This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a cozy morning treat! Soft croissants are mixed with eggs, cheese, and your favorite veggies for a scrumptious dish that’s easy to prepare.
What I love most is that you can make it the night before, so breakfast is ready when you are. Perfect for lazy Sundays or surprise guests! 🥐✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: These are the star of the dish! If you don’t have croissants, you can use day-old bread or even brioche for a different but still pleasant texture and flavor. Just make sure it’s a little stale to soak up the egg mixture well.
Eggs: The foundation of this dish, providing richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace some eggs with egg whites or use egg substitutes. Aim for a 1/4 cup of egg substitute per egg.
Milk: I typically go for whole or 2% milk for a creamy texture. You can use low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for its melting qualities. However, feel free to swap it with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even feta for extra flavor. A blend of cheeses can add depth!
Sausage: I like breakfast sausage for its savory flavor. You can swap it out for a turkey sausage or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version. Just add extra veggies for a well-rounded dish!
How Do You Ensure the Casserole Stays Custardy and Not Dry?
The key to a great custardy texture lies in soaking the croissants well. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to cover the dish tightly before refrigerating. This helps the croissants absorb all the egg mixture.
- Don’t rush the soaking process! Letting it sit overnight is ideal. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 6 hours.
- When baking, keep an eye on it. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil to prevent burning while it finishes cooking.
These steps will ensure your casserole is soft and creamy on the inside, just how it should be!
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 6 large croissants, torn into chunks
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or mixed)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley or fresh chives for garnish
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and needs to be refrigerated overnight (or at least 6 hours) to allow the croissants to soak up the custard. When you’re ready to bake, it takes about 40-45 minutes in the oven. So in total, you’ll be investing around 1 hour for active preparation and baking plus the overnight soak!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the Croissants:
Tear the croissants into small, bite-sized pieces. Spread them evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
3. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet set over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Veggies:
Using the same skillet, add your diced onions, bell peppers, and optional mushrooms. Sauté the veggies until they’re soft, about 4-5 minutes. Then remove them from heat.
5. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined and fluffy.
6. Layer the Ingredients:
Sprinkle the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish.
7. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the croissants, sausage, and veggies, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
8. Add Cheese and Refrigerate:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
9. Prepare to Bake:
When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and discard the cover.
10. Bake Until Golden:
Place the uncovered casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and the top is golden brown.
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut into squares and serve warm. It’s perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch, and you can customize it with your favorite add-ins like spinach, ham, or different cheeses. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Stale Croissants for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Stale croissants are perfect for this casserole as they absorb the egg mixture better. If your croissants are fresh, just let them sit out for a bit to dry out before using them.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or even diced tomatoes. You could also include some plant-based sausage if desired!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, and you can add a little splash of milk to keep it moist while reheating if necessary.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just prepare it up to the point of refrigeration, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it as directed. For best results, try to consume it within 2 months.
