Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole

The Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is your secret weapon for stress-free mornings or perfectly executed brunches. This effortless, make-ahead dish transforms flaky croissants into a savory custard dream, ensuring a delicious and satisfying start to any day.

Key Ingredients for Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole:

• 8-10 day-old croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked crumbled breakfast sausage (or your favorite breakfast meat)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• Optional: Fresh chives or parsley for garnish

How to Make Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole:

This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is designed for ultimate ease and incredible flavor. Imagine waking up to a perfectly baked dish that requires minimal morning effort, bursting with savory sausage, sweet peppers, and the irresistible richness of buttery croissants soaked in a creamy egg custard. The prep is under 20 minutes, and the overnight chill does all the heavy lifting, ensuring the croissants absorb the custard beautifully for a truly decadent texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Croissants: Begin by tearing your day-old croissants into approximately 1-inch pieces. Placing them in a bowl allows for easy mixing. Day-old croissants are ideal because they have a slightly drier texture, which helps them absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy.
2. Cook the Savory Elements: In a skillet over medium heat, cook your crumbled breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease. If using, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the same skillet (after removing the sausage) and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
3. Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs until well combined. Add the 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisk vigorously until everything is thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the torn croissant pieces across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the cooked breakfast sausage, sautéed onion, and bell pepper mixture over the croissant pieces. Top with 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
5. Pour and Chill: Carefully pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring all the croissant pieces are moistened. Gently press down on the croissants with the back of a spoon or spatula to help them soak up the liquid. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
6. Refrigerate Overnight: Place the covered casserole in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This crucial step allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard, creating a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
7. Bake the Casserole: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole dish.
8. Bake Until Golden and Set: Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top, the center is set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean), and the edges are slightly puffed. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to fully set, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole:

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the incredible transformation of humble croissants into a rich, custardy masterpiece. Unlike a traditional bread pudding that can sometimes lean sweet, this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole offers a perfect balance of savory goodness, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Plus, the cost-effectiveness of using day-old bread alongside simple, budget-friendly ingredients like eggs and milk means you can create a restaurant-worthy meal without breaking the bank. The delightful combination of flaky croissant texture, savory sausage, and melted cheese, all enveloped in a creamy egg custard, truly elevates this casserole beyond the ordinary.

This recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy households and anyone who loves to entertain without the last-minute kitchen rush. Imagine the joy of waking up and simply popping a pre-assembled, delicious breakfast into the oven – pure magic! It’s a stress-free way to impress your guests or simply treat your family to a special morning meal. So, ditch the complicated breakfast routines and give this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole a try; your taste buds will thank you!

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Properly storing and reheating your Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days.

• Refrigeration: Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container. The casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating Individual Portions: For a quick reheat, place a slice or two on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
• Reheating Larger Portions: To reheat a larger section or the entire casserole, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes exceptionally well for future convenient meals.
  • Bake and Cool First: Ensure the casserole is fully baked and has cooled completely.
  • Portion or Freeze Whole: You can freeze individual portions in airtight containers or the entire casserole in its baking dish (ensure it’s freezer-safe). Wrap the dish or container tightly with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
  • Freezing Time: Frozen casserole can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
  • Thawing and Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen by covering with foil and baking at 300°F (150°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through, adding a little extra liquid (like milk or cream) if it seems dry.

Final Thoughts:

The Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a testament to how simple ingredients can become something truly extraordinary with a little advance planning. Give this wonderfully satisfying and delightfully easy recipe a chance, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again for stress-free mornings and memorable brunches.