If you’ve ever wished for a breakfast dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, I’m so excited to share this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe with you. This dish combines flaky, buttery croissants with a rich, cheesy custard loaded with savory bacon and fresh green onions, creating a sensational harmony of flavors and textures. Perfect for leisurely weekend brunches or festive holiday mornings, this casserole is as comforting as it is impressive, yet surprisingly simple to make. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for feeding a crowd or indulging in a delicious morning treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe plays a key role, bringing together a perfect balance of richness, texture, and color. From the flaky croissants to the melty cheese and savory bacon, each component elevates the dish to something truly special.
- 4 large croissants (cut into 1-inch pieces): Use fresh or day-old croissants for layers of buttery, flaky texture that soak up the custard beautifully.
- 6 large eggs: These add structure and richness to the custard base, binding everything together.
- 1 ½ cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to soften the croissants perfectly.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Boosts the richness for an indulgent, custardy bite.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, providing bold flavor and golden color.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretch and mild creaminess.
- ½ cup cooked bacon or breakfast sausage (crumbled): Brings smoky, savory depth and satisfying bites throughout.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: Delivers a fresh mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and seasoning complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle kick that ties the savory elements together beautifully.
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing): Ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and browns nicely.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Croissants
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and encourage a golden crust. Spread the croissant pieces evenly in the dish; this forms the delicious base of the casserole, so make sure they’re in a single layer for even soaking.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until everything is perfectly combined. Next, fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, the crumbled bacon or sausage, and the chopped green onions. This mixture is where all the savory magic happens, blending gooey cheese, smoky meat, and fresh onion into a luscious custard.
Step 3: Combine and Let it Soak
Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the croissant pieces in your greased dish. Use a spatula or spoon to gently press the bread pieces down, ensuring they soak up the custard evenly. This soaking step lets the croissants absorb all that creamy, cheesy goodness for the perfect texture. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. If you want to make this ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight; the custard will soak in even more, making every bite extra flavorful.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center is set but still slightly custardy. Don’t rush the resting time—let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing; this helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can take this dish from delicious to dazzling. Sprinkle some extra chopped green onions or a handful of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce also adds fantastic contrast to the creamy, cheesy casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides to round out your breakfast or brunch plate. Consider a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, fresh fruit salad to cut through the richness, or roasted cherry tomatoes to add a sweet and savory note alongside your main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch buffet, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personal portions. You can also slice it up nicely and serve it alongside a colorful vegetable frittata or your favorite breakfast potatoes for a complete morning feast that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The casserole holds its flavors well and even tastes better the next day after the custard has had more time to meld.
Freezing
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze leftovers in airtight containers or tightly wrapped foil for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. This will bring back the casserole’s tender, cheesy texture and warm all the comforting flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread instead of croissants?
Absolutely! While croissants give this casserole that special flaky richness, you can substitute with brioche or even sturdy sandwich bread. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will shift slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or sausage and add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for flavor and texture without meat.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely. One of the best things about this recipe is how well it works as a make-ahead dish. Assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning for an effortless, delicious start to your day.
What cheese alternatives work well in this recipe?
Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Swiss to change up the flavor. Just choose cheeses that melt well for that creamy texture everyone loves.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The top should be golden brown and the center set but still custardy. A knife or toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, with just a slight custard coating.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe enough for anyone looking to impress their family or friends with a breakfast that feels both indulgent and approachable. It’s a perfect blend of buttery croissants, cheesy custard, and savory bacon that comes together so easily you’ll want to make it every weekend. Give it a try and prepare to have a new favorite breakfast tradition!
Print
Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a rich and savory morning dish perfect for brunch or a special holiday breakfast. Featuring buttery croissant pieces soaked in a creamy custard of eggs, milk, and cream, combined with cheddar, mozzarella, and your choice of bacon or breakfast sausage, this casserole offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Topped with green onions and baked to golden perfection, it can be prepared ahead of time for effortless serving.
Ingredients
Base
- 4 large croissants, cut into 1-inch pieces
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
Cheeses and Meat
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon or breakfast sausage, crumbled
Seasonings and Extras
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange croissants: Spread the 1-inch croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish to form the base of the casserole.
- Mix custard and fillings: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully combined. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled cooked bacon or breakfast sausage, and chopped green onions until evenly distributed.
- Combine custard with croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish. Gently press down on the croissant pieces so they soak up the custard mixture thoroughly, ensuring a rich custardy texture after baking.
- Let soak: Allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to let the croissants absorb the custard well. Alternatively, for a make-ahead option, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly before slicing into 8 servings and serving warm.
Notes
- Customize by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Feel free to use different cheeses such as Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for variation.
- This casserole is great for make-ahead meal prep and reheats well in the oven or microwave.
- Perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or family gatherings.
