Get ready to make your mornings unforgettable with this Croissant Breakfast Casserole! Imagine golden, buttery croissants mingling with fluffy eggs, two kinds of oozy cheese, smoky bacon (or sausage!), and a subtle hint of onion and garlic. It’s the kind of dish that impresses at brunch yet feels easy enough for a cozy family breakfast. Best of all, you can prep it ahead for fuss-free mornings or serve it fresh from the oven—either way, this casserole is destined to become the highlight of your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how simple yet elevated the ingredients are. Each one brings its own special touch—think creamy richness, savory depth, or extra color—to make the Croissant Breakfast Casserole completely irresistible.
- Croissants: Day-old croissants soak up the custard best and deliver that signature flaky, buttery bite.
- Eggs: The star binder, giving the casserole its creamy, fluffy texture and rich flavor.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and a delicate creaminess to the custard base.
- Heavy Cream: Provides an extra level of richness you can truly taste in every bite.
- Salt & Black Pepper: These boost all the delicious flavors and balance out the cheesy, savory notes.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: A touch of these pantry staples makes the casserole warm and aromatic without overpowering.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings classic sharpness and a hint of color—choose a good, melty variety.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Ensures that fabulous stretchy, gooey factor we all crave in casseroles.
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon (or Breakfast Sausage): Pick your favorite for saltiness and smoky protein, or go veggie if you prefer!
- Chopped Green Onions or Chives: For fresh, springy pops of flavor and a pretty finish.
- Butter or Cooking Spray: Just a bit to grease your dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F to ensure a perfectly even bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This step might seem basic, but it makes all the difference in lifting out those glorious, golden squares with zero fuss later on!
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This luscious mixture becomes the custard that will soak into every croissant chunk, infusing the dish with creamy goodness and subtle savory notes.
Step 3: Soak the Croissants
Add your croissant pieces into the bowl with the custard. Gently toss them to coat, then let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This gives the croissants time to absorb all that rich flavor—don’t rush this step!
Step 4: Add the Cheese, Bacon, and Onions
Now, fold in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, crumbled bacon (or sausage), and the chopped green onions or chives. Every bite of Croissant Breakfast Casserole gets a little bit of everything—melty cheese, flavorful meat, and fresh herbs!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the well-mixed, creamy croissant concoction into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure the goodies are distributed throughout. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re aiming for a top that’s beautifully golden with a fully set, custardy middle.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Patience pays off! Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up a bit for easy, tidy slices (and it tastes even better when it’s not piping hot!).
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped chives or green onions across the top for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of black pepper or even a pinch of smoked paprika is a tasty upgrade. For an extra-special touch, add some microgreens or sliced cherry tomatoes to brighten things up on the plate.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and filling, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Try serving alongside a crisp spring salad with vinaigrette, or pile your plate with fresh fruit like juicy oranges or berries. Thick-cut toast or a platter of roasted potatoes brings rustic charm and turns breakfast into a full-on feast.
Creative Ways to Present
The Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a brunch showstopper just as it is, but you can get fancy! Try baking individual servings in ramekins for a personalized touch, or use shaped cutters to create whimsical servings for a special occasion. Layer in sautéed veggies or a scatter of sun-dried tomatoes between the croissant and egg mixture for extra flavor variety and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The casserole holds up beautifully, and the flavors deepen as they meld together—perfect for breakfast (or even lunch) later in the week.
Freezing
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole is freezer-friendly! Once cooled, wrap individual slices or the entire casserole in plastic wrap and foil, then tuck into an airtight container. Freeze for up to two months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, until warmed through. If you’re just heating a slice or two, a minute or two in the microwave does the trick for a quick morning pick-me-up.
FAQs
Can I prepare Croissant Breakfast Casserole the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it into the oven while you sip your coffee. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings or when hosting brunch.
What can I use instead of bacon or sausage?
If you’d rather keep things vegetarian, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even roasted tomatoes work wonderfully. You’ll still get tons of flavor without the meat, and it adds lovely color, too.
Do I have to use day-old croissants?
Day-old croissants are best because they soak up the custard without turning mushy. If your croissants are super fresh, you can tear them up and bake at 300°F for about 10 minutes to dry them out a bit first.
How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?
Look for a golden top and a center that’s set but still moist—no jiggly liquid when you give the dish a gentle shake. If you have a thermometer, the middle should read at least 160°F when done.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Try substituting your favorite non-dairy milk and cream, and use plant-based cheese shreds. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still capture the spirit of Croissant Breakfast Casserole.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a breakfast that wows without the work, you simply have to try Croissant Breakfast Casserole. It’s rich, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to bring this golden, cheesy masterpiece to your table—one delicious bite is all it takes to fall in love!
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Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. With a combination of fluffy croissants, eggs, cheese, and savory seasonings, this casserole is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Croissant Pieces:
- 4 large croissants (preferably day-old), cut into 1-inch pieces
Egg Mixture:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (or breakfast sausage)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine Ingredients: Add croissant pieces to the egg mixture, let them soak, then stir in cheeses, bacon, and green onions.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate it for easy morning baking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat or use sautéed vegetables as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
