A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate answer to your brunch dreams, starring flaky croissants, savory sausage, gooey melted cheese, and a perfectly seasoned custard, all baked together to golden perfection. The blend of textures and flavors—crispy tops, creamy interiors, and pops of fresh veggies—makes every bite a pure delight. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy weekend breakfast, this casserole is genuinely special and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s magic in the way these accessible, everyday ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Each element here brings a unique dimension: from the comforting richness of sausage and cheese to the irresistible crunch and color of veggies. Don’t be tempted to skimp—every ingredient counts in A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole.
- Croissants (8–10 small or medium): Stale croissants soak up the custard best, resulting in a fluffier casserole, but if using fresh, let them dry slightly for optimal texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the sausage and veggies, lending just a touch of Mediterranean depth while keeping things from sticking.
- Breakfast sausage (1 lb): This brings savory richness and classic breakfast flavor—feel free to swap in your favorite type to personalize.
- Yellow onion (1/2, diced): Provides sweetness and aromatic depth, complementing the hearty sausage.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Adds freshness and a burst of color; the mild, sweet crunch balances out the creamy filling.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): This secret weapon melts into the filling, creating a luscious, tangy undercurrent.
- White cheddar (2 cups, grated): You get the sharp, vibrant melt and plenty of golden-bubbly goodness on top.
- Green onions (3, sliced): Sprinkle in for bright, oniony freshness and an eye-popping finish.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a subtle, smoky warmth that perfectly balances all the flavors.
- Eggs (10): They create the creamy custard that binds everything together—there are no shortcuts here.
- Half-and-half (1 1/4 cups): Makes for a luxuriously soft, moist casserole without the added heaviness of straight cream.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Gives the custard that little zing and depth—a must for brightening up the richness.
- Hot sauce (2 tablespoons): A dash wakes up the flavor, offering gentle heat without overpowering.
- Everything bagel seasoning (2 tablespoons): The crunchy, salty, seedy topping you didn’t know you needed—it’s the perfect finish.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper: Taste as you go to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage, crumbling it up and letting it cook until deliciously browned and cooked through. When it’s just about ready, stir in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté the mixture until the veggies soften up and onions look glossy and almost sweet. You’ll notice the amazing aroma and the colorful medley coming together—this is building the foundation of flavor. Set the mixture aside to cool before moving on.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Grab a big mixing bowl and combine your slightly cooled sausage mixture with the cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of white cheddar, paprika, and sliced green onions. Stir with enthusiasm! The cream cheese will melt in, creating a filling that’s creamy, perfectly cheesy, and packed with savory goodness. Make sure everything is evenly distributed, so every scoopful delivers all that flavor.
Step 3: Prep the Croissants
Take your croissants and slice them in half lengthwise, exposing their buttery insides. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, and nestle the croissant bottoms across the base, tucking them together like cozy neighbors. Spread the sausage and cheese filling generously onto the croissant halves, then place the tops back on. This rustic layering ensures every bite tastes like a luxury breakfast sandwich—only even more indulgent.
Step 4: Mix the Custard
In a blender or big mixing bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and a hearty pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or blend until everything’s smooth and silky—no lumps or streaks. This luscious custard will seep into the croissants, turning them into pillowy, flavor-packed bites.
Step 5: Pour and Set
Reserve about two tablespoons of your custard for later. Pour the rest evenly over the croissants, making sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies. Cover the baking dish with foil and let it sit at room temperature for at least an hour, or overnight in the fridge. This crucial resting time allows the croissants to soak up all the eggy richness, making A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole outrageously moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, brush the reserved custard on top of the croissants and shower the dish with your remaining cheddar and everything bagel seasoning. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is irresistibly golden and the eggs are set. Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes—it’ll firm up a bit and slice beautifully. Top with extra sliced green onions for the ultimate finish. Now, get ready to wow your breakfast crowd!
How to Serve A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
When it comes to the finishing touches, feel free to be bold! A shower of fresh sliced green onions not only gives a splash of color but also a fresh flavor pop that brightens up the richness. You can also scatter fresh parsley, a few chive snips, or even a sprinkle of extra everything bagel seasoning to up the crunch factor. Just before serving, a quick dusting is all it takes to make this dish look as special as it tastes.
Side Dishes
A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole is hearty, so lighter sides work best. Think mixed fruit, a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon, or an array of roasted tomatoes for acidity and color. For a true brunch spread, a crisp mimosa or some strong, hot coffee makes the perfect pairing. These accompaniments bring balance and a bit of freshness to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
No need to go formal—serve directly from the baking dish for that homey, inviting feeling! But, for extra points, try cutting the casserole into generous, bakery-style squares and plating them individually. Top with a drizzle of spicy honey or a dollop of herbed crème fraîche for a twist. If serving at a gathering, consider offering it on a large platter, garnished with edible flowers and microgreens to turn breakfast into an elegant event. The options for presenting your A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole are as endless as your creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole is a gift, and storing it properly means you’ll enjoy it even more the next day! Cool any extra portions to room temperature, then cover them tightly or move to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days—just reheat as needed, and be ready for all those flavors to taste even deeper after they’ve had time to mingle.
Freezing
Planning ahead? This casserole freezes surprisingly well. Once fully baked and cooled, cut it into individual squares and wrap each piece snugly in plastic wrap, followed by foil. Store them in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container for up to two months. For best results, thaw slices overnight in the fridge before reheating. A stash of A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole in the freezer is a true brunch superhero move!
Reheating
To bring those leftovers back to just-baked perfection, simply reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave gently, although the oven keeps the croissants crisp and the cheese bubbly. If reheating the whole casserole, cover it with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20–25 minutes—finish uncovered for a couple of minutes to re-crisp the top.
FAQs
Can I make A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the sausage with your favorite plant-based, meatless sausage or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach for hearty texture and flavor. You’ll still get plenty of delicious richness and all those classic, custardy layers.
What’s the best type of croissant to use?
The recipe shines brightest with slightly stale, bakery-style croissants, as they absorb more custard. However, store-bought or fresh croissants can easily be used—just leave them out, uncovered, for a few hours to dry out a touch before layering in the casserole.
Can I assemble A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole the night before?
Definitely! In fact, letting the casserole sit overnight is ideal—it gives the croissants more time to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in an even more flavorful, cohesive dish. Just cover tightly and refrigerate, then pop it in the oven in the morning. It’s a brunch time-saver and flavor booster!
How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?
The casserole is done when the eggs are set all the way through but the center still looks slightly creamy (not wet or jiggly). The top should be golden-brown and crisp, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it for those final minutes!
Can I swap in other cheeses or veggies?
Absolutely—this recipe is incredibly flexible! Swap white cheddar for Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a mix; toss in spinach, cooked mushrooms, or even diced zucchini for other veggie choices. The flavors are endlessly adaptable, so you can customize your A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole based on what you love or what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about starting your day with a dish as satisfying and special as A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole. It’s everything we love about breakfast—coziness, flavor, and a dash of indulgence—in one pan. Don’t wait for a holiday or special occasion; treat yourself, your family, or your friends any time you want to make breakfast or brunch unforgettable!
Print
A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent morning treat with this Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Layers of flaky croissants, savory breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, and a custard mixture come together to create a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for brunch or a special breakfast.
Ingredients
Croissant Base:
- 8–10 small or medium croissants
Meat and Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups white cheddar, grated
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Custard Mixture:
- 10 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the meat and veggies.
Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook sausage, then sauté onion and bell pepper until soft. Set aside to cool.
- Step 2: Mix the filling.
Combine sausage mixture with cream cheese, cheddar, paprika, and green onions in a bowl.
- Step 3: Prep the croissants.
Halve croissants, arrange in a greased baking dish, add sausage filling, and top with remaining croissant halves.
- Step 4: Mix the custard.
Whisk eggs, half-and-half, mustard, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour and set.
Pour custard over croissants, let rest for 1 hour. Brush top with reserved custard.
- Step 6: Bake the casserole.
Top with seasoning and cheese, bake covered, then uncovered until set and golden.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetarian sausage for the meat.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning for a time-saving breakfast option.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 265mg
Keywords: Croissant Breakfast Casserole, Breakfast, Brunch, Casserole, Croissants, Sausage, Cheese, Eggs
