If you have ever dreamed of waking up to a warm, gooey, and utterly indulgent breakfast that feels like a hug for your taste buds, this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe might just become your new weekend tradition. Picture layers of buttery, flaky croissants soaked in a rich custard, studded with melty cheddar and mozzarella, and sprinkled with savory sausage or bacon, all baked to golden perfection. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or any day that deserves a bit of special treatment in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create a symphony of textures and flavors. Each component plays a crucial role, from the buttery croissants providing a tender base to the cheese melting perfectly throughout, making every bite decadent and satisfying.
- 4 large croissants (preferably day-old): Day-old croissants absorb the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
- 6 large eggs: Eggs bind everything together, infusing richness and structure.
- 1 ½ cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and lightness to the custard base.
- ½ cup heavy cream: For extra lushness and a silky texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, giving a lovely depth.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly, adding gooey stretchiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle kick to balance the richness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle, savory warmth throughout.
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or chopped cooked bacon: Provides smoky, hearty notes that make the dish irresistible.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional): Adds fresh color and a mild oniony brightness.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Croissants
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking and ensure easy slicing later. Cut the croissants into bite-sized pieces—1 to 2 inches works best—and spread them evenly across the dish. This will create that irresistible base that soaks up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk them together thoroughly until you have a smooth, pale mixture that promises that lovely custard texture after baking.
Step 3: Mix in Cheeses and Meat
Next, stir in your shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, along with the cooked sausage or bacon. This step is where the magic really starts—each bite will be bursting with melty cheese and savory meat flavor.
Step 4: Combine Everything in the Baking Dish
Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the croissant pieces. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press down the croissants into the custard, making sure every piece is soaking up the mixture well. If you like, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Step 5: Let it Absorb and Bake
Allow the casserole to rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the custard fully. For an even easier morning, you can refrigerate it overnight—just bake it straight from the fridge the next day! Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the filling is set in the center and the top has developed a beautiful golden brown crust. Let it cool a bit before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the casserole is fabulous on its own, topping it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives elevates the presentation and adds a refreshing touch. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also bring a wonderful contrast to the rich, cheesy layers.
Side Dishes
Complement this hearty casserole with fresh fruit salad or a light mixed greens salad tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette. These sides provide a bright counterpoint, balancing the richness and making your breakfast or brunch feel thoughtfully complete.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve the Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or muffin tins for perfectly portioned mini casseroles. Alternatively, layering additional veggies such as sautéed bell peppers or spinach inside before baking adds extra color and nutrients without losing any decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, the flavors have even more time to meld, and you’ll have a quick breakfast or snack ready to enjoy without any extra effort.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best taste and texture retention.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings but keep an eye on timing to prevent the croissants from drying out. Adding a splash of cream or covering loosely helps maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I make this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the sausage or bacon and consider adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to keep it flavorful and hearty.
Is it better to use fresh or day-old croissants?
Day-old croissants work best because they absorb the custard well without becoming too soggy, resulting in a lovely custardy texture that’s not mushy.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge in the morning—it’s a fantastic time-saver.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
A combination of cheddar for sharpness and mozzarella for meltiness creates the perfect dreamy cheese blend that pairs beautifully with croissants and breakfast meats.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
When the casserole filling feels set in the center and the top is golden brown, it’s ready. A gentle jiggle is okay, but the custard shouldn’t be liquid underneath.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy morning treat, this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your breakfast table. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how those buttery croissants transform into a luscious, cheesy masterpiece that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Trust me, once you taste it, this casserole will become a beloved favorite too!
Print
Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a comforting and savory brunch dish featuring day-old croissants soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, and cream, layered with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and flavorful cooked breakfast sausage or bacon. Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or holiday gatherings, this baked casserole delivers a golden, cheesy top with a soft, custardy interior that’s simple to prepare and delightfully satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large croissants (preferably day-old)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or chopped cooked bacon
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cut Croissants: Slice the croissants into 1 to 2 inch pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish, forming the casserole base.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Add Cheeses and Meat: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon, mixing thoroughly.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the croissant pieces, pressing down lightly to ensure all the bread absorbs the custard.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top if using, adding a fresh flavor and color contrast.
- Rest or Refrigerate: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soak up the custard or refrigerate overnight as a convenient make-ahead option.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is fully set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing to serve. This resting time helps the casserole firm up for easier cutting.
Notes
- Substitute cooked sausage with chopped ham or omit meat for a vegetarian version; you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor.
- Use day-old croissants for best results, as they soak up the custard without becoming too soggy.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for an easy breakfast or brunch.
