If you’re searching for a breakfast recipe that combines delicious flavors with the ease of preparation, look no further than the Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole. This dish features flaky croissants soaked overnight in a creamy egg mix, creating a delightful and satisfying meal that’s ready to bake in the morning. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a holiday gathering, this casserole will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With most of the preparation done the night before, just pop it in the oven in the morning.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for family breakfasts or brunch parties.
- Comfort Food: Rich and creamy, this casserole is sure to warm hearts and satisfy appetites.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its buttery croissants and cheesy goodness will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients Needed
- For the base:
- 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- For the egg mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- For the filling:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (choose your favorite)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage or ham (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
How to Make Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
- Prepare the baking dish: Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures easy removal later.
- Mix the egg base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will soak into the croissants.
- Layer the ingredients: Place the torn croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then, add a layer of shredded cheese, followed by the optional sausage or ham, and green onions.
- Add the egg mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the croissant layers, making sure it evenly coats everything. Press down gently to help the croissants soak up the liquid.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This is key to achieving rich flavor and texture.
- Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover from the dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole has set and is golden brown on top.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting. It’s perfect for serving warm and can be enjoyed on its own or with toppings like syrup, fruit, or extra cheese.
Serving and Storage Tips
For an elegant presentation, serve your casserole warm, topped with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese. Leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Helpful Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite mix-ins, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or different cheeses.
- If you want a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or spicy sausage.
- You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free croissants.
Conclusion
The Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a fantastic choice for those who want a delicious and hearty breakfast with minimal morning effort. The combination of croissants, cheese, and eggs creates a comforting dish that everyone will love. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! We’d love to see your creations on social media—share your pictures on Pinterest or Facebook. What fun variations did you try? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use stale croissants for this recipe?
Yes, stale croissants work great as they will soak up the egg mixture well!
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free croissants and ensure that all other ingredients, like sausage or cheese, are gluten-free.
Can I prepare this casserole without meat?
Absolutely! Just skip the sausage or ham and add more veggies or herbs for flavor.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Print
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy breakfast casserole made with flaky croissants soaked in a creamy egg mixture, perfect for gatherings and brunch.
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (choose your favorite)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage or ham (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Place the torn croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add a layer of shredded cheese, followed by optional sausage or ham, and green onions.
- Pour the egg mixture over the croissant layers and gently press to soak.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove cover and bake for 40-45 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm with desired toppings.
Notes
Customize with your favorite mix-ins, or make it gluten-free using gluten-free croissants.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 300mg