This Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a cozy breakfast treat! With buttery croissants, eggs, and cheese, it’s rich and fluffy, perfect for starting your day with a smile.
Trust me, the smell of it baking will make everyone appear like magic! I love serving it with fresh fruit on the side. It’s so easy to whip up—no fancy skills needed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: Fresh croissants give this dish its flaky texture. For a twist, use day-old croissants to absorb the egg mixture better. If you don’t have croissants, any buttery bread, like brioche or challah, will work too.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a rich flavor. I love mixing it up with Gruyère or pepper jack for a little spice. You can also go dairy-free with plant-based cheese if needed!
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a delicious smoky taste. For a lighter option, diced ham or turkey bacon works well. If you want a vegetarian dish, skip the meat entirely or use sautéed mushrooms and spinach for depth.
Milk: Whole milk makes the casserole creamy, but feel free to use almond milk or oat milk for a lighter version. If you want extra richness, use half-and-half!
How Do You Sauté Onions and Garlic Properly?
Sautéing onions and garlic correctly is key for a flavorful base in this casserole. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. The pan should be hot, but not smoking.
- Add finely diced onions and your salt. This helps them soften without browning too quickly. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, just until fragrant. Watch closely—garlic can burn quickly!
These simple steps will make your casserole more flavorful and delicious!
Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 6 large croissants, roughly chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
Flavor Add-Ins:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 8 slices of cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped green onions (reserve some for garnish)
Seasoning and Extras:
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter or oil (for sautéing)
- Everything bagel seasoning (optional, for topping)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and then around 35-40 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish within an hour. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy Sunday morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish with some butter or cooking spray.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
3. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and if you like a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk the mixture well until everything is nicely blended together.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
To the egg mixture, add the chopped croissants, bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. Gently stir the mixture until all the croissant pieces are well coated in the custard mixture. Allow it to soak for about 5 minutes to soak up all that delicious flavor!
5. Pour into the Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the croissant mixture into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top a bit.
6. Add Optional Eggs:
If you want a beautiful presentation, you can make 3-4 small wells in the casserole and crack whole eggs into them. This step is optional but makes for a lovely visual!
7. Season the Top:
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top if you like. This adds extra flavor and texture!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 35-40 minutes. You want it to be puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean (except for those whole eggs if you added them).
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set a bit more. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh green onions or herbs on top for a pop of color!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your warm Croissant Breakfast Casserole alongside fresh fruit, hot sauce, or even maple syrup for a sweet touch. It’s sure to be a hit!
This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for breakfast or brunch—enjoy every flaky, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Stale Croissants for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Stale croissants are perfect for this casserole because they’ll soak up the egg mixture better than fresh ones. If your croissants are a bit dry, you can even leave them out overnight to harden before using them.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To turn this casserole into a vegetarian dish, simply omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can add extra cheese for flavor and texture!
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, covered. In the morning, just pop it in the oven while still cold (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time) for a stress-free breakfast.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through. Enjoy your delicious breakfast again!
