs, cheese, bell peppers, onions, and savory ham, all slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. The best part is, you can prepare it the night before, set it in the slow cooker in the morning, and have a warm, delicious breakfast ready by the time you wake up.

The slow cooker method ensures that the casserole is perfectly cooked, with the flavors melding together and the eggs becoming tender and fluffy. This breakfast casserole is ideal for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a family brunch, a holiday morning, or a potluck. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, the Slow Cooker Denver Omelet Breakfast Casserole is bound to become your go-to breakfast dish.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Denver Omelet Breakfast Casserole

For the Casserole Base:

This breakfast casserole is made with simple, wholesome ingredients, including eggs and classic Denver omelet fillings like ham, peppers, and onions.

For the casserole base, you’ll need:

• 12 large eggs (the base of the casserole)
• 1 cup whole milk (for creaminess)
• 2 cups cooked ham (diced, for protein and flavor)
• 1 bell pepper (diced, for a sweet crunch)
• 1 small onion (diced, for savory flavor)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for richness)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for meltiness and texture)
• Salt and pepper (to taste, for seasoning)

For the Casserole Base (Optional Ingredients):

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for a touch of warmth and color)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a little heat, optional)

For the Slow Cooker:

You’ll need a slow cooker (preferably a 6-quart size) to cook the casserole evenly. You can also use slow cooker liners for easy cleanup.

How to Make Slow Cooker Denver Omelet Breakfast Casserole

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping your vegetables and meat. Dice the bell pepper and onion into small pieces. If you’re using leftover ham, chop it into small cubes. Grate the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and set them aside. The beauty of this casserole is that most of the work is done in the chopping and mixing stages, which makes it a great option for a stress-free breakfast.

2. Grease the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking. If you’re using a slow cooker liner, this step is optional, as the liner will help with cleanup.

3. Whisk the Eggs and Milk

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. The milk helps make the eggs creamy and tender, while the seasonings give the base of the casserole flavor.

4. Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

In the greased slow cooker, layer the ingredients. Start by spreading the diced ham evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, layer the diced bell peppers and onions over the ham. Finally, pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged in the eggs. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the casserole.

5. Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low heat setting for 3-4 hours, or until the casserole is set and the eggs are fully cooked. The casserole should be firm in the center, with no liquid eggs remaining. Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking, as this can affect the cooking time and temperature.

6. Check for Doneness

After about 3 hours, check the casserole by gently pressing on the center. If it feels firm and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean, the casserole is ready. If not, continue cooking for another 15-30 minutes, checking periodically.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is cooked through, remove the slow cooker from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Cut the casserole into squares or wedges and serve. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of fruit, a dollop of sour cream, or some extra hot sauce for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Denver Omelet Breakfast Casserole

Use a Slow Cooker Liner

To make cleanup even easier, consider using a slow cooker liner. These disposable liners help prevent sticking and reduce the amount of time spent scrubbing the slow cooker after cooking.

Customize the Fillings

While the classic Denver omelet uses ham, bell peppers, and onions, feel free to customize the casserole to your tastes. You can add mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, or even swap out the ham for bacon or sausage. Just make sure to sauté any vegetables that release a lot of moisture before adding them to the slow cooker to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker

Ensure the casserole ingredients are evenly spread in the slow cooker, but don’t overcrowd it. The egg mixture should cover the ingredients without overflowing. If you have a smaller slow cooker, consider halving the recipe.

Check the Casserole Early

Slow cookers can vary in cooking times depending on the model. While the general cooking time is around 3-4 hours on low, check the casserole about 15 minutes before the recommended time to ensure you don’t overcook it.

Make Ahead for Easy Morning Prep

If you prefer to prepare the casserole ahead of time, you can assemble it the night before, refrigerate it, and then cook it in the slow cooker the next morning. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly, as the casserole will be cold when it starts cooking.

Use Full-Fat Dairy for Creaminess

For the creamiest, richest texture, use full-fat milk and cheese. Low-fat or skim milk can still be used, but the texture of the casserole may be slightly different. The richness of the dairy in this recipe is key to achieving that smooth, custard-like consistency.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Denver Omelet Breakfast Casserole

The Slow Cooker Denver Omelet Breakfast Casserole is a flavorful and easy way to enjoy a classic breakfast dish without the hassle. It’s perfect for busy mornings, family brunches, or gatherings where you want to feed a crowd with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a hearty, satisfying breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee or as part of a larger brunch spread, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your breakfast repertoire.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply cook it in the slow cooker. This will save you time and ensure a hot, delicious breakfast is ready when you wake up.

2. Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the classic cheese options for this casserole are cheddar and mozzarella, you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, pepper jack, or even feta for a unique flavor. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well.

3. Can I use sausage instead of ham?

Yes, sausage is a great alternative to ham in this casserole. You can use cooked sausage links, crumbled breakfast sausage, or even bacon for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to cook the sausage beforehand and drain any excess grease.

4. How do I store leftover casserole?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

5. Can I use frozen vegetables in this casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but it’s best to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. You can also sauté the frozen vegetables in a skillet to remove any extra water before adding them to the casserole.

6. Can I make this casserole in the oven?

While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can bake it in the oven if you prefer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.

7. Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?

Yes, you can use egg whites or egg substitutes, but the casserole may turn out a bit less rich and creamy. If using egg whites, you’ll need more egg whites to replace the whole eggs, as the consistency will be thinner.

8. Can I add more spices or seasonings?

Absolutely! You can customize the flavor by adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme also add a lovely touch of flavor.

9. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this casserole by omitting the ham and adding extra vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes. For a cheese-forward version, you could also add more cheese to make the casserole extra rich.

10. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.