If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning, this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine buttery, flaky croissants soaking up a luscious custard made from eggs, cream, and milk, mingling with savory sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a cheesy blend that melts into pure comfort. Whether it’s for a lazy weekend brunch or a special occasion, this dish combines ease and flavor in a way that feels like a cozy celebration on your plate. Trust me, once you try this croissant breakfast casserole recipe, it’ll be the star of your morning routine!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe comes from a handful of simple ingredients, each playing its role to create an irresistible breakfast bake. From the rich, flaky croissants that form the base to the blend of cheeses and savory sausage that add depth, every piece adds flavor, texture, and color to this dish.
- 5 large croissants: Preferably day-old, cut into bite-sized pieces to soak up the custard perfectly without turning mushy.
- 6 large eggs: The binding agent that sets this casserole into a creamy, satisfying bake.
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk: Adds moisture and creaminess, balancing the richness of the croissants.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Elevates the custard’s silky texture and richness to a decadent level.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it injects a robust cheesy flavor.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that delightful stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves.
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, crumbled: A savory, smoky element that adds hearty flavor (optional to keep vegetarian).
- ½ cup diced bell peppers: Brings a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to each bite.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: Adds a mild oniony brightness to lighten the dish.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle warmth and depth to the casserole.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Provides just the right amount of spice to balance the richness.
- Butter or nonstick spray: For greasing your baking dish so your casserole slides right out.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Layer Croissants
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly after baking. Next, layer the croissant pieces evenly across the bottom of the dish. Their flaky texture is the heart of this recipe, soaking up the custard mixture to create a soft but structured base.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This custard is what transforms the croissants into a rich and creamy breakfast bake, so don’t rush the whisking—make sure every ingredient is well combined.
Step 3: Add Fillings and Cheeses
Now, stir in the cooked sausage or bacon, diced bell peppers, green onions, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses into your egg mixture. These vibrant ingredients bring layers of flavor and texture that elevate the dish far beyond your average breakfast bake. The sausage adds savory depth, while the cheeses offer gooey richness paired with fresh vegetable brightness.
Step 4: Pour and Soak
Pour the custard and filling mixture evenly over the croissant pieces, then gently press the croissants down to help them soak up all that buttery, cheesy goodness. This soaking time is crucial—allow the casserole to sit for 10–15 minutes. For even better results and a perfect make-ahead option, cover and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a silky, cohesive casserole.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake your casserole for 35–40 minutes in the preheated oven until the top is gloriously golden and the center is fully set but still tender. If baking straight from the refrigerator, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time. Once baked, let it rest for 5–10 minutes to make slicing easier and to let the flavors meld.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add extra flair and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the casserole just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can provide a lovely contrast to the rich, cheesy base. These simple garnishes bring brightness and a fresh pop of color, making your dish look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This croissant breakfast casserole pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp fruit salad, fresh berries, or a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted potatoes or crispy hash browns to keep the comfort food vibe strong and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, try baking individual portions in ramekins or muffin tins for easy grab-and-go servings. Want to elevate brunch for guests? Serve alongside a sparkling mimosa or freshly brewed coffee for a delightful morning spread. Presentation is all about celebrating the comforting charm of this casserole while making it fun and festive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe slices can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover them tightly to prevent drying out—refrigerated leftovers make a quick and satisfying breakfast or snack the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes, but baking preserves the original texture better, keeping it wonderfully fluffy and melty.
FAQs
Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old?
While fresh croissants work in a pinch, day-old croissants soak up the custard better without becoming overly soggy, resulting in a perfect texture for this casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the sausage or bacon and consider adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to keep it hearty and flavorful.
Can I prepare the casserole completely the night before?
Yes, assembling and refrigerating the casserole overnight helps the croissants absorb the custard fully, making the bake extra moist and delicious the next day.
What cheeses work best in this recipe?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic for their flavor and meltability, but feel free to experiment with Swiss, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack for different cheesy profiles.
How can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Adding diced spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes along with the bell peppers and green onions will boost the freshness and nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe is like giving your morning a delicious upgrade full of buttery layers, savory flavors, and satisfying texture. It’s easy to prepare ahead so you can enjoy more time relaxing and less time stressing in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a beloved staple on your brunch table!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and savory Croissant Breakfast Casserole perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast, combining flaky croissants, eggs, cheeses, and breakfast sausage or bacon, baked to golden perfection. This make-ahead dish is customizable and sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 large croissants, preferably day-old, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Croissants: Evenly distribute the bite-sized croissant pieces in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a base for the casserole.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Flavorings: Stir the cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, diced bell peppers, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese into the egg mixture, evenly blending all components.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the egg and sausage mixture evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish. Gently press the croissants down to ensure they soak up the liquid and flavors.
- Rest the Casserole: Let the assembled casserole sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature to allow the croissants to absorb the mixture. For a make-ahead option, cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and firm to the touch.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set further and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Customize your casserole by adding spinach, mushrooms, or using different cheeses to suit your taste.
- If baking the casserole from chilled after refrigeration, add an additional 5–10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it cooks through.
- This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the sausage or bacon.
- Use day-old croissants for best texture as they absorb the custard mixture better.
