Wake up to the magic of a overnight croissant breakfast casserole — a buttery, savory, and irresistibly easy dish that practically makes itself while you sleep. Whether you’re hosting brunch guests or just want a stress-free morning, this decadent casserole is your new breakfast hero. Keep reading to discover how to turn simple croissants into a golden, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece!
| Servings: | 8 |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 45 minutes |
| Total Time: | 1 hour |
| Serving Size: | 1 slice |
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices cooked bacon or 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
Equipment
- 9 by 13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Grease the dish: Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This makes cleanup easier and keeps the casserole from sticking.
- Prepare the croissants: Slice croissants into large chunks. I like to tear some by hand to create jagged edges that crisp up beautifully. Layer them evenly in the dish.
- Add the meat: Chop your cooked bacon or sausage and sprinkle evenly across the croissants. It helps to tuck some pieces in between croissant chunks so every bite has meaty goodness.
- Mix the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and mustard powder until smooth. The mustard gives subtle warmth and enhances the cheesy flavor, so don’t skip it.
- Add the cheese: Fold in the cheddar and mozzarella. If you prefer a sharper flavor, swap some cheddar for Gruyère or pepper jack for a gentle kick.
- Assemble: Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the croissants and meat. Gently press down with a spatula or your hands to help the croissants absorb the custard. This step makes a big difference in texture.
- Top with chives: Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a decorative and flavorful finish.
- Cover and chill: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours. This helps the flavors meld and softens the croissants into the custard.
- Preheat: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bring to temp: Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while the oven heats. This ensures even baking.
- Bake it up: Bake covered for 30 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the center is fully set and the top is golden and puffed.
- Rest and serve: Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Not only will it hold together better, but the flavors really settle in this short wait.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.
Description
Golden and buttery croissants soaked in a rich egg custard come together in this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole to create comfort on a plate. Each bite is luxuriously soft in the center with a slight crunch around the edges, like the perfect cross between French toast and a savory breakfast strata. The layers of fluffy eggs, crisp bacon or sausage, gooey cheese, and tender croissants blend into a warm hug that tastes like a weekend morning at Grandma’s house.
This dish brings the kind of morning magic that fills the kitchen with the scent of melting cheese and toasted butter. It is satisfying without being heavy, indulgent without being complicated. Perfectly suited for holiday brunches, weekend gatherings, or even a simple make-ahead breakfast during a busy week, this casserole transforms everyday ingredients into a dish that feels special with every forkful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best parts of this casserole is that it’s made the night before. Simply assemble the ingredients in a baking dish, let it rest in the fridge overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning. There is no need to scramble around in the morning to prepare breakfast, making it perfect for hosting guests or planning stress-free holiday mornings.
This recipe is effortlessly flexible. Swap out bacon for sausage or use a meat-free alternative. Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Whether you prefer a meaty and cheesy casserole or a lighter veggie-packed version, it adapts beautifully to your taste.
Serving and Storage Tips
To serve, let the casserole cool for about 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This will help it firm up a bit and allow the flavors to settle. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a mixed greens salad, or a hot cup of coffee.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 60 to 90 seconds or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes. For longer storage, freeze baked portions tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Course, Cuisine, Keywords
Breakfast, American, croissant breakfast casserole, overnight breakfast casserole, make-ahead brunch recipe
FAQ
Can I use almond milk or another dairy-free milk?
Yes, you can use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly softer. Pair it with a thicker cream substitute like coconut cream if going fully dairy-free.
Can this casserole be made in advance for freezing?
Yes, but it is best to bake it first before freezing. Once cooled, slice and wrap individual portions for easy reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before warming in the oven.
How do I know it is cooked through?
The center should no longer jiggle, and a knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean. If unsure, an instant-read thermometer should read at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the center.
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Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices cooked bacon or 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Slice croissants into large chunks and layer evenly in the baking dish.
- Chop cooked bacon or sausage and sprinkle evenly over the croissants.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and mustard powder until fully combined.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over the croissants and bacon. Press down lightly to ensure the croissant pieces soak up the custard.
- Sprinkle chopped chives on top.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove casserole from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
