Irresistible Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a savory and indulgent breakfast bake featuring tender croissant chunks, savory cooked sausage, and melted cheddar cheese, all soaked in a flavorful egg and milk mixture. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it offers a hassle-free, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for brunch or family breakfasts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 60 minutes (includes overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 5 large croissants (preferably a day or two old), torn into large chunks
Meat
- 1 pound (450g) ground sausage, cooked and drained
Cheese
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups (475ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer Croissants: Evenly distribute the torn croissant chunks in the prepared baking dish, forming the base layer of the casserole.
- Add Sausage: Sprinkle the cooked and drained ground sausage evenly over the croissants to provide a savory flavor throughout the dish.
- Add Cheese: Spread the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the sausage layer to add a creamy, melted texture when baked.
- Combine Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully combined to create the custard for the casserole.
- Pour Over Layers: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the croissants, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish, making sure to cover all the pieces thoroughly.
- Press Down: Gently press the croissants and toppings down with a spatula to help them absorb the egg mixture uniformly.
- Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours to let the croissants soak up the custard fully.
- Bake: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil and bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes post-baking, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a delicious breakfast experience.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants allows them to better absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Cook and drain the sausage well to avoid excess grease pooling in the casserole.
- The casserole can be customized by substituting the cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight to save time in the morning.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, croissant casserole, breakfast bake, sausage breakfast, cheesy breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, brunch recipe
