Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is my go-to for weekend brunch. I remember one chaotic Christmas morning, I was so stressed about cooking. I stumbled upon this recipe and it saved the day! The buttery croissants soaked in a savory custard, with the perfect blend of sausage and cheese, makes it irresistible. My signature touch is adding a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture for warmth. It’s perfect with a side of fresh fruit. Looking for an easy brunch idea? You will love this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Seriously, what’s not to love? This easy overnight breakfast bake is a lifesaver for busy mornings. I mean, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen when you could be sipping coffee and relaxing? This croissant breakfast bake is so simple to throw together the night before, and the next morning, you’ll have a warm, comforting breakfast ready to go. It’s become a staple in my house, and I know you’ll adore it too. Here’s why:
- Easy to prepare the night before
- Perfect for brunch or holiday gatherings
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients
- Customizable with your favorite breakfast meats and cheeses
- A crowd-pleasing savory breakfast option
- Makes your home smell amazing while baking
Ingredients for Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Alright, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this amazing make-ahead croissant breakfast! I always say, the better the ingredients, the better the bake. Don’t skimp!
- 6 large croissants, cut into 1-inch pieces: These little guys are the star! They give that buttery, flaky base. Trust me, day-old croissants work best – they soak up the custard without getting too soggy.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled: Now, this is where you can get creative! I usually go for a classic breakfast sausage, but feel free to use your fave – maple, spicy, even Italian sausage works! Just make sure it’s cooked and crumbled.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Oh, the cheesy goodness! Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that extra zing, but mild or even a blend of cheeses will do the trick.
- 6 large eggs: These bind everything together. I always use fresh, large eggs for the best texture and richness.
- 2 cups milk: This creates the dreamy custard. Whole milk adds the most richness, but 2% works just fine if you’re watching the calories.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard: This is my secret weapon! It adds a subtle tang that balances out the richness of the cheese and sausage. Don’t skip it!
- ½ teaspoon salt: Gotta balance out those flavors!
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just a pinch for a little kick!
How to Make Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part – putting this easy breakfast casserole together! Don’t worry, it’s so simple, even I can’t mess it up (most of the time!). Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious overnight breakfast strata in no time. Trust me, the hardest part is waiting for it to bake!
- Step 1: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. I like to use a little butter or cooking spray – this prevents sticking and ensures the croissant casserole comes out easily.
- Step 2: Place the croissant pieces evenly in the dish. Make sure they’re distributed nicely so every bite has that flaky, buttery goodness.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the cooked sausage and shredded cheese over the croissants, making sure to spread it all evenly. You want every bite to have the perfect balance of savory and cheesy!
- Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and uniform – no eggy clumps allowed!
- Step 5: Pour the egg mixture over the croissant, sausage, and cheese layers, pressing down gently to ensure the croissants soak up the liquid. This step is crucial for a moist sausage croissant casserole. Don’t be shy – really get those croissants saturated!
- Step 6: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours. This is where the magic happens! The croissants soak up all that delicious custard, and the flavors meld together.
- Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the make-ahead breakfast casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
- Step 8: Bake, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. The casserole is ready when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it – you don’t want it to burn!
- Step 9: Allow the Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make everyone drool!
Pro Tips for the Best Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Okay, you’ve got the basics down, but let’s take your croissant breakfast bake to the next level! These are the little secrets I’ve learned over the years that really make a difference. Trust me, these tips will make your make-ahead breakfast casserole the talk of the brunch table! Ready for some insider knowledge?
What’s the secret to a perfect Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole?
It’s all about the croissants! I swear by using day-old ones for the best texture. They soak up the custard without turning into mush – nobody wants a soggy breakfast casserole!
Can I make Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this recipe. You can totally assemble your easy overnight breakfast bake up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to pop it in the oven. Talk about a time-saver!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole?
Two biggies: First, don’t skip the overnight refrigeration – it’s ESSENTIAL for proper soaking and that perfect custardy texture. And second, watch your baking time! Overbaking will dry it out, and nobody wants that. Aim for golden brown and set, but still a little moist.
Best Ways to Serve Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Okay, so you’ve baked your croissant breakfast casserole to golden-brown perfection – now what? Let me tell you, serving it is just as important as making it! I always like to slice this easy breakfast casserole into squares while it’s still warm. It’s absolutely divine with a side of fresh fruit – think juicy berries or a slice of melon. And if you’re feeling fancy? A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of maple syrup adds that extra touch of yum! This sausage croissant casserole is perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or even a potluck dish. Trust me; it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Nutrition Facts for Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough breakdown of what you’re getting in each slice of this heavenly croissant breakfast bake. Keep in mind, it’s based on estimates, because, let’s be real, who measures *everything* perfectly? But it’ll give you a good idea!
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
This nutritional information for the easy breakfast casserole is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Okay, so you’ve got leftovers of this fantastic croissant breakfast bake (if you do, that is!). Here’s the lowdown on keeping it fresh and delicious. Once your easy breakfast casserole is completely cool, wrap it up tight with plastic wrap, or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to keep it longer? Slice it up and freeze individual portions for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to dig in again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through, or zap a slice in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Either way, this make-ahead breakfast casserole reheats like a dream!
Frequently Asked Questions About Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Got questions about this easy breakfast casserole? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked (and some I’ve asked myself!) about making the perfect overnight breakfast strata. Let’s dive in!
Can I use different types of cheese in my Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole?
Absolutely! Cheese is your friend! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack will give you a melty, mild flavor, Gruyere adds a nutty sophistication, and pepper jack brings a little kick. What’s your favorite cheese? Throw it in your croissant breakfast bake!
What if I don’t have croissants? Can I use another type of bread for the Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole?
No croissants? No problem! While croissants give that signature buttery flakiness to this sausage croissant casserole, brioche or challah bread are fantastic alternatives. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces, and you’re good to go. You could even use crusty Italian bread for a heartier take on this make-ahead breakfast casserole!
Can I add vegetables to my Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole?
Oh, you KNOW I’m all about adding veggies! Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would be delicious additions to this easy overnight breakfast bake. Just sauté them beforehand to soften them up and prevent a soggy casserole. Get creative and make it your own!
Is it necessary to let the Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole sit overnight?
Okay, so technically, “overnight” is ideal because it gives the croissants plenty of time to soak up all that delicious custard. BUT, if you’re short on time, a minimum of 2 hours in the fridge will still do the trick. Just make sure those croissants are really saturated with the egg mixture for the best results in your croissant casserole!
Variations of Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole You Can Try
The best part about this easy breakfast casserole? It’s SO easy to customize! I’m always experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to keep things interesting. Here are a few of my favorite ways to shake up this croissant breakfast bake – guaranteed to become a new family favorite!
- Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and load up on veggies! Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers – the more, the merrier! I love adding a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor to this meat-free overnight breakfast strata.
- Spicy: Craving a kick? Swap the regular sausage for chorizo and toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture. This spicy sausage croissant casserole is a total wake-up call!
- Sweet and Savory: Trust me on this one! Add a layer of caramelized apples or pears before you sprinkle on the cheese. The sweet and savory combo in this make-ahead breakfast casserole is out of this world!
- Gluten-Free: Got gluten sensitivities? No problem! Just use gluten-free croissants or your favorite gluten-free bread for the base of this easy breakfast casserole. I promise, you won’t even notice the difference!
Savory Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole in 45 Min
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Prepare it the night before for a simple and satisfying morning meal.
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants, cut into pieces
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the croissant pieces evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage and shredded cheese over the croissants.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the croissant, sausage, and cheese layers, pressing down gently to ensure the croissants soak up the liquid.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use your favorite type of breakfast sausage.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
- Ensure the croissants are well soaked in the egg mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
