Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

There’s just something magical about waking up to the smell of buttery croissants, eggs, and sizzling sausage all baked into one golden casserole. The Croissant Breakfast Casserole is hearty, filling, and a little bit indulgent, exactly what you want for a comforting morning meal. It feels fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

This dish is the kind that invites people to the table. It’s warm, cheesy, and has enough richness to make breakfast feel like a celebration. Whether you’re making it for a quiet weekend with family or hosting brunch with friends, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Why Does This Recipe Feel So Special?

Unlike regular casseroles, croissants bring soft, buttery layers that soak up the custard beautifully while still keeping some flaky texture. It’s like a cross between bread pudding and quiche, but a whole lot easier. Each bite mixes savory sausage, creamy cheese, and tender spinach.

The best part? You do most of the work the night before. So when morning comes, your oven does the heavy lifting while you sip coffee and wait for golden goodness to emerge.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• 1/2 lb pork sausage – adds salty, meaty richness.
• 1/2 small onion, diced – for aromatic sweetness.
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped – brings color and nutrition.
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated – sharp, tangy flavor.
• 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated – milder creaminess.
• 3 large croissants, cut into cubes – the buttery base of the casserole.
• 6 large eggs – the custard’s backbone.
• 3/4 cup whole milk – creates softness.
• 1/2 cup half and half – for extra creaminess.
• 3/4 tsp dry mustard – a subtle tangy kick.
• 1/2 tsp salt – balances flavors.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – gentle heat.
• 1/4 tsp paprika – adds warmth.
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder – depth and savoriness.

These ingredients come together to create a balance of creamy custard, crispy golden edges, and airy croissant layers. Nothing overpowering, just harmony on a plate.

When’s the Best Time to Serve This Dish?

This casserole shines brightest during slow, cozy mornings. Weekends, holidays, or special family events are perfect occasions to prepare it. It feels like brunch at a chic café but without the long wait or high bill.

That said, it works beautifully for overnight guests, Christmas morning, or even a weekday meal prep. Reheated slices taste almost as satisfying as fresh from the oven—maybe even better.

How to make Croissant Breakfast Casserole?

Step 1: Cook the Savory Base

Start by browning the sausage in a skillet until perfectly cooked. Pat it dry with a paper towel to avoid excess grease. Then sauté onion until translucent, stir in spinach, and fold them all together with cubes of buttery croissants and grated cheese.

Step 2: Build the Custard

Whisk eggs in a mixing bowl, then add milk, half and half, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. The custard is the heart—it seeps into every croissant piece, pulling flavors together in one creamy mix. Pour it over the sausage mixture in your baking pan, ensuring every croissant piece gets soaked.

Step 3: Let It Rest

Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Overnight is even better, as the croissants get plenty of time to soak up all the flavor. This patience is what gives you that perfect soft-yet-crispy bite.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the center is set and the top is gloriously golden. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before cutting—hardest part, but worth it, promise.

Can You Make It Vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the sausage and pile in mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers. The croissant base holds everything together, so you can swap the protein without losing richness. Cheese lovers might even double down on cheddar for a more indulgent, meatless version.

Another route? Try a smoked tofu crumble or vegetarian sausage for a plant-based bite that still packs plenty of savory punch.

Tips

Tent with foil if needed. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil to let the center keep cooking without burning the crust.

Work with good croissants. Flaky bakery croissants, slightly stale ones even, sponge up the custard better than soft grocery ones. The texture will be absolutely dreamy.

Add herbs for color and lift. A sprinkle of parsley, thyme, or chives makes the casserole feel bright and freshly finished.

How to Store and Reheat?

Leftovers are a blessing with this casserole. Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They reheat beautifully without losing charm.

For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Pop a portion in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes to revive it, or simply microwave an individual slice when you’re in a hurry.

Pairing Ideas to Complete Your Breakfast

This casserole is rich and hearty, so it pairs well with fresh, lighter sides. A fruit salad balances out the cheesiness with juicy sweetness, while a small stack of pancakes makes the spread feel like a true brunch celebration.

If you’re leaning savory, consider roasted tomatoes or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. And yes—coffee, tea, or orange juice is non-negotiable; they bring the meal together with refreshing comfort.

When served with these accompaniments, the Croissant Breakfast Casserole doesn’t just feed people—it delights them, making mornings warmer and more memorable.

Print Recipe

Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Author: Elly Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Breakfast Recipe Keys: B breakfast C casserole C croissants S sausage

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 50 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 420

Best Season: all year

Description

Start your morning off right with this mouthwatering Croissant Breakfast Casserole—deliciously rich, incredibly filling, and a breeze to prepare! This hearty casserole is packed with flaky croissants, savory sausage, fresh spinach, and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, all soaked in a creamy egg custard. Perfect for holiday brunches, weekend gatherings, or meal-prepping a week of satisfying breakfasts.

Ingredients

Servings

• ½ lb pork sausage (or breakfast sausage)
• ½ small onion, diced (or 1 large leek)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
• 3 large croissants, cubed (1–2 inch pieces)
• 6 large eggs
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ½ cup half and half
• ¾ tsp dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ⅛ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Wipe the pan clean.
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2. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
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3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, onion-spinach mixture, grated cheeses, and cubed croissants. Spread evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish.
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4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half and half, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth.
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5. Pour the egg mixture over the croissant mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure all pieces are soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
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6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. If browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
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7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Serving Size 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of casserole)

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 420kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 0.5g

Cholesterol 280mg94%

Sodium 680mg29%

Potassium 320mg10%

Total Carbohydrate 26g9%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 5g

Protein 24g48%

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Calcium 200 mg

Iron 2.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. This allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard for a richer, more cohesive texture.
• Variations: Swap sausage for bacon or ham. Use Swiss, mozzarella, or Gruyère instead of cheddar and Monterey Jack. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra veggies.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based breakfast crumbles.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with fresh fruit salad or mini pancakes for a complete brunch spread.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

Keywords: croissant breakfast casserole, sausage breakfast casserole, easy breakfast bake, overnight breakfast casserole, brunch casserole, croissant casserole, make-ahead breakfast