Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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

  • Quick Weekend Breakfast Hero: Super simple, no-stress morning meal that transforms basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish without complicated techniques.
  • Overnight Convenience Magic: Prep everything the night before, allowing busy families to enjoy a gourmet breakfast with minimal morning effort and maximum relaxation.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Flexibility: Perfect for hosting brunches, weekend gatherings, or preparing breakfast for guests without sacrificing precious morning time, with easy customization options like adding different meats or cheeses.
  • Comfort Food Crowd-Pleaser: Transforms classic breakfast ingredients into a rich, satisfying casserole that appeals to both kids and adults, featuring layers of cheesy, eggy goodness wrapped in buttery croissant pieces.

Croissant Breakfast Casserole (Overnight) Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Croissants: Buttery, flaky base that absorbs egg mixture and creates soft texture. Choose day-old, slightly stale croissants for best results.
  • Eggs: Primary binding ingredient that provides structure and richness to the casserole.
  • Milk, Cream: Add moisture and creamy consistency to the egg mixture. Whole milk or heavy cream recommended for best flavor.
Cheese and Protein Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide melty, gooey texture and savory flavor. Sharp cheddar offers more intense taste.
  • Bacon, Sausage: Optional protein that adds smoky, meaty depth. Precooked and crumbled for easy distribution.
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tangy flavor and complexity to the egg mixture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste profile.
  • Parsley, Green Onions: Optional garnish for fresh color and light herbal notes.

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:
  • Whole eggs
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Dijon mustard
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Toppings

Sprinkle across croissant base:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Crumbled cooked bacon or sausage

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

  • Press down gently when adding egg mixture to ensure every piece of croissant absorbs the liquid for maximum flavor and perfect texture.
  • Select fresh, buttery croissants from a bakery for richer taste and more luxurious breakfast casserole experience.
  • Swap bacon or sausage with ham, chorizo, or vegetarian alternatives like roasted vegetables to suit different dietary preferences.
  • Use slightly stale croissants to prevent soggy casserole and maintain a delightful, slightly crispy top layer during baking.
  • Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to meld and creating a stress-free breakfast solution for busy mornings.

Overnight Casserole Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  • Restore crispy texture by placing the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

Flavorful Sips With Croissant Casserole

  • Brew Bright Morning Coffee: Serve a robust, freshly ground medium roast coffee that complements the rich, buttery croissant casserole and cuts through its creamy texture.
  • Citrus Morning Refresh: Pair with a chilled orange or grapefruit juice to balance the casserole's heaviness and provide a zesty, tangy contrast to the savory bacon and cheese.
  • Elevate with Sparkling Side: Add a light mimosa or sparkling wine spritzer to bring elegance and brightness, enhancing the breakfast's celebratory feel with a crisp, bubbly touch.
  • Create Herbal Harmony: Garnish with fresh chives or parsley and serve alongside a light herb salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to add freshness and cut through the casserole's richness.

Croissant Breakfast Casserole Overnight Options

  • Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole: Replace bacon or sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted bell peppers for a hearty plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap croissants with gluten-free bread or cornbread cubes to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Use almond flour-based croissants or replace bread entirely with thin zucchini slices for a keto-friendly breakfast bake.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the egg mixture for a more aromatic and sophisticated flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of bread instead of croissants?

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.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or sausage and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

  • How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

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.

  • Can I prepare this casserole in advance for a large group?

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.

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Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Tear croissants into rustic chunks and distribute them across a generously buttered 9×13-inch baking vessel, creating an even foundational layer.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Pour the silky egg mixture across the entire surface, gently pressing downward to guarantee complete croissant saturation and uniform moisture distribution.
  5. 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.
  6. Remove the casserole from cold storage, permitting it totemper at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes before baking.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning a rack in the middle section for optimal heat circulation.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

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.

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