Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole – A Buttery, Savory Morning Delight
There’s something truly magical about waking up to the comforting aroma of buttery croissants, melted cheese, and savory breakfast meats bubbling together in one golden, puffed-up dish. This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to bring everyone to the table with minimal morning effort. You simply assemble it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and let your oven do the rest in the morning. It’s ideal for holidays, weekend brunches, or even those chilly mornings when you crave something hearty and homemade.
This dish combines all the best breakfast flavors—flaky croissants, creamy eggs, smoky ham, sausage, and gooey cheese—into one crowd-pleasing bake. The croissants soak up the egg custard overnight, creating a soft yet crispy texture that tastes like a dream come true.
Ingredients:
- 6 large croissants, torn into chunks
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for tang)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the dish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Tear the croissants: Cut or tear the croissants into large bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Add meats and cheese: Sprinkle the cooked sausage and diced ham evenly over the croissants. Then top with the shredded cheeses.
- Whisk the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined.
- Assemble: Pour the egg mixture slowly over the croissant base, making sure everything is moistened evenly. Gently press down any dry pieces so they soak up the custard.
- Cover and chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 6–8 hours).
- Bake: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
- Cook until golden: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is puffed, golden brown, and the center is set.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks:
- Use day-old croissants for best results—they’ll absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard for a warm, bakery-style flavor.
- Want it cheesier? Mix in sharp cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère for a gourmet twist.
- To save time, pre-cook the meats a day ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to assemble.
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Tear croissants into large chunks and spread evenly in dish.
- Top with sausage, ham, and shredded cheeses.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cream, mustard, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour egg mixture over croissants and press lightly.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (6–8 hours).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
- Let cool 10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meats and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed breakfast bake.
- Southwestern Twist: Mix in diced green chilies, pepper jack cheese, and crumbled chorizo. Serve with salsa on the side.
- Sweet & Savory: Add a touch of maple syrup or honey mustard to balance out the salty ham and sausage.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole is delicious served with a side of fresh fruit salad, crispy hash browns, or a light green salad for brunch. Pair it with orange juice, mimosas, or a rich cup of coffee. For holidays, it’s the ultimate make-ahead dish that frees you up to enjoy the morning with family instead of rushing around the kitchen.
Storage Information:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! That’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s meant to be made ahead. The overnight soak gives it that perfect custardy texture.
Can I use other breads?
If you don’t have croissants, brioche or challah bread work beautifully.
Can I add veggies?
Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, onions, spinach, or bell peppers add flavor and color.
History / Fun Facts:
Breakfast casseroles have been a brunch favorite since the 1950s, especially in American households looking for hearty, family-friendly dishes. The croissant version, however, adds a French twist—literally buttery layers of pastry that soak up the egg mixture like little sponges of joy. It’s part quiche, part strata, and all comfort food.
This recipe celebrates the art of slow mornings and cozy kitchens. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a festive Christmas morning, the Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole brings comfort to every bite. It’s proof that the simplest ingredients—bread, eggs, milk, and love—can create something unforgettable.
