Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake: A Delicious Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole for Busy Mornings

Ever scrambled to find Breakfast Ideas For A Crowd when you can barely remember your own name before coffee? I’ve been there, and honestly, nothing saves the day like a breakfast casserole you assemble the night before. Imagine buttery, flaky croissants soaking up a rich egg custard, studded with melty cheese and your favorite mix-ins. FYI, this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake isn’t just another recipe—it’s my go-to when I want an Easy Breakfast Idea that feels fancy without the fuss.

I first tested this for a Brunch Potluck, expecting the usual cheese-and-bacon casserole. Instead, I grabbed croissants from my Breakfast Basket and thought, “Why not?” The result? A Breakfast Casserole Make Ahead masterpiece that even my picky cousin couldn’t resist. IMO, it outshines most Egg Casserole Recipes I’ve tried, plus it’s way more fun than your basic Tortilla Quiche Bake or Egg Frittata.

Whether you’re aiming for a Healthy Breakfast Casserole by swapping in turkey sausage and veggies, or embracing full-blown decadence with an Easy Tater Tot Casserole vibe, this recipe flexes to your mood. Ready to ditch morning stress and wake up to a crowd-pleasing, Savory Breakfast heaven? Let’s dive into the magic of an Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns twist—croissants edition! 🙂

Ingredients

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Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake: A Delicious Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole for Busy Mornings 5
  • 6 large day-old croissants, torn into 2-inch pieces
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or half & half for extra creaminess)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 cup cooked bacon or breakfast sausage, chopped
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment for easy cleanup.
  2. Spread the croissant pieces evenly in the prepared dish. Make sure they fill every corner—no lonely croissant left behind.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until frothy and well combined.
  4. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Parmesan over the croissants. Even coverage = melty goodness in every bite.
  5. Layer the cooked bacon (or sausage), bell pepper, onion, and garlic evenly on top of the cheese.
  6. Pour the egg mixture slowly over everything, pressing down gently so the croissants soak it all up.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan on top. If you want an extra crispy edge, add a light dusting of paprika.
  8. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours). This is your Breakfast Casserole Overnight magic—no morning prep required.
  9. The next morning, remove foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center sets and the top turns golden brown.
  10. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh chives or parsley. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up!
See also  Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Casserole with a Crispy Twist

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few Breakfast Casserole Ideas that keep this base recipe exciting:
– For a Healthy Breakfast Casserole, swap half the cheese for crumbled feta, use egg whites or a flax egg blend, and toss in chopped spinach or kale.
– Craving a Southwest kick? Stir in a can of diced green chiles, substitute Pepper Jack cheese, and top with fresh salsa and avocado after baking.
– Love the idea of Mini Quiche Recipes? Divide the mixture into a greased muffin tin for individual servings—perfect for lunchboxes or a Brunch Potluck.
– Feeling nostalgic for potato-forward comfort? Fold in 1½ cups of hashbrowns (shredded or diced) for an Easy Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns twist that rivals any Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns.
– Going global? Add a teaspoon of curry powder, swap sausage for diced chicken, and finish with a sprinkle of cilantro for an Indian-inspired spin on your Omlet Breakfast Ideas.

Serving & Tips

Serve this croissant bake warm, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, fresh fruit platter, or even a side of roasted veggies—think of it as a Brunch Casserole main event. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat slices in the microwave or oven until just warmed through. To freeze, slice cooled casserole, wrap individual portions in foil, and stash them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Pro tip: let frozen slices thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you’re building a Breakfast Basket for a guest or gift, include mini jars of homemade jam, fresh berries, and cute little herb sprigs for a cozy, seasonal touch.

See also  Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants: Delightful and Easy for Your Next Brunch
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Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake: A Delicious Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole for Busy Mornings 6

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I can’t recommend this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake enough. It lives up to my obsession with Breakfast Casserole Recipes by being totally customizable, super forgiving, and downright addictive. The croissants soak up all that savory custard, giving you buttery pockets in every bite—no soggy middles here. Whether you’re planning a lazy weekend brunch, need a crowd-pleasing breakfast, or just want to feel like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat, this recipe’s got your back. Trust me, you’ll wake up excited to bake it, and even more excited to eat it. Now go on—gather those croissants and give your morning routine the upgrade it deserves!

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake

This rich and savory Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake transforms buttery croissants, cheese, eggs, and ham into a cozy, crowd-pleasing brunch casserole. Perfect for make-ahead breakfast ideas or a festive potluck centerpiece, it’s endlessly customizable and easy to reheat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 6–8 large croissants torn into bite-sized pieces, day-old preferred
  • 8 large eggs beaten
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
  • 1 cup diced ham or cooked bacon bits
  • 1 cup chopped fresh spinach or sautéed bell peppers
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or fresh parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • butter or non-stick spray for greasing the dish

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Scatter the torn croissant pieces evenly in the dish.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard (if using) until fully combined.
  4. Stir in salt, pepper, and Italian herbs or parsley.
  5. Layer half of the shredded cheese on the croissants. Add ham or bacon and spinach or peppers. Top with remaining cheese.
  6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the dish. Press gently to soak the croissants.
  7. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover and bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and set.
  9. Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Swap croissants for gluten-free options to make this casserole gluten-free. Reheat slices in a 325°F oven for best results. To prep and bake the same day, allow the assembled casserole to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Customize with seasonal vegetables, different cheeses, or sweet-savory additions like apples and cinnamon.

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FAQs

Can I use stale bread instead of croissants?

Absolutely! Day-old brioche, challah, or even standard white bread work great. Croissants just add extra flakiness and richness, but any sturdy bread holds up well in a breakfast casserole.

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Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes—use almond or oat milk and swap cheeses for dairy-free alternatives. You can also blend silken tofu into your egg mixture for a creamy, plant-based custard.

How far ahead can I make this casserole?

You can prep it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered and refrigerated. If you prep too early, the croissants might turn overly soggy, so try to stick to that 8–12 hour window.

Can I freeze leftover casserole?

Definitely. Cut into single servings, wrap in foil, and pop in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through.

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