The holiday season calls for cozy mornings, warm kitchens, and indulgent brunch spreads. This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate dish for stress-free holiday mornings. With buttery croissants, savory fillings, and a creamy egg custard, it’s as comforting as it is delicious. The best part? You can prep it the night before and simply bake it in the morning while you sip your coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd during the holidays. The flaky croissants soak up the custard overnight, turning into a luscious, savory masterpiece when baked. It’s a one-dish wonder that saves you time and keeps everyone happy. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can tailor it to your family’s tastes.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick glimpse of what you’ll need for this brunch favorite. You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.
- Croissants (slightly stale ones work best!)
- Eggs
- Heavy cream
- Shredded cheese (like Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella)
- Cooked breakfast sausage, ham, or bacon
- Fresh spinach or other veggies (optional)
Directions
Preparing the Croissants
Slice the croissants in half and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Slightly overlapping them is fine—it adds to the texture and flavor of the casserole.
Adding the Fillings
Sprinkle your choice of cooked sausage, bacon, or ham over the croissants. Add a layer of shredded cheese and optional veggies like spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Making the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the croissants and fillings, ensuring everything is well-coated.
Letting It Rest
Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the croissants to soak up the custard, ensuring a rich, creamy texture.
Baking
In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Slightly stale croissants work best because they absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
- Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley over the top for extra flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use brioche or challah bread instead of croissants for a different texture.
- Add a layer of caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes for added depth.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven, with a fresh green salad or fruit salad on the side. For drinks, pair it with mimosas, coffee, or hot cocoa to complete your festive brunch spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain its texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free milk alternative and skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.
2. What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?
Using slightly stale croissants and letting it rest overnight ensures the perfect texture. Avoid adding too many watery veggies.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
4. What can I substitute for croissants?
Brioche, challah, or even day-old sandwich bread can work if croissants aren’t available.
Conclusion
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the perfect recipe for savoring holiday mornings with loved ones. It’s rich, comforting, and easy to make, giving you more time to enjoy the season. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want to treat your family, this dish is sure to become a holiday tradition. So, grab those croissants, get prepping, and wake up to a warm, delicious breakfast!
Print
Savory Holiday Brunch Recipes: Overnight Croissant Breakfast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This savory and satisfying breakfast casserole is perfect for holiday mornings. Flaky croissants are layered with eggs, cheese, and flavorful toppings, creating a dish that’s easy to prepare the night before and bake in the morning. Ideal for feeding a crowd!
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants, torn into pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the torn croissants evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, and onions (if using) over the croissants. - Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese. - Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants and sausage. Press gently to ensure the croissants absorb the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours). - Bake the Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. - Serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
- This dish can be assembled the same morning if needed; let it sit for at least 30 minutes before baking to absorb the liquid.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg