Croissant Breakfast Casserole — Easy Baked Recipe

Is there anything more comforting than a big dish of croissant breakfast casserole bubbling away in the oven? Honestly, I stumbled across this recipe one busy Saturday, desperate for something fuss-free but still worthy of a lazy morning. The magic happened when I realized my leftover croissants could be transformed into the best breakfast casserole my family had ever tasted.

First, you take those buttery, slightly stale croissants and let them soak up a savory egg custard. Then, you just pop it all in the oven and let it do its thing. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve pulled off a kitchen miracle—even if your hair’s a mess and you forgot to preheat the oven (oops). This brunch casserole is now a regular at our table, especially for those holiday brunch recipes when I want everyone to think I’ve got it all together.

My Kitchen Story

So, let me paint you a picture: flour on the counter, a toddler chasing the cat, and me frantically searching for breakfast ideas that don’t involve another round of plain scrambled eggs. That’s when the overnight breakfast idea struck me, and croissant breakfast casserole became my saving grace. I grabbed those day-old croissants (the ones I almost tossed), some sausage, and whatever cheese I could find in the fridge. The baked method is a lifesaver—just assemble, chill, and then bake in the morning. No standing over the stove, just a warm, golden dish ready to greet you.

Also, baked breakfast recipes casserole like this are a dream for brunch dishes—you can prep everything the night before, which means less chaos when guests arrive. If you’ve ever tried these Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, you know how much I love a good shortcut. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not pair your casserole with a Baked Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza?

What Makes It Stand Out

Here’s the thing: croissant breakfast casseroles are forgiving. Forgot to buy cheddar? Use mozzarella. Want something lighter? Try plant-based sausage. Each batch turns out a little different—sometimes I get a crispy edge, sometimes it’s extra gooey. But every time, it’s pure comfort. This is the kind of brunch casserole you’ll crave on busy weekends, special mornings, or whenever you need breakfast bites with a little personality.

What You’ll Need

Handy Kitchen Helpers

First, for a classic holiday brunch recipe, you’ll want a sturdy 9×13-inch baking dish—glass or ceramic works best for even heat. A large mixing bowl and a trusty whisk make blending the custard a breeze. If you’re prepping this croissant breakfast casserole as an overnight breakfast, a good spatula helps press everything down so the croissants soak up all the eggy goodness.

When baking, I find that covering with foil overnight in the fridge lets the flavors meld. Then, in the morning, just pop it in the oven and sip your coffee while the aroma fills the kitchen. Also, if you’re looking to swap ingredients, try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter twist, or toss in spinach and bell peppers for a veggie-packed brunch casserole. This approach keeps things easy, and you can adapt it for your own best breakfast casserole moments.

By the way, if you enjoy slow cooker meals, check out my Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Made Easy In Your Slow Cooker Crockpot or this Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe For Tender And Flavorful Dinner for more inspiration. If you’re curious about healthy swaps or nutrition tips for breakfast recipes casserole, you’ll find helpful info at MyPlate.gov. I love how these little tweaks make even classic croissant breakfast bites fit right into a family’s brunch dishes lineup!

Step-by-step method for a Baked recipe

Step 1

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Next, evenly layer the torn croissants in the dish, spreading the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese over the pieces for a hearty base.

Step 2

Now, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth. Pour this custard evenly over the croissants and sausage. Also, gently press down with a spatula to help the croissants soak up the egg mixture thoroughly.

Step 3

Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld and the croissants to absorb the custard fully. Finally, bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set. Let it cool for 10 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm for a comforting start to your day.

Tips and tricks to make this Baked recipe shine

For the best results, use day-old croissants as they absorb the custard better, giving your a perfect texture. Also, don’t rush the soaking time; overnight refrigeration improves flavor and custard consistency. If you want to vary the protein, try cooked turkey or chicken sausage instead of beef sausage. Adding sautéed spinach or bell peppers can introduce a fresh twist to this classic brunch casserole. If you like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes works wonders.

For those who enjoy slow cooker meals, you might appreciate recipes like Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe For A Healthy Weeknight Dinner or Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Dump And Go Crockpot Dinner. These dishes offer simple, hands-off cooking methods perfect for busy days. Remember, the key to a successful baked is patience and quality ingredients. Happy cooking!

What to serve with this Baked recipe

This croissant breakfast casserole pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. First, try a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Also, roasted or steamed asparagus adds a nice touch of green and texture. For a heartier meal, serve alongside our One Pot Merry Me Chicken Pasta Creamy Dinner Recipe Easy And Delicious or the flavorful Pan Fried Chicken Piccata Meatballs With Lemon And Capers Recipe. Both dishes complement the warm, buttery notes of the casserole beautifully.

How to store and reheat

Since this croissant breakfast casserole is baked, it holds up well for leftovers. To store, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate within two hours of baking. It stays fresh for up to four days. When reheating, place individual portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crisp layers and avoid sogginess. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the croissant texture. This baked method ensures your leftovers taste almost as good as fresh!

FAQ

Can I prepare the casserole the night before?

Yes! This recipe works great as an overnight breakfast. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for a stress-free start.

What can I use instead of croissants?

Try using brioche or challah bread as alternatives. They absorb the custard well and offer a similar soft, buttery texture.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven from frozen for best results.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms add flavor and nutrition. Just mix them in before baking.

How do I make this casserole dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. The custard will still set nicely with these substitutions.

Croissant Breakfast Casserole

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• Author: July
• Total Time: 6 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: High Protein

Print Recipe

Description

A savory casserole featuring torn croissants soaked in an egg mixture with cooked sausage and cheese, baked to a golden brown for a comforting breakfast or brunch dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

5 large croissants (preferably day-old), torn into large chunks
1 lb ground beef sausage, cooked and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer torn croissants in the dish, then spread cooked sausage and shredded cheddar evenly over them.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Pour egg mixture evenly over croissants and sausage; gently press down so croissants absorb the custard.
5. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
6. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until top is golden and center is set.
7. Let cool 10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving warm.

Notes

Use cooked turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage as substitutions.
Try Swiss, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella cheese for different flavors.
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase vegetable content.
For a spicy kick, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes before baking.
Refrigeration time allows flavors to meld and croissants to soak thoroughly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 240 mg

Thanks for spending time with me in the kitchen! This croissant breakfast casserole really brings comfort and joy to any brunch table. Remember, it shines best when baked slowly to keep that flaky croissant texture. If you want to try more easy and delicious meals, check out our One Pot Merry Me Chicken Pasta Creamy Dinner Recipe Easy And Delicious and the tasty Pan Fried Chicken Piccata Meatballs With Lemon And Capers Recipe. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration from our Cooking Method board.