Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and easy way to start your morning. Soft croissants soaked in a savory egg mixture with sausage and melted cheddar make a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for busy weekends or brunch gatherings.

A baked casserole sits in a white dish, showing multiple layers with different colors and textures. The bottom layer looks creamy and light yellow, likely mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs. Above this are small browned sausage pieces scattered and some halved cherry tomatoes adding red pops. Melted yellow cheese covers the top, mixed with fresh green herbs for color contrast. The edges show croissant-like golden brown flaky crusts curling up, adding a crispy texture to the soft middle. The dish sits on a round wooden surface, with a blurred jar of red sauce in the background on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 6 large croissants, cut into pieces
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the croissant pieces evenly in the dish.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese over the croissants.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant, sausage, and cheese layers, pressing down gently so the croissants absorb the liquid.
  5. Step 5: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the croissants soften.
  6. Step 6: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  8. Step 8: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

  • Substitute croissants with brioche or challah for a different texture and flavor.
  • Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
  • Use spicy sausage or add hot sauce to the egg mixture for a kick of heat.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked dish in a white casserole dish with a golden-brown crust made of folded pastry rolls lining the edges, creating a raised border. Inside this border, there are several layers: a base layer of creamy white mashed potatoes mixed with bright red cherry tomatoes, topped with small browned sausage pieces scattered throughout. Over the sausage and potato, there is a layer of melted yellow cheddar cheese with a bubbly texture, sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs. The dish looks warm and hearty, with the pastry edges crisp and flaky. It is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use day-old croissants for this recipe?

Yes, day-old croissants work well as they soak up the egg mixture nicely without becoming too soggy.

Can I prepare this casserole the same day instead of overnight?

Absolutely. Letting it sit for at least 2 hours will allow the croissants to absorb the custard, but overnight refrigeration enhances the flavor and texture even more.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

Description

This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a decadent and savory morning treat featuring flaky croissants soaked in a rich egg custard, layered with flavorful breakfast sausage and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for making ahead, this dish combines comforting textures and bold flavors, making it ideal for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 large croissants, cut into pieces
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Place the croissant pieces evenly across the bottom of the dish to form the base layer of the casserole.
  2. Add Sausage and Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage over the croissant pieces, then distribute the shredded cheddar cheese on top to ensure every bite is rich and flavorful.
  3. Make the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard base will soak into the croissants and bind the casserole.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant, sausage, and cheese layers. Gently press down the croissants so they absorb the liquid custard thoroughly, enhancing texture and flavor absorption.
  5. Refrigerate: Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 2 hours. This allows the croissants to fully soak up the egg mixture for the best consistency.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while the oven heats. Bake it uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set firmly.
  7. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking. Slice and serve warm to enjoy the melted cheese, savory sausage, and soft croissant combination at its best.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half instead of milk.
  • This casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.
  • Feel free to swap the breakfast sausage for bacon or ham as preferred.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated thoroughly within 2 days.
  • Add chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top before baking for extra freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: breakfast casserole, croissant casserole, sausage breakfast bake, make-ahead breakfast, overnight casserole, brunch recipe, cheddar cheese casserole

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating