Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate showstopper to jumpstart your morning, this Croissant Breakfast Casserole might just steal the spotlight at your next brunch. Imagine golden, flaky croissants baked with a savory medley of eggs, creamy milk, cheddar cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats, all coming together into one melty, custardy delight. It’s the perfect make-ahead option for busy weekends, family gatherings, or any day you want to serve up comfort on a plate—no stress required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole shines with just a handful of well-loved staples. Every ingredient matters: from the buttery croissants providing the base to the cheese and sausage giving each bite incredible flavor and heartiness. Feel free to personalize and swap things around to match your cravings or what’s on hand.
- Croissants: Torn into pieces, these flaky pastries soak up the custard for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base.
- Eggs: Six large eggs bind everything together and make the casserole luxuriously creamy.
- Whole Milk: Adds a silky texture to the egg mixture—don’t skimp on the fat for maximum flavor!
- Heavy Cream: Just half a cup takes the custard up a notch, giving it extra lushness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Classic, melty, and sharp; swap in Swiss or Gruyere if you’re feeling daring.
- Cooked Breakfast Sausage or Diced Ham: Adds savory depth; use whichever breakfast meat your crew loves most.
- Sautéed Onions or Bell Peppers (optional): Boost the flavor and color if you’re into a little veggie action.
- Dijon Mustard: One teaspoon is subtle yet essential, cutting through richness for brightness.
- Garlic Powder: A quick way to infuse aromatic depth—no peeling or mincing required.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance everything without overpowering.
- Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon for some gentle heat and complexity.
- Chopped Chives or Parsley (for garnish): Fresh and beautiful, these herbs brighten the final dish.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. You want enough space for the croissant pieces to spread out evenly, ensuring the custard bakes through and every bite is golden perfection.
Step 2: Tear and Layer Croissants
Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and scatter them across the bottom of your greased dish. Let your croissants overlap and leave a few rough edges exposed—they’ll turn deliciously crisp while the hidden pieces stay soft and custardy.
Step 3: Build the Egg Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the heart of your Croissant Breakfast Casserole, enveloping each crumb with flavor and creaminess. Whisk until it’s golden and fully blended for the smoothest bake.
Step 4: Add Cheese, Meat, and Veggies
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham, and any sautéed onions or bell peppers you’re using. The cheese melts throughout, the meat brings hearty substance, and the veggies add color and sweetness, making each forkful irresistible.
Step 5: Soak and Rest
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants. Press gently with a spatula or clean hands so every piece drinks up the custard. Let the casserole sit for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the croissants to soak up all that creamy goodness—this guarantees a tender interior with a beautifully crisp top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is gloriously golden and the center is set (a slight jiggle is okay, but it should not be sloshy). The aroma will fill your kitchen, hollering “brunch is ready!”
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Allow your Croissant Breakfast Casserole to cool slightly, then scatter chopped chives or parsley over the top immediately before serving. The fresh herbal touch is the final flourish—don’t skip it!
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
You can keep it classic with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley, which deliver a pop of green and a whisper of garden freshness to each bite. For a special touch, try adding a dash of smoked paprika, a scattering of crispy bacon bits, or even a handful of microgreens if you want to take your Croissant Breakfast Casserole up a notch.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines brightly on its own, but it loves good company. Pair it with a crisp fruit salad, tangy citrus wedges, or a light arugula salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. Freshly brewed coffee, juice, or even mimosas make for a perfectly relaxed weekend brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For family style, let guests scoop their own portions straight from the dish at the table. But if you’re hosting a fancier brunch, you can slice the Croissant Breakfast Casserole into neat squares and stack with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of herbs. Or, bake them individually in ramekins for adorable single-serve portions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Croissant Breakfast Casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Slice it into squares so grabbing a serving is as effortless as possible, making busy mornings a breeze.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Simply cool it completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month—perfect for prepping ahead or quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual squares on medium power until hot, or cover and bake leftovers in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw first for best results, or bake a bit longer, loosely covered to prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I assemble Croissant Breakfast Casserole the night before?
Absolutely—this dish is tailor-made for convenience. Prep everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going straight from fridge to oven.
What meat can I use besides sausage or ham?
Bacon is a fantastic alternative! Crumbled turkey sausage, chopped cooked chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version all work beautifully. Just make sure everything is cooked before adding to the casserole.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free croissants (readily available at many bakeries or specialty stores), the rest of the recipe is gluten friendly. Just check your sausage or ham to ensure they’re gluten free as well.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Check that the center is set and no longer liquid when gently jiggled. If you’re unsure, a knife inserted into the middle should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or pepper jack all work wonders in this Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Mix and match for your own signature blend of melty deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
Brunch doesn’t get much easier—or more delicious—than this Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Whether you make it part of a holiday spread or treat yourself on a lazy morning, this recipe brings cozy comfort and big smiles to the table. Give it a try and watch it become an instant family favorite!
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Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and savory dish perfect for a weekend brunch or a make-ahead breakfast. With layers of torn croissants, eggs, cheese, and your choice of breakfast meats and vegetables, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Croissant Casserole:
- 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 6 large eggs
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham
- ½ cup sautéed onions or bell peppers (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped chives or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare croissant base: Arrange the torn croissant pieces in the bottom of the dish.
- Mix egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add in the cooked sausage or ham, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese.
- Assemble: Pour the egg mixture over the croissants, pressing gently to soak up the liquid. Allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
- Garnish and serve: Cool slightly, then garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning.
- For a flavor variation, consider using bacon or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
