Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole

This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast solution! Imagine waking up to a delicious, savory dish with minimal effort! Perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or relaxed weekend gatherings, this casserole simplifies your cooking while delivering maximum flavor. It combines fluffy croissants, crispy bacon, savory aromatics, and rich cheese in a creamy egg custard. You’ll love its deep, satisfying flavors and the convenience of preparing it the night before. This dish quickly becomes a family favorite, making any morning special without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole

You’ll adore this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole for so many reasons. It truly makes your morning stress-free!

• Effortless Make-Ahead: Prepare everything the night before. Just pop it in the oven when you wake up. This allows for a relaxed morning, especially on holidays.
• No Soggy Croissants: Our special toasting step ensures your croissants stay wonderfully crisp and fluffy, not mushy. This creates an amazing texture contrast.
• Rich & Cheesy: Indulge in a decadent blend of cheeses, savory bacon, and a creamy egg custard. Every bite of this breakfast pastry casserole is packed with flavor.
• Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit your family’s tastes. Add different meats, cheeses, or veggies.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This savory croissant bake is a guaranteed hit at any brunch. It feeds a crowd generously and satisfies every palate.

Ingredients

Creating a delightful Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you need for this simple yet elegant dish:

• 1 pound croissants, halved lengthwise (about 5-7 small/medium croissants)
• 8 to 10 slices bacon, chopped (thick-sliced works best for texture)
• ½ cup diced shallot or red onion
• 2 cups shredded cheddar, Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 9 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% for richness)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Notes & Substitutions

Croissants: Aim for day-old croissants if possible; they hold their shape better after soaking. Using a food scale ensures accuracy as sizes vary.
Cheese: Freshly grate your cheese! Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that hinder a smooth, creamy melt. This is why it’s recommended to use freshly grated cheese for a smoother melt.
Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk provides the best richness for the custard base. Skim milk might make the casserole a bit watery.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds amazing texture and flavor. You can also use sausage for a different savory profile.
Onion: Shallots offer a delicate sweetness. If unavailable, red onion provides a similar mild flavor.
Add-ins: Feel free to incorporate cooked sausage, ham, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flair. These additions truly personalize your croissant breakfast bake.

Equipment

Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the cooking process smooth. For this delicious make-ahead croissant casserole, you will need:

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for a family-sized portion.
• Large skillet: For cooking bacon and aromatics.
• Large bowl: To whisk your egg custard.
• Whisk: For perfectly combining the wet ingredients.
• Sheet pan & parchment paper: For toasting croissants.
• Slotted spoon: To remove bacon.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Follow these easy steps to create your perfect Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole. This detailed guide ensures a successful and incredibly delicious outcome.

1. Step 1: Toast Croissants. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Halve the croissants lengthwise and spread them cut-side up on a parchment-lined half sheet pan. Toast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Let the toasted croissants cool completely before moving to the next step. This crucial step prevents a soggy casserole.
2. Step 2: Prepare Pan. Once cooled, tear the toasted croissants into large, bite-sized pieces. Distribute these pieces evenly across the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Step 3: Cook Bacon. In a 10- or 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s perfectly crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, letting it drain.
4. Step 4: Sauté Aromatics. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the skillet, then return it to medium heat. Add the diced shallot (or red onion) along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the shallots become translucent and fragrant.
5. Step 5: Layer Casserole. Sprinkle the cooked bacon and sautéed onions evenly over the torn croissants in the baking dish. Follow this with an even layer of your shredded cheese. You can lightly toss these ingredients together at this point for better distribution, or simply leave them in distinct layers.
6. Step 6: Whisk Custard. In a medium bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are very well combined and the mixture is smooth. This forms the rich custard for your overnight croissant bake.
7. Step 7: Assemble & Chill. Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the croissant layers in the baking dish. Ensure all croissant pieces are sufficiently soaked. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally up to 12 hours. Avoid chilling for longer than 12 hours, as the croissants may start to disintegrate.
8. Step 8: Bake. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover from the casserole dish. Place the baking dish on a foil-lined sheet pan – this catches any potential spillovers and makes cleanup easier. Bake for 45-50 minutes. The casserole should be golden brown, puffy, and firm to the touch in the center.
9. Step 9: Rest & Serve. Once baked, remove the Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole from the oven. Let it stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the custard to set properly, making for cleaner slices.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieve the best possible Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with these expert tips:

• Don’t Skip Toasting: Toasting croissants is crucial. It creates a barrier, preventing them from becoming soggy when soaking in the custard. This ensures that delightful texture contrast.
• Freshly Grated Cheese: Always grate your cheese fresh. It melts more smoothly and incorporates better into the casserole, yielding a creamier, richer flavor.
• Even Distribution: Spread your bacon, onions, and cheese evenly. This guarantees every bite offers a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
• Optimal Soaking Time: Stick to the 4-12 hour chilling window. Too short, and the croissants won’t absorb enough liquid; too long, and they might become too soft.
• Cover When Chilling: Keep the casserole covered tightly while chilling. This prevents the croissants from drying out and the custard from forming a skin.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch the casserole closely. Overbaking can lead to dry, rubbery eggs. It should be puffy and set, with a golden-brown top.
  The USDA recommends cooking egg dishes to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Elevate your Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with these fantastic serving ideas and creative variations.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this savory croissant bake warm. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Offer sides like fresh berries, sliced avocado, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for a sweet-and-savory contrast. A dash of your favorite hot sauce is also a delicious option for those who enjoy a kick. Pair it with freshly brewed coffee, orange juice, or even a light green salad for a complete brunch experience.

Variations:

• Meats: Easily swap bacon for cooked breakfast sausage, diced ham, or shredded cooked chicken.
• Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrients and flavor.
• Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack for an extra twist.
• Sweet Version: Omit the bacon, shallots, and savory spices. Instead, use cream cheese, berries, a touch of sugar, and cinnamon for a delightful sweet croissant breakfast bake.

Storage & Reheating

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole for days to come.

Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, transfer any leftover casserole into an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly within two hours of baking. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: You can freeze a baked and cooled casserole for longer storage. Wrap individual slices or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Label with the date. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: For best results, reheat slices or the whole casserole in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C). Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying, and bake for 15-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: For quick reheating of individual portions, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Here is the estimated nutritional information per serving for this savory Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This information helps you plan your meals effectively.

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole

This delightful overnight croissant breakfast casserole combines toasted croissants, crispy bacon, savory cheese, and a creamy egg mixture, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for brunches or special mornings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound croissants halved lengthwise (about 5-7 small/medium croissants)
• 8 to 10 slices bacon chopped (thick-sliced)
• ½ cup shallot or red onion diced
• 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, gruyere or swiss

Egg Mixture

• 9 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• Oven
• Parchment-lined half sheet pan
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• 10 or 12-inch skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Paper-towel lined plate
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Foil-lined sheet pan

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toast halved croissants on a parchment-lined sheet pan for 10-12 minutes until golden, then let them cool.
2. Tear the cooled croissants into large bite-size pieces and spread them evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Assembly

1. In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp; remove with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel lined plate. Drain most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
2. Add diced shallot or red onion to the skillet with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
3. Sprinkle the cooked bacon, onions, and shredded cheese over the torn croissants; you can lightly toss them to distribute or leave as is.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until well-combined, then pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.
5. Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours.

Baking

1. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the cover from the casserole and place the dish on a foil-lined sheet pan.
2. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the casserole is golden, puffy, and firm to the touch. Let it stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

The recipe mentions optional notes for croissants, cheese, and milk. It is crucial to refrigerate the casserole for a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 12 hours to ensure the croissants maintain their texture and prevent disintegration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole truly delivers on both convenience and incredible flavor. It transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying, and beautiful dish perfect for any occasion, from quiet family mornings to festive gatherings. You’ll love the ease of preparing it ahead of time and waking up to the aroma of a delicious breakfast. Don’t hesitate to make this a staple in your recipe collection! We encourage you to try this amazing dish and share your experiences and variations in the comments below. Happy baking!