This Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a tasty mix of fluffy croissants, eggs, cheese, and your favorite veggies. It’s like a warm hug for breakfast!
Who knew breakfast could be so cozy? I love throwing in some bacon or sausage for extra yum. It’s perfect for a family brunch or a lazy Sunday morning! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: Use buttery, flaky croissants for the best taste and texture. If you can’t find croissants, sliced bread or brioche makes a good substitute. Stale croissants work great too, as they soak up the egg mixture better.
Eggs: The foundation of this casserole! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap some eggs with egg whites or a plant-based egg substitute. Just keep in mind it may slightly change the flavor and texture.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar and mozzarella add flavor and creaminess. Feel free to replace them with any cheese you enjoy, like gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for a kick! Vegan cheese can also be a substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.
Bacon or Ham: These add wonderful flavor, but you can easily omit them for a vegetarian version, or replace with cooked turkey or chicken for a lighter option. I sometimes use sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture!
Milk or Half-and-Half: Whole milk keeps it rich, but you can use low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a lighter dish. Substituting for half-and-half increases creaminess but also the calories.
How Do I Achieve the Best Texture for My Casserole?
The texture of your casserole heavily depends on letting the croissants soak in the egg mixture. After you pour the mixture over the croissants, gently press them down to ensure they soak up the custard well.
- Refrigerate covered for at least 1 hour, but if you can, let it sit overnight. This makes the casserole custard-like in texture, softening the croissants beautifully!
- When baking, be patient. A golden brown top usually means it’s done, but check with a knife in the center—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 6 large buttery croissants (day-old or fresh), cut into large chunks
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for flavor depth)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon or ham, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter (to grease the baking dish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour for chilling, or you can let it sit overnight if you prefer. The baking time is around 45 to 55 minutes, making the total time approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how long you chill it. The waiting is worth it for that delicious, cheesy casserole goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to keep your casserole from sticking.
2. Layer the Croissants:
Evenly arrange the croissant chunks in your prepared baking dish. Don’t worry about being too neat; a little unevenness gives it character!
3. Add the Yummy Toppings:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the cooked bacon or ham (if you’re using it) along with the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and sliced green onions over the croissants. Make sure the toppings are well distributed for even flavor!
4. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix it all up until it’s creamy and combined.
5. Pour and Press:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant and topping layers in the baking dish. Gently press down on the croissants to help them soak up that delicious custard!
6. Chill Out:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want it to be super flavorful and custardy.
7. Get Ready to Bake:
When you’re ready to bake, take it out of the fridge and let it sit for about 15 minutes to come to room temperature. Uncover the dish and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
8. Bake It Up:
Place it in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown, the casserole is set, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let It Rest:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set a bit more.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with additional sliced green onions for a nice touch. Then, dig in and enjoy your warm, cheesy, flaky croissant breakfast casserole!
This dish is a comforting delight that combines buttery layers of croissant, savory egg custard, sharp cheese, and smoky bacon or ham. A perfect way to start your day!
Can I Use Stale Croissants for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Stale croissants are actually great for this casserole as they absorb the egg mixture better. Just cut them into chunks as you normally would!
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon or ham. You can also add more veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven until heated through.
Can I Prepare It the Night Before?
Definitely! In fact, preparing it the night before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just follow the recipe up to the refrigeration step, cover it, and refrigerate overnight before baking the next morning.
