Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate brunch centerpiece or a cozy weekend breakfast that feels indulgent yet easy, look no further than this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe. This dish brings together buttery, flaky croissants, creamy eggs, melty cheese, and your choice of savory add-ins like crispy bacon or sautéed vegetables—all baked to golden perfection.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or meal-prepping for the week, this breakfast casserole delivers both elegance and comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Croissant Breakfast Casserole
- Rich and Buttery Flavor: The croissants add a luxurious, bakery-quality texture and taste that standard bread just can’t match.
- Customizable: Make it meaty, vegetarian, or even spicy—this casserole adapts beautifully to your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it the night before, pop it in the oven the next morning, and voilà—breakfast is served!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday brunches to lazy Sundays, this dish suits every table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this dreamy Croissant Breakfast Casserole:
Base Ingredients:
- 6 large croissants, preferably day-old, torn into 2-inch pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer texture)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss work beautifully)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins (Pick Your Favorites):
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup sautéed spinach or kale
- ½ cup caramelized onions
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup chopped scallions
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Medium skillet (if preparing sautéed vegetables or meats)
- Aluminum foil
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe is designed to be foolproof. Follow these steps for brunch-time glory:
Step 1: Prep the Croissants
Tear the croissants into chunks. If they’re fresh, you can pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to dry out slightly. This helps them absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Grease the Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray. Arrange half the croissant pieces evenly in the dish.
Step 3: Add Your Fillings
Layer your selected mix-ins—bacon, sausage, vegetables—over the croissants. Then, sprinkle on half the cheese.
Repeat with the remaining croissant pieces, toppings, and cheese to create a delicious layered effect.
Step 4: Make the Egg Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You want a smooth, unified custard that’s well-seasoned.
Step 5: Pour and Soak
Pour the custard evenly over the croissant layers. Press down gently to help the croissants soak up the liquid. Let the casserole sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or ideally refrigerate overnight.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and set in the center.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set and makes for cleaner servings.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Day-Old Croissants: Stale croissants soak up the custard better and provide a more satisfying texture.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the casserole sit before baking ensures the custard is fully absorbed.
- Mix Your Cheeses: Try a combo of cheddar for sharpness and Gruyère for a nutty richness.
- Balance the Flavors: If you’re using salty meats like bacon, go lighter on the added salt.
- Add Herbs: Fresh thyme or chopped chives add beautiful aroma and freshness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
To Make Ahead:
Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake as directed.
To Store Leftovers:
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
To Freeze:
Wrap individual slices tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations on Croissant Breakfast Casserole
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some fun twists to try:
1. Mediterranean Style
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, olives, and baby spinach.
2. Southwestern Flair
- Mix in chorizo, pepper jack cheese, black beans, and a dash of cumin. Top with salsa and avocado when serving.
3. French-Inspired
- Use Brie and caramelized onions, with a touch of herbes de Provence for a rich, elegant vibe.
4. Veggie Delight
- Load it up with roasted mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and leeks for a hearty vegetarian version.
What to Serve with Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Pair your Croissant Breakfast Casserole with a few complementary sides to create a complete brunch spread:
- Fresh fruit salad: Light and refreshing
- Green salad: Tossed in lemon vinaigrette
- Crispy hash browns: For that extra crunch
- Fresh juice or mimosas: Because it’s brunch!
FAQs About Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Can I use mini croissants?
Absolutely! Just tear them into smaller pieces to match the proportion of a regular croissant.
Can I substitute milk with non-dairy alternatives?
Yes, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can work. However, the texture will be slightly lighter.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Of course! Load up on vegetables and skip the meat—or use plant-based sausage.
Why is my casserole soggy in the middle?
It may not be baked long enough, or the croissants were too fresh. Ensure it’s baked until fully set and use drier croissants.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try for Brunch Enthusiasts
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together—whether around a holiday table, a weekend brunch, or a lazy weekday morning. It’s comforting, customizable, and utterly delicious. Plus, it’s an easy way to elevate a humble breakfast into something truly special.
Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 6 large croissants preferably day-old, torn into 2-inch pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or use half-and-half for a richer texture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins (choose your favorites):
- 1 cup cooked bacon crumbled
- 1 cup breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sautéed spinach or kale
- ½ cup caramelized onions
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup chopped scallions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Croissants
- Tear croissants into 2-inch pieces. If fresh, dry them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Grease the Baking Dish
- Lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the croissant pieces in the dish.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
- Add your chosen meats or vegetables and sprinkle with half the cheese. Repeat with remaining croissants, fillings, and cheese.
Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble and Soak
- Pour the custard evenly over the croissants. Gently press down to help absorption. Let sit for 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover casserole loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and set in the center.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
- Allow to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the night before and refrigerate—just bake in the morning!
- Cheese Combos: Try mixing cheddar with Gruyère or Swiss for added depth.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven at 300°F until heated through.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and load up on vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
- Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs like thyme or chives before baking.