If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels just like a warm hug, look no further than this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe. Bursting with buttery croissant cubes, savory sausage, fresh spinach, and melty cheese, it’s a make-ahead marvel that transforms your morning into something truly special.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Extraordinary Flavors in Every Bite: The blend of browned sausage, fresh spinach, and two cheeses with buttery croissants creates a flavor profile that’s both rich and refreshing.
Super Easy to Prepare Ahead: Assemble it the night before and wake up to a casserole that’s ready to bake—perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches.
Comfort Food with a Fancy Twist: Using croissants instead of regular bread adds a flaky, tender texture that feels luxurious but requires no fuss.
Feeds a Crowd Effortlessly: Whether it’s a family brunch or holiday gathering, this casserole scales beautifully and satisfies big appetites.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Every ingredient in the Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe plays an essential role, from the savory sausage to the fluffy eggs. These straightforward ingredients come together harmoniously to create an irresistible balance of texture, color, and flavor that shines on your plate.
- Pork Sausage: Adds a savory, hearty base; you can swap for turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Onion or Leek: Brings subtle sweetness and depth; leeks offer a milder onion flavor.
- Fresh Spinach: Provides a pop of color and a healthy balance to the richness.
- Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese: These two cheeses blend creaminess and mild sharpness; feel free to experiment with your favorites.
- Croissants: The star of the show—fluffy and buttery, perfect for soaking up the egg custard.
- Eggs, Milk & Half and Half: The custard base that binds everything together, creating that irresistible soft texture.
- Dry Mustard & Spices: A pinch of dry mustard, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder elevate the dish with subtle warmth and complexity.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Veggies
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the pork sausage until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer it to a paper towel to drain the excess grease, which ensures the casserole won’t be too oily. Next, use the same skillet to soften the diced onion or leek until translucent, then toss in the fresh spinach just until it wilts. This step layers in flavor and adds a lovely freshness to your casserole.
Step 2: Combine with Cheese and Croissants
In a medium bowl, mix the browned sausage, sautéed veggies, cheddar, monterey jack cheeses, and the cubed croissants. The croissants act like little sponges here, soaking in all those savory juices and custard to come. Spread this delicious mixture evenly into an 8×8-inch baking pan—the foundation for a casserole that promises a perfect bite every time.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard and Assemble
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth, then add whole milk, half and half, dry mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This luscious custard bath soaks into the croissant pockets, melding all the ingredients as it bakes. Pour the custard evenly over the croissant mixture ensuring every piece gets soaked well, cover, and pop it in the fridge to chill and absorb all the flavors for at least 8 hours—overnight is ideal for the best results.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake it uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the center is set and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—this countdown is perfect for the casserole to finish firming up and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a vibrant pop to your serving plate with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives. A sprinkle of shredded extra cheese on top just before baking can also add a lovely golden crust. For a touch of freshness, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of homemade hollandaise pairs beautifully with this casserole’s rich flavors.
Side Dishes
The Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe shines as the star, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides: a citrusy fruit salad to balance the richness, crispy breakfast potatoes for extra comfort, or even a light arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to add a peppery bite to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices layered on rustic wooden boards or colorful ceramic platters to really make the feast feel special. You can also cut the casserole into individual portions and sprinkle mini herb bouquets on each plate. For brunch gatherings, adding small ramekins of jam or fresh butter nearby invites everyone to personalize their slices with an extra touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Croissant Breakfast Casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for an easy and satisfying second breakfast or quick dinner option.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole for longer storage! Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It keeps well for 3-6 months—perfect for prepping ahead for holiday mornings or impromptu gatherings.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if it’s frozen, then warm it in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through and deliciously melty again. For a quick fix, individual portions reheat wonderfully in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, keeping mornings stress-free but tasty.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of bread instead of croissants?
Absolutely! While croissants add a flaky richness, you can substitute with brioche or challah for a similarly soft, buttery texture. Avoid very dense breads, as they won’t absorb the custard as well.
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How far in advance can I prepare the casserole?
This casserole is perfect for prepping up to 24 hours before baking. The longer soak allows the croissant cubes to fully absorb the custard, making each bite more flavorful and tender.
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Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Using vegetarian sausage can also provide that hearty flavor without meat.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftover casserole?
The best way is to reheat leftovers in an oven set to 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. This method keeps the casserole crispy on top while heating it through evenly. Microwave reheating works too, especially for single portions.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy, sausage-filled casserole first thing in the morning, and this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe nails it every time. It’s simple to make ahead, full of fresh flavors, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite breakfast tradition!
Print
Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty, savory Croissant Breakfast Casserole featuring browned pork sausage, sautéed onions and spinach, mixed with cubed croissants and a rich custard of eggs and cream. This make-ahead dish is perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, baked until golden and set.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1/2 lb regular pork sausage
- 1/2 small onion or 1 large leek, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese, grated
Base
- 3 large croissants, cut or torn into 1–2 inch cubes
Custard
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 3/4 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the pork sausage until fully cooked. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and pat to remove excess grease. Place the sausage in a medium mixing bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: Wipe the skillet clean slightly. Sauté diced onion until translucent. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Add the vegetables to the mixing bowl with sausage.
- Combine with Cheese and Croissants: To the bowl with sausage and vegetables, add grated cheddar and monterey jack cheeses along with the cubed croissants. Toss everything together well, then spread evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add milk, half and half, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Whisk until well combined.
- Assemble and Refrigerate: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant mixture in the baking pan, ensuring to soak all croissant pieces. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and croissants to soak up the custard.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and unwrap. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set further and make it easier to cut.
Notes
- If doubling the recipe, bake it in a 9×13-inch baking dish for 50-60 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for up to 3-6 months.
- To reheat frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Individual portions can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes until warm.
