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
- 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