Start your mornings stress-free with this irresistible Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Featuring flaky, buttery croissants layered with savory breakfast sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheese, this dish is the perfect way to treat your family or guests to a hearty and flavorful breakfast. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch, holiday gathering, or a busy weekday, this casserole can be prepared the night before so you wake up to a warm, comforting meal with minimal effort.
A Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures
The key to this casserole’s success lies in its star ingredient—the croissant. With its rich, buttery layers and tender crumb, the croissant brings a delicate flakiness that pairs beautifully with the savory sausage and gooey cheese. The custardy egg mixture soaks into the croissants overnight, creating a creamy, satisfying texture that makes every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning. No morning rush or extra prep needed.
- Rich and Flavorful: The blend of sausage, cheddar cheese, and a lightly seasoned egg custard delivers bold, comforting flavors.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap cheeses, or use different breakfast meats to tailor it to your tastes.
- Family-Friendly: This casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Versatile Meal: Great for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner option.
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make It
- Prepare the dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the croissant pieces evenly across the bottom.
- Add sausage and cheese: Sprinkle the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the croissants.
- Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the egg mixture over the layered croissants, sausage, and cheese, pressing gently so the croissants soak up the custard.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill overnight or for at least 2 hours.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven warms. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is fully set.
- Serve: Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Layer ingredients evenly to ensure every bite is balanced.
- Let the casserole soak overnight for richer flavor and a custard-like texture.
- Serve with fresh fruit, a light salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian: Swap sausage for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little heat.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella for different flavor twists.
Storage and Freezing
You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and freeze it unbaked for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole makes mornings easier and tastier—try it for your next brunch or busy weekday breakfast and enjoy the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness.