This Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a breakfast lover’s dream! It’s made with buttery croissants, eggs, cheese, and your choice of veggies or meats. Super easy to whip up!
I love how it’s a cozy dish that feeds a crowd. Plus, you can prepare it the night before and just bake it in the morning—perfect for lazy weekends! 🥐🥚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: Use buttery croissants for rich flavor. If you don’t have croissants, any soft bread like brioche or even day-old bagels can work, though the texture changes a bit.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are key for this recipe. You can use egg substitutes or aquafaba if you need a vegan version, but the result will be different.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds sharpness. Feel free to swap for mozzarella for a milder taste or add some feta for a tangy kick!
Sausage/Bacon: For a meat-free option, skip this or use plant-based sausage. You can also use cooked veggies like mushrooms or spinach instead for added healthy options.
Milk or Half-and-Half: If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap for low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.
How Do You Get the Eggs Just Right on Top?
Getting those sunny-side-up eggs on top of your casserole is a fun part of making this dish. Here’s how you can achieve that perfect runny yolk:
- After prepping your casserole, gently crack the whole eggs on top, spacing them evenly.
- Be careful not to break the yolks to keep the sunny appearance.
- Monitor the baking time! The top should have set whites while the yolks remain slightly wobbly for that perfect look.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—it makes it easier to slice and enjoy!
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 large buttery croissants, torn into pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions or scallions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 3 whole eggs (for topping)
- Optional garnish: extra chopped green onions or herbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Croissant Breakfast Casserole will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and then around 35-40 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving, making your total time around 1 hour. Perfect for a leisurely breakfast with the family!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with some butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arranging the Croissants
Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly out in the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. This forms the delicious base of your casserole!
3. Mixing the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs, milk or half-and-half, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until everything is well mixed. This mixture will create a nice fluffy texture after baking.
4. Adding Cheese and Extras
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, and if you like, add the cooked sausage or bacon, chopped green onions, and diced bell peppers. This will enhance the flavors and add some delightful crunch!
5. Pouring the Mixture Over Croissants
Now it’s time to pour the egg mixture evenly over all those croissant pieces. To make sure every piece soaks up the tasty mixture, gently press the bread down slightly with a spatula.
6. Topping with Whole Eggs
To create lovely sunny-side-up egg pockets, gently crack the 3 whole eggs on top of the casserole, spacing them out nicely. This adds a beautiful presentation and more protein!
7. Baking to Perfection
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it—look for the edges to be set, and the yolks should be your desired level of doneness!
8. Cooling and Serving
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to serve, and it won’t burn your fingers!
9. Final Touches
Garnish with extra chopped green onions or your favorite herbs if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting, delicious croissant breakfast casserole!
This delightful dish showcases the flaky croissants combined with creamy eggs and sharp cheddar cheese, enhanced with savory sausage or crispy bacon. Perfect for breakfast gatherings!
Can I Use Stale Croissants For This Recipe?
Absolutely! Stale croissants work great for this casserole, as they’ll soak up the egg mixture better, resulting in a deliciously rich texture. Just cut or tear them into pieces, and they’ll soften during baking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, simply cover the casserole with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the casserole the night before. Assemble the dish up to step 5, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just add the eggs on top and bake—easy and convenient!
What Can I Substitute for Cheese?
If you’d like to skip the cheese, feel free to omit it or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is another great substitute if you are looking for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
