Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and easy make-ahead dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Soft croissants soak up a flavorful egg mixture, combined with savory sausage, cheese, and veggies for a hearty start to your day. Simply prepare it the night before and wake up to a warm, golden casserole ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 8 large croissants, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Add the croissant pieces, cooked sausage, diced bell pepper, and diced onion to the egg mixture. Gently fold everything together so the croissants are evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours, to allow the croissants to soak up the egg mixture.
6. Step 6: The next morning, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Use any type of cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different flavor.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
• For extra richness, replace half of the milk with heavy cream.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use day-old croissants for this recipe?

Yes, day-old croissants actually soak up the egg mixture better and hold up well during baking.

Can I prepare this casserole without overnight refrigeration?

While refrigeration helps the croissants absorb the flavors fully, you can let the mixture sit for at least 4 hours to achieve good results before baking.

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 71 reviews

This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and easy make-ahead dish perfect for brunch or breakfast gatherings. Soft croissants soak in a flavorful mixture of eggs, milk, and spices, combined with savory breakfast sausage, bell peppers, and onions, then topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to golden perfection. The casserole can be prepared the night before, allowing flavors to meld beautifully and saving time on busy mornings.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: Overnight plus 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 8 large croissants, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• 1/2 cup diced onion

Spices

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the croissant pieces, cooked and crumbled sausage, diced bell pepper, and diced onion to the egg mixture. Gently fold everything together until the croissants are evenly coated with the egg mixture.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
5. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours, allowing the croissants to soak up the egg mixture and blend flavors.
6. Rest Before Baking: In the morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to take the chill off.
7. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown.
8. Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before slicing and serving.

Notes

• You can substitute cooked bacon or ham for the breakfast sausage if preferred.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
• This casserole can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Make sure the croissants are fresh or slightly stale for best absorption of the egg mixture.

Keywords: overnight casserole, croissant breakfast casserole, make ahead breakfast, breakfast casserole with sausage, easy brunch recipe