There is something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy breakfast bake that brings together flaky croissants, crispy bacon, and fluffy eggs all in one delicious dish. This Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe is the perfect way to elevate your brunch game without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine golden croissant pieces soaked in a rich custard of eggs and cheese, generously studded with savory bacon bites, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that’s as cozy as it is indulgent, making it ideal for weekend mornings or special gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this recipe is surprisingly easy, but each one plays an essential role in the final dish’s flavor, texture, and look. From flaky croissants providing the soft, buttery base to the sharp, melty cheeses enhancing richness, every ingredient brings its own magic to this bake.
- Bacon (10 ounces): Adds savory crunch and smoky flavor that complements the creamy eggs perfectly.
- Large croissants (6 to 7): Use baked croissants torn into pieces for a tender, buttery bite that soaks up the egg mixture beautifully.
- Large eggs (8): The binding agent that creates the fluffy custard base enveloping the croissants and bacon.
- Milk (2 cups): Gives the custard a silky texture while keeping it light and creamy.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall aroma and adds a gentle sweetness.
- Pepper (1 teaspoon): Provides just the right amount of seasoning and mild warmth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Awakes the flavors and balances the richness.
- Shredded white cheddar (1 cup, divided): Melts into gooey pockets of sharp, creamy goodness.
- Shredded mild cheddar (1 cup, divided): Adds a mellow, smooth cheese layer that blends beautifully with white cheddar.
- Chopped chives (3 tablespoons): Freshens the dish with a bright, oniony pop as a finishing touch.
How to Make Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a large sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until perfectly crispy. Moving the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate will let the excess grease drain, keeping the texture just right for the bake. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces and set them aside; these bits will deliver bursts of smoky flavor throughout your dish.
Step 2: Toast the Croissants
Lower your oven temperature to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Tear the baked croissants into small, manageable pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared pan. Toasting the croissant pieces for about 10 minutes helps them firm up slightly so they hold the custard better, creating that wonderful soft-yet-structured texture we all crave in this type of bake.
Step 3: Mix the Egg Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. To this mixture, add half of the shredded white cheddar and mild cheddar cheeses, stirring until well combined. This creates a creamy custard that will soak into those croissant pieces and meld perfectly with the bacon flavor in the bake.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the toasted croissant pieces in your pan. Then, scatter the chopped bacon evenly on top before sprinkling on the remaining cheese. At this point, you have two options: either bake immediately at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes until the eggs are set and the cheese is beautifully melted, or cover and refrigerate overnight to bake fresh in the morning. Baking slowly allows all those flavors to develop even more deeply.
How to Serve Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped chives sprinkled over the warm bake add a perfect burst of color and a gentle onion flavor that brightens each bite. If you like, a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce can give your serving an extra kick.
Side Dishes
This hearty bake pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like crisp mixed greens or a simple fruit salad. If you want a cozy breakfast spread, add some roasted potatoes or sautéed greens to round out the meal without overwhelming the richness of the bake itself.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this bake family-style right from the dish with little bowls of garnishes and condiments on the side. You can also cut it into individual portions and plate with a small side of fresh berries for a brunch party that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy grab-and-go breakfasts or quick lunches.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, heat in a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes until bubbling and heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven helps keep the croissants nice and flaky instead of soggy.
FAQs
Can I use croissant dough instead of baked croissants?
For this recipe, it’s important to use baked croissants torn into pieces. Raw dough won’t cook properly in the custard setting, and the texture won’t be the same. The pre-baked croissants absorb the egg mixture perfectly and create that buttery, tender bite.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
While cheddar adds a classic sharp flavor, feel free to try Swiss, Gruyere, or even a mozzarella blend for a milder, gooier result. Just be sure to still use a cheese that melts well to keep the custard creamy.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a savory, satisfying vegetarian version that still feels indulgent and flavorful.
How long can I refrigerate the assembled bake before baking?
Assembled, unbaked, you can refrigerate the bake covered tightly for up to 24 hours. This makes it perfect for prepping the night before and baking fresh in the morning, saving you time on busy days.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch gatherings?
Yes! The Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s easy to prepare ahead, satisfying, and offers a warm, comforting dish that guests will rave about.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to delight your family or friends with a breakfast that feels special but is incredibly easy to pull together, this Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe should be at the top of your list. It’s rich, comforting, and bursting with all the flavors that make mornings memorable. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite brunch staple!
Print
Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake is a comforting breakfast casserole featuring crispy baked bacon, fluffy eggs mixed with savory cheeses, and buttery croissant pieces toasted to perfection. It’s easy to prepare ahead and perfect for serving a crowd with its rich, cheesy flavor and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 package (10 ounces) bacon
- 8 large eggs
Bakery
- 6 to 7 large croissants (already baked croissants, not dough)
Dairy
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (divided)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- 3 Tablespoons chopped chives
Instructions
- Prepare the bacon: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large sheet pan with foil and arrange the bacon strips in a single layer. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until crispy. Carefully remove bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Chop into bite-size pieces and set aside.
- Toast the croissants: Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Tear the croissants into small pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared pan. Toast the croissant pieces in the oven for 10 minutes to develop a slight crispness.
- Mix the egg custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of each shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup white cheddar and 1/2 cup mild cheddar) until well combined.
- Assemble the bake: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the toasted croissant pieces in the baking pan. Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the top, followed by the remaining shredded cheeses.
- Bake the casserole: You may bake immediately or cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped chives before serving. Enjoy warm for a delicious hearty breakfast.
Notes
- Use already baked croissants, not raw dough, for best texture and flavor.
- To prepare ahead, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese blends.
- For a smoky twist, use smoked bacon or add smoked paprika to the egg mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
