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Ever stared into your fridge and wondered how to turn leftover croissants into a knock-out brunch dish? Yeah, I’ve been there. That’s when I got obsessed with this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole. This isn’t just any breakfast casserole; it’s like your favorite croissant met an egg frittata and they fell madly in love. I call it the ultimate Breakfast Ideas For A Crowd hack because you can prep it the night before and just crank up the oven in the morning – talk about stress-free brunch, right?
I geek out over Breakfast Casserole Make Ahead recipes, especially when it comes to a Healthy Breakfast Casserole meets indulgent comfort food. You can swap in egg whites, fresh veggies, or turkey bacon to keep it on the lighter side. Yet, you still get all that gooey cheese pull and savory flavors you’d expect from a classic Brunch Casserole. If you’ve ever searched for “Breakfast Casserole Recipes” or “Breakfast Casserole Overnight,” you know how clunky some can be. But trust me, this one nails the perfect texture – not too soggy, not too dry, just *chef’s kiss* level good.
So, if you’re on the hunt for Easy Breakfast Ideas, Breakfast Ideas Casserole inspiration, or a show-stopping Savory Breakfast dish, stick around. I’ll walk you through every step, share my favorite variations – from a Tortilla Quiche Bake spin to a Mini Quiche Recipes riff – and sprinkle in tips so foolproof even your college roommate could pull this off. Ready? Let’s dive right into the buttery, eggy goodness of this croissant breakfast casserole. FYI, once you try this, you might never buy another cereal box again 🙂
Ingredients
- 6–8 day-old croissants, torn into 2-inch pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or turkey bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Butter or non-stick spray, for greasing the dish
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Stir in the shredded cheese, crumbled sausage (or turkey bacon), diced bell peppers, and chopped green onions.
- Pour the egg mixture over the croissant pieces, gently pressing down so every piece soaks up some custard.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours). This is your Breakfast Casserole Overnight magic.
- In the morning, remove the cover and sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for that gooey finish.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center sets. If you have an instant-read thermometer, it should read about 165°F in the middle.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes — I know, waiting sucks, but it helps everything firm up.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, slice into squares, and serve warm. Enjoy those flaky edges!
Variations
If you love playing kitchen DJ, try these creative spins on the classic:
- Spinach & Feta Twist: Swap cheddar for crumbled feta, toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach, and sprinkle dill for a Mediterranean vibe.
- Tortilla Quiche Bake: Layer corn tortillas in place of croissants, add diced tomatoes and jalapeños, and finish with pepper jack cheese.
- Tater Tot Casserole Mash-Up: Scatter a layer of frozen tater tots on top before baking to channel that Easy Tater Tot Casserole energy.
- Mini Muffin Cups: Turn this into Mini Quiche Recipes by pressing croissant bits and filling into a greased muffin tin for grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Overnight Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns: Replace croissants with a layer of shredded hashbrowns for extra crunch.
IMO, experimenting with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a dash of cayenne makes every bite exciting.
Serving & Tips
Serve this croissant casserole alongside a simple fruit salad, a crisp green side, or even in a Breakfast Basket spread with jams and butter. It pairs beautifully with mimosas for a relaxed brunch or strong coffee for a weekday pick-me-up.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze individual squares in a zip-lock bag for up to a month; just thaw overnight and reheat.
Seasonal Touch: During fall or winter, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg into the egg mixture and top with roasted butternut squash. It turns this into a cozy, holiday-worthy dish perfect for a Brunch Potluck.
Final Thoughts
I still remember the first time I proudly presented this dish at a family gathering. My conservative uncle, who usually only eats cereal, went back for seconds (and thirds). That moment sealed it: this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is pure magic. It’s forgiving, versatile, and 100% crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re chasing Easy Breakfast Casserole With Hashbrowns nostalgia or just craving a buttery, cheesy brunch casserole, give this recipe a spin. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you sleep in and still serve up gourmet vibes.
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until frothy.
- Fold in croissant pieces, cheese, ham, green onions, and spinach if using. Coat everything well.
- Pour into prepared dish, press croissants gently to soak up mixture.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
- Uncover and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and set. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I make this vegan?
Answer: You can! Use a plant-based egg substitute (like JUST Egg), swap milk for almond or oat milk, choose vegan cheese, and replace sausage with crumbled tofu or tempeh. The texture shifts slightly, but the flavor stays delish.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Answer: Pop individual servings in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes covered with foil. Or zap in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top for 1–2 minutes to lock in moisture.
Can I prep this on the same morning instead of overnight?
Answer: Sure! If you’re short on time, let it soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before baking. The croissant bits soak up liquid faster than denser bread.
What sides go best with this casserole?
Answer: Fresh fruit, mixed greens, or a yogurt parfait. For a brunch buffet, add Egg Frittata slices, mini quiche bites, or a simple cheese platter to round out the spread.
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