This Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a warm, cozy dish that’s perfect for mornings. Soft croissants soak up creamy eggs and cheese, making each bite a tasty treat!
Honestly, it’s like brunch on a plate! I love serving this with fresh fruit on the side. It’s an easy way to impress your family or guests, and it disappears fast! 🥐😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: The heart of this dish is the croissants. Their buttery texture makes the casserole fluffy. If you can’t find croissants, you can use day-old bread or even pastry rolls as a substitute. Just make sure they are soft!
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for a rich custard base. You can substitute some or all with egg whites for a lighter version. If you’re vegan, try adding silken tofu blended with a bit of nutritional yeast for a similar texture.
Cheese: I recommend cheddar for its sharp flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, or you can use a plant-based cheese.
Bacon or Ham: Cooked bacon gives a smoky flavor while ham adds a different taste. Turkey bacon or sausage is a great alternative. For a vegetarian twist, consider using sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead!
Dijon Mustard: This adds that nice hint of tang. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard or even a splash of hot sauce can work well. It’s optional if you prefer a milder flavor.
How Do You Ensure the Casserole Sets Perfectly?
Getting the casserole to set just right is key to making it delicious! Here are some tips:
- Make sure to whisk your eggs and milk thoroughly. A well-mixed batter helps the eggs cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the soaking step! After pouring the egg mixture over the croissants, gently press them down. This ensures each piece gets soaked well.
- Covering with foil at first prevents over-browning. You can remove it later for a nice golden top.
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center. It should come out clean. If you’re unsure, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Letting it rest a few minutes before slicing helps it hold its shape. Enjoy your breakfast casserole warm and fresh!
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 6 large buttery croissants, halved or quartered if large
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon pieces or chopped ham
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
For Baking:
- 1 tbsp butter, for greasing the baking dish
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or extra green onions, chopped for garnish
- Everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds (optional topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Croissant Breakfast Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 45-50 minutes to bake, so plan for about 1 hour total. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and it’s perfect for brunch gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with some butter. This will keep your casserole from sticking!
2. Prepare the Croissants:
Take your croissants and tear or cut them into halves or quarters. Spread them evenly across the greased baking dish. This will be the cozy base for your casserole!
3. Add Filling Ingredients:
Now it’s time for the good stuff! Scatter cooked bacon or chopped ham over the croissants, then sprinkle in the diced onion and shredded cheese. All those layers already look delicious!
4. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), Dijon mustard (if using), salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix it all well so it’s nice and smooth. Then stir in the chopped green onions or chives for that fresh flavor!
5. Pour and Soak:
Pour that lovely egg mixture evenly over the croissants in the baking dish. Don’t forget to press down gently so each piece of croissant soaks up some of that egg goodness.
6. Season to Taste:
If you want to add an extra flavor boost, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds on top. It’ll give your casserole a delightful crunch!
7. Bake It:
Cover the dish loosely with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. Then garnish with fresh parsley or extra green onions on top. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful breakfast treat!
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a light salad for a delightful brunch or breakfast!
Can I Use Day-Old Croissants for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old croissants work wonderfully for this casserole as they’ll absorb the egg mixture better without getting too soggy. If your croissants are fresh, just let them sit out for a bit to slightly stale before using.
Can I Make This Breakfast Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian! Simply omit the bacon or ham and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also enhance the flavor with extra cheese or herbs.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate it. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
