Dreamy Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Families
Baking an irresistible overnight croissant breakfast casserole can revolutionize your morning meal prep.
Morning crowds deserve something special beyond standard fare.
Crusty pastry pieces absorb rich custard like delicate sponges during quiet refrigerator hours.
Each layer promises delectable textures waiting to surprise you at first bite.
Weekend brunch becomes an effortless celebration with minimal morning work.
Comfort meets convenience in this make-ahead marvel that simplifies your kitchen routine.
Fresh ingredients and smart technique combine to deliver maximum deliciousness.
Let’s transform your breakfast game with this crowd-pleasing recipe that impresses without stress.
Overnight Croissant Casserole That’s Buttery and Brilliant
Croissant Breakfast Casserole (Overnight) Ingredients
Base Ingredients:Cheese and Protein Components:Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:Croissant Casserole Overnight Bake
Step 1: Prepare Baking Vessel
Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Tear croissants into rustic chunks and create an even layer covering the entire bottom of the dish.
Step 2: Craft Creamy Egg Blend
Whisk together in a spacious mixing bowl:Blend until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Layer Delicious Toppings
Sprinkle across croissant base:Pour egg mixture evenly over the layers, gently pressing down to ensure croissants absorb liquid completely.
Step 4: Allow Flavor Infusion
Cover casserole with aluminum foil.
Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours or entire night, enabling ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Remove casserole from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and continue baking 15-20 minutes until top turns golden and center sets firmly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions.
Serve piping hot directly from baking dish.
Prep Tips for Overnight Croissant Casserole
Overnight Casserole Storage
Flavorful Sips With Croissant Casserole
Croissant Breakfast Casserole Overnight Options
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute croissants with brioche, challah, or day-old French bread. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale for better absorption of the egg mixture.
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or sausage and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, the edges are slightly crispy, and the center is set without any liquid egg mixture. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Print
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Rich, comforting Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole brings French bakery charm to your morning table. Golden layers of buttery croissants mingle with creamy eggs and savory cheese, creating a luxurious breakfast experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
Cheese and Meat:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled (optional)
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Tear croissants into rustic chunks and distribute them across a generously buttered 9×13-inch baking vessel, creating an even foundational layer.
- Craft a luxurious custard base by vigorously whisking eggs with dairy elements, introducing Dijon mustard for a subtle tangy undertone, then season with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
- Artfully cascade a medley of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the croissant landscape, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Intersperse crumbled bacon or sausage throughout the cheesy terrain.
- Pour the silky egg mixture across the entire surface, gently pressing downward to guarantee complete croissant saturation and uniform moisture distribution.
- Encase the assembled casserole with aluminum foil, then nestle into the refrigerator for a minimum of six hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and ingredients to meld.
- Remove the casserole from cold storage, permitting it totemper at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning a rack in the middle section for optimal heat circulation.
- Initially bake the covered casserole for 25 minutes, then unveil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden, crisp masterpiece with a perfectly set interior.
- Once extracted from the oven, allow a brief resting period before garnishing with delicate fresh herbs like parsley or green onions, then serve while radiating warmth.
Notes
- Customize protein options by substituting bacon with ham, turkey sausage, or vegetarian alternatives like plant-based sausage crumbles for different dietary preferences.
- Enhance texture by slightly toasting croissants before assembling to prevent soggy bottom and maintain a crispy exterior.
- Make ahead friendly recipe allows prepping the night before, perfect for busy mornings or holiday gatherings with minimal morning preparation time.
- Reduce fat content by using low-fat milk, egg whites, and reduced-fat cheese without compromising delicious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Emily Harper
Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst
Expertise
Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations
Education
School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL
Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie
Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts.
Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.