Why You’ll Love Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution for a stress-free, indulgent breakfast. Combining flaky croissants, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The best part? It’s assembled the night before, allowing the croissants to soak up the rich custard, and baked fresh in the morning, making it ideal for busy mornings or holiday brunches.
Ingredients
5 large croissants (preferably a day or two old), torn into large chunks
1 pound (450g) ground sausage, cooked and drained
1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
2 cups (475ml) whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
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Layer the Ingredients: Evenly layer the torn croissants in the prepared dish.
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Add Sausage and Cheese: Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the croissants, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
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Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
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Assemble the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant, sausage, and cheese layers, ensuring all croissant pieces are soaked.
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Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
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Serve: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Refrigeration Time: At least 6 hours, preferably overnight
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes (excluding refrigeration)
Variations
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Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
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Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
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Use Different Meats: Replace sausage with cooked bacon, ham, or turkey sausage for a different taste.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, this casserole is designed to be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches.
Can I use fresh croissants?
Day-old croissants are ideal as they absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy. However, fresh croissants can be used if left out for a few hours to dry slightly.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Can I make this casserole without meat?
Absolutely! Omit the sausage and add extra vegetables or a meat substitute to suit your dietary preferences.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or a cheese blend to suit your taste.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I add herbs to the casserole?
Yes, fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary can be added to the egg mixture for added flavor.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Whole milk is recommended for a rich custard, but you can substitute with 2% milk or a non-dairy alternative if preferred.
Can I add more cheese on top?
Absolutely! Sprinkle additional cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free croissants and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and convenient dish that combines the rich flavors of buttery croissants, savory sausage, and creamy eggs. Its make-ahead nature makes it perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort. With endless variations and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your breakfast repertoire.
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole combines buttery croissants, savory sausage, and melted cheddar cheese in a rich egg custard. Perfect for a stress-free brunch or holiday breakfast, it’s prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 55–60 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 large croissants (preferably a day or two old), torn into large chunks
- 1 pound (450g) ground sausage, cooked and drained
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups (475ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Layer the torn croissants evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the croissants.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully combined.
- Pour the egg mixture slowly over the croissant mixture, ensuring all pieces are covered.
- Gently press down the croissants with a spatula so they absorb the liquid.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours).
- The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants helps them absorb the egg mixture better without becoming soggy.
- Customize with add-ins like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added flavor.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
