Imagine waking up to the smell of buttery croissants mingling with sizzling bacon, sharp cheddar, and just the right touch of creamy, savory custard. That’s what you get with Croissant Breakfast Casserole—a spectacular spin on classic breakfast bakes where every forkful gives you flaky, cheesy, utterly satisfying comfort. Whether you need a make-ahead brunch star for a crowd or a cozy family breakfast, this dish brings sunshine (and serious flavor) to any table.

Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long list to create magic—these simple, high-quality ingredients each bring their own flair, from rich croissants to melty cheeses. Using day-old croissants and the freshest dairy really amplifies the texture and flavor of your Croissant Breakfast Casserole.

5 large croissants, preferably day-old: Slightly stale croissants soak up the custard, resulting in a wonderfully soft, yet structured base.
6 large eggs: Eggs form the rich custard that binds this casserole together.
1 1/2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps create that signature tender, custardy bite.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Lends extra richness and a luxurious texture to the dish.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Just a hint brings subtle, tangy depth without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds gentle savory warmth throughout every bite.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors and keeps everything perfectly seasoned.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A dash of pepper gives the custard a bit of background warmth.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds great flavor.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella brings gooeyness and that irresistible cheese pull.
6 slices cooked bacon or 1/2 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled: Pick your favorite breakfast meat for smoky, savory depth.
Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens up each serving.

How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Preheat

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent any sticky messes and ensures those golden edges slip right out onto your plate. Using a little butter or nonstick spray works wonders here.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until all the ingredients are completely smooth and well-blended. This mixture becomes the luscious base that soaks into every piece of croissant, making them taste custardy and delicious.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Tear your croissants into rough, generous pieces and add them right into the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, then use your hands or a spatula to gently press and toss, making sure each bite-sized croissant gets coated. This is also the time to toss in your cooked bacon or sausage and half of both cheeses. Mix until everything looks well dispersed.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Once everything is mixed, spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. The extra layer of cheese forms a delicious bubbling crust as it bakes, locking in all that savory goodness.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Cover the dish snugly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes—watch for a deep golden color and firmness in the center. Let the Croissant Breakfast Casserole rest for 5 minutes before cutting; this brief pause lets everything set for perfect, tidy slices.

How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

Give your Croissant Breakfast Casserole a final touch by sprinkling freshly chopped chives or parsley over the top. This not only adds a pop of color but also brings a little herby freshness that cuts through the richness. For a bit of decadence, you can even add a tiny drizzle of hot honey or a spoonful of crème fraîche.

Side Dishes

This casserole is already a star, but pairing it with simple sides can really round out your brunch feast. Try crisp arugula salad, roasted breakfast potatoes, or a medley of fresh berries for something a bit sweet and tart on the side. Fresh fruit always lightens things up—think citrus slices or grapes!

Creative Ways to Present

For special brunches, serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy bistro feel. Or, cut the finished casserole into squares and pile onto a rustic wooden board alongside mini muffins, fresh fruit, and little cups of freshly squeezed orange juice for a show-stopping brunch platter. You can even bake and serve it directly in a cast iron skillet for farmhouse style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Let the Croissant Breakfast Casserole cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly or transfer slices into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It holds up beautifully and makes fantastic next-day breakfasts.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead on your brunch planning, this casserole freezes nicely. Assemble, but don’t bake, wrapping your dish well in several layers of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave for about 1 minute, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven covered with foil until hot. If reheating from the fridge, you can uncover it for the last few minutes to crisp up the top cheese layer again—almost as good as fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Can I make Croissant Breakfast Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the bacon or sausage and add sautéed veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. You’ll get vibrant color and big flavor without the meat.

Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?

Definitely! The cheddar and mozzarella combo is classic, but you can experiment with Swiss, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. Just keep the total amount about the same for best results.

How far in advance can I assemble Croissant Breakfast Casserole?

You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead. Cover the unbaked casserole tightly and refrigerate overnight—just pop it in the oven the next morning and add a few extra baking minutes if it’s really cold.

Does this recipe work with gluten-free croissants?

Yes, you can use your favorite gluten-free croissants to make a gluten-free version. Just be sure they’re a bit stale, so they soak up the custard without getting soggy.

What’s the best way to double this recipe for a crowd?

Simply assemble two casseroles in separate 9×13-inch dishes. You can bake them side by side, rotating once for even cooking, and you’ll have enough Croissant Breakfast Casserole for a brunch gathering—no one will go hungry!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to become everyone’s favorite brunch host, you can’t go wrong with Croissant Breakfast Casserole. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and every bite tastes like pure comfort. So grab a few croissants and let your oven do the magic—give this recipe a try and savor the smiles around your table!

Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delicious morning treat with this Croissant Breakfast Casserole. This easy-to-make dish features torn croissants mixed with eggs, milk, cream, and a blend of cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. Add in crispy bacon or savory sausage for a hearty breakfast that will satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Croissant Pieces:

5 large croissants, torn into pieces

Egg Mixture:

6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese and Meat:

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6 slices cooked bacon or 1/2 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled

Garnish:

Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Ingredients: Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add croissant pieces to the dish, toss with the egg mixture, then add bacon or sausage and half of the cheeses.
Bake: Spread the mixture in the dish, top with remaining cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until set.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chives or parsley if desired.