Meet your new breakfast hero! This Croissant Breakfast Casserole combines the buttery flakiness of croissants with the creamy richness of eggs, cheese, and your choice of savory additions like bacon or sausage. Whether you’re planning a cozy family brunch or need an effortless make-ahead breakfast that wows a crowd, this dish delivers every single time. Each bite is a heavenly blend of soft, custardy croissant nestled against golden, cheesy edges—a true celebration of comfort food! Let’s dive in and discover why Croissant Breakfast Casserole is about to become your go-to morning masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple but essential the ingredients are. Each item on the list plays a starring role, offering bursts of flavor, melty texture, or that signature golden color you know and love in breakfast casseroles.
- Croissants: Day-old croissants soak up the custard mix perfectly and add irresistible, rich layers—don’t skip the slightly stale ones!
- Eggs: The binding force that creates a creamy, satisfying base for the casserole.
- Whole milk: Keeps the custard light and not too dense, making every bite tender.
- Heavy cream: Adds luxurious silkiness to the casserole for extra indulgence.
- Salt: Brings out the savoriness of your casserole and balances the richness.
- Black pepper: Gives just enough warmth and a tiny kick to highlight the other flavors.
- Garlic powder (optional): For a flavorful twist! It deepens the savory notes (trust me, it’s so good).
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and offers bold, cheesy flavor with that classic golden top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For stretchy, gooey goodness that balances the sharper cheddar.
- Cooked bacon or sausage (crumbled): Infuses the casserole with smoky, meaty crunch in every bite (swap for veggies if you prefer a vegetarian option).
- Chopped chives or green onions (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and a gentle onion zing to finish the dish.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this step ensures you’ll be able to serve up neat, beautiful squares later (and makes cleanup a breeze too).
Step 2: Layer the Croissants
Tear your day-old croissants into chunky, uneven pieces and scatter them evenly in the prepared baking dish. This irregularity means some pieces will get a bit crispy, others will stay soft, and every mouthful is full of surprises.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). This creates the lush custard that transforms the croissants into something magical.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bacon
Stir the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and your crumbled cooked bacon or sausage right into the egg mixture. You want every bite of the Croissant Breakfast Casserole to have a little cheese and a bit of savory goodness.
Step 5: Pour and Soak
Pour your egg and cheese mixture evenly over the torn croissants. Use a spoon or spatula to gently press the croissants down, helping them soak up the custard and ensuring they bake up tender and flavorful.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Sprinkle with the optional chopped chives or green onions for a fresh, colorful finish. Let the assembled Croissant Breakfast Casserole sit for 10–15 minutes so it can absorb all that lovely custard. Or, if you’re prepping ahead, pop it in the fridge overnight for an effortless morning bake.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the center is set and the top is bronzed and bubbling. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes so it slices easily and holds together perfectly.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh green chives or sliced green onions right before serving livens up your Croissant Breakfast Casserole, both in taste and presentation. If you like a bit of heat, try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a zesty kick.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole plays beautifully with a fruit salad bursting with berries or a light, peppery arugula side salad. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, set out crispy roasted potatoes or a bowl of creamy yogurt with honey for guests to enjoy alongside their Croissant Breakfast Casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the casserole into bite-size squares for an elegant brunch buffet, or scoop it directly onto plates for a homestyle feel. You can even use mini croissants and bake in muffin tins for adorable individual servings—perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or party platters!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Croissant Breakfast Casserole keeps well in the fridge, tightly covered or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it just as delicious (if not more) the next day.
Freezing
Absolutely! Once cooled, cut the casserole into squares, wrap them individually, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor when you’re ready for a quick breakfast treat.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave until heated through or warm in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for 10–15 minutes. This keeps the Croissant Breakfast Casserole moist while reviving that perfect cheesy top.
FAQs
Can I make Croissant Breakfast Casserole the night before?
Yes, this dish is perfect for prepping ahead! Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, uncover and bake as usual for a ready-to-go hot breakfast.
What cheeses work best in this casserole?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic for their meltability and flavor, but you can absolutely use Swiss, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for a fun twist. Mix and match your favorites!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply swap the bacon or sausage for cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers for a delicious veggie-forward Croissant Breakfast Casserole.
What if I only have fresh croissants?
Fresh croissants work, but they’ll soak up the custard a little faster. If you have time, leave them out for a few hours to stale gently, or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes before tearing.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Use two baking dishes or a larger pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Keep an eye on the middle of the casserole and add a few extra minutes to baking time if needed.
Final Thoughts
Warm, cheesy, and packed with pillowy layers of croissant, this Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for mornings big and small. Whether you serve it to family or friends, or sneak a second slice for yourself, it’s a recipe that instantly brightens the day. There’s just something special about turning simple ingredients into a breakfast everyone remembers—so give it a try and let this casserole become a beloved classic in your kitchen too!
Print
Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. With layers of torn croissants, eggs, cheese, and bacon, it’s a savory and satisfying meal that can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
Croissant Base:
- 4 large croissants (preferably day-old, torn into chunks)
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 (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage (crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Croissant Base: Arrange the torn croissant pieces evenly in the dish.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in the cheeses and cooked bacon or sausage.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants, pressing down gently to soak. Sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions if using.
- Let It Set: Let sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb, or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute cooked spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- You can also use Swiss or Gruyère cheese for added richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
