Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to start your morning with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This dish combines buttery croissants, savory breakfast favorites, and a rich, creamy custard baked to golden perfection. It’s ideal for holidays, brunch gatherings, or simply treating yourself to a luxurious breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Make-ahead convenience: Prep it the night before and bake in the morning.
- A delicious combination of buttery, flaky croissants and hearty breakfast ingredients.
- Feeds a crowd with minimal effort, making it perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll need for this satisfying breakfast casserole:
- Croissants (day-old works best)
- Eggs
- Breakfast sausage or bacon
You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements below.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Croissants
Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in a greased casserole dish. Day-old croissants work beautifully as they soak up the custard without becoming too soggy.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Cook the breakfast sausage or bacon until crispy. Drain any excess grease and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, and your choice of seasonings like salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. For added flavor, stir in shredded cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the cooked meat over the croissant pieces, followed by any additional ingredients like sautéed veggies. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the entire dish, ensuring all the croissants are soaked.
Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the croissants to absorb the custard fully.
Step 6: Bake
In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use stale croissants: Fresh croissants can become too mushy; day-old ones are perfect for soaking up the custard.
- Customize the flavors: Add your favorite vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, or swap the meat for ham or turkey.
- Let it rest before baking: Bringing the casserole to room temperature ensures even baking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Substitute croissants with brioche or sourdough bread for a different texture.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and loading it with roasted veggies.
- Use a mix of cheeses, like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère, for extra flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this casserole with fresh fruit, a side of crispy hash browns, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. Pair it with orange juice, coffee, or mimosas for a festive brunch experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
FAQs
Q1: Can I bake this casserole immediately instead of refrigerating overnight?
Yes, you can, but letting it sit overnight enhances the flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Q2: Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Q3: Can I use plant-based milk or cream?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut cream work well as substitutes.
Q4: How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The top should be golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Conclusion
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a lifesaver for busy mornings or special occasions. With its rich flavors and effortless preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire. Try it for your next gathering, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Print
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (active)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a savory and satisfying dish featuring buttery croissants, eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats. Perfect for a crowd, it’s prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it ideal for holidays, brunches, or busy mornings.
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled (optional)
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer the torn croissants evenly across the bottom.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Casserole: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the croissants. Add the cooked bacon or sausage, if using. Pour the egg mixture over the top, pressing down gently to ensure all croissants are soaked.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Bake, covered, for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- To make it spicy, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 210mg