Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole

There’s just something magical about waking up to the smell of breakfast wafting through the house. This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is one of my personal favorites—perfect for cozy weekend brunches or holiday mornings when you want to impress without the stress. Imagine a creamy, savory dish blending buttery croissants with the rich, satisfying flavors of cheese and herbs. And the best part? You prep it the night before, so your morning can be all about relaxation and enjoying the moment.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This casserole captures the essence of brunch bliss. You get the decadence of croissants, the heartiness of eggs, and—if you choose to add it—the indulgence of bacon or sausage. Each bite is fluffy and rich, with layers of flavor that make it feel ultra-special. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re into meaty goodness or keeping it vegetarian, you can adapt it to suit your palate. Planning to entertain? This dish can easily feed a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings where you want to be a star without the scramble of last-minute cooking. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t love waking up to breakfast already made? It’s like a little gift to yourself!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s dive into what you’ll need to pull off this masterpiece:

• 6 large croissants: The buttery texture and flaky layers of croissants elevate this casserole like nothing else. If you have stale ones lying around, even better—they’ll soak up the egg mixture beautifully.

• 8 large eggs: These are the foundation of your casserole, binding everything together into a creamy goodness. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can substitute a couple of eggs with egg whites, but I wouldn’t go overboard—the yolks bring richness!

• 2 cups milk: Whole milk provides a lovely creaminess, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try half-and-half for a decadent twist. For a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk can work, though the flavor will shift slightly.

• 1 cup shredded cheese: Gruyère brings a nutty flavor that I adore, but cheddar adds a sharp, tangy kick. Feel free to mix cheeses for more complexity, or use a vegan cheese if you’re going plant-based.

• 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled (optional): The choice is yours! This addition lends a smoky richness, but it’s delightful even without it. Vegetarian? Just skip it and load up on herbs instead.

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs: Fresh herbs elevate this dish to new heights! Think chives, parsley, or even thyme—these little green beauties add brightness to each forkful.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Don’t be stingy!

How this recipe comes together

Now, let’s talk about the magic of making this casserole!

1. Whisk the egg base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. I like to do this until it’s frothy; it just feels more luxurious that way.

2. Layer the croissants: Take those torn-up croissants (don’t worry about being too neat) and layer them in a greased baking dish. This is the base of your creation!

3. Add in the good stuff: Sprinkle your crumbled bacon or sausage, followed by the cheese and the fresh herbs. I like to get creative with the layering, making sure every croissant piece gets its share of goodies.

4. Pour and soak: Carefully pour the egg mixture over your layered goodness. Use a spatula to gently press down the croissants, ensuring each piece gets saturated.

5. Chill overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight. This step is crucial for the flavors to meld and for the croissants to absorb the egg mixture.

6. Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the wrap and bake for 30-40 minutes, turning the kitchen into a heavenly aroma fest. It’s done when it’s puffed, golden, and a knife comes out clean.

7. Serve and enjoy: Slice up your masterpiece while it’s warm and garnish with extra herbs if you like. Get ready for the compliments!

Best way to enjoy it

This casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or some crispy hash browns on the side. A drizzle of hollandaise sauce for those wanting a fancier touch? Absolutely! And don’t forget coffee or fresh juices; they’ll enhance the whole breakfast experience.

How to store and freeze

Got leftovers? You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave or the oven until they’re warmed through. Freezing is also an option—just cut into slices, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and they’ll be good for a couple of months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!

Pro chef tips

Here are a few insider tips to elevate your casserole game:

• Let it rest: If you can spare an extra few minutes just before baking, letting the casserole sit at room temp for about 20 minutes allows for better cooking consistency.

• Toasted spices: Consider toasting some of the herbs or spices lightly in a dry skillet before adding them in. This is especially great for dried herbs and adds a wonderful depth.

• Experiment: Feel free to swap in other variations—think caramelized onions, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile. The world is your oyster!

Creative Twists

This recipe is so adaptable! Want a southwestern spin? Add chopped green chilies and use pepper jack cheese. Feeling Mediterranean? Feta, spinach, and sundried tomatoes could take your casserole on a vacation! Whatever you choose, your creativity is the limit—make it your own!

Ingredients list

• 6 large croissants, torn into pieces
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Gruyère or cheddar)
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to follow

1. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
2. Layer torn croissants in a greased baking dish.
3. Sprinkle crumbled bacon or sausage (if using), cheese, and chopped herbs over the croissants.
4. Pour egg mixture over the layered croissant mixture, pressing gently to soak.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Remove plastic wrap and bake for 30-40 minutes, until puffed and golden, with a clean knife inserted in the center.
8. Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

Your questions answered

• How long does prep take? About 20-30 minutes, plus overnight chilling.
• Can I use day-old croissants? Absolutely! Stale ones are perfect for soaking up the egg mixture.
• What if I want to make it gluten-free? Try using gluten-free bread or a gluten-free croissant alternative.
• Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the meat and double the herbs or add veggies!
• What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Microwave for quick reheating or bake in the oven for a few minutes for that crispy top.

I hope this has inspired you to dive into making this Overnights Croissant Breakfast Casserole. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that fills your home with warmth and your table with joy. So, grab those ingredients, let the flavors mingle, and share with your loved ones. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

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Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 82 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 300

Best Season: year-round

Description

This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole combines buttery croissants with eggs, cheese, and fresh herbs, all prepared the night before for a stress-free breakfast experience.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Casserole Ingredients

• 6 large croissants (torn into pieces)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole or half-and-half preferred)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like Gruyère or cheddar)
• ¹⁄₂ cup cooked bacon or sausage (crumbled (optional))
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley)
• to taste salt and pepper

Directions

Preparation

1. Whisk the egg base

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until frothy.
   Mark as complete

2. Layer the croissants

   Layer the torn croissants in a greased baking dish.
   Mark as complete

3. Add in the ingredients

   Sprinkle crumbled bacon or sausage, cheese, and fresh herbs over the croissants.
   Mark as complete

4. Pour and soak

   Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered croissant mixture, pressing gently to soak.
   Mark as complete

5. Chill overnight

   Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
   Mark as complete

6. Bake

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap and bake for 30-40 minutes, until puffed and golden.
   Mark as complete

7. Serve

   Slice and serve warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 300kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 17g27%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 300mg100%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 300mg9%

Total Carbohydrate 25g9%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 12g24%

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Vitamin A 450 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 200 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 2 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 0.7 mg

Vitamin B6 0.1 mg

Folate 50 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Optional to add veggies or different types of cheese.

Keywords: overnight casserole, breakfast, croissants, brunch, eggs