There are few things as comforting and satisfying as a warm, hearty breakfast that combines both sweet and savory flavors in one dish. The Croissant Breakfast Casserole delivers exactly that. Imagine flaky, buttery croissants, golden and soft, layered with savory sausage, sautéed vegetables, creamy cheese, and a rich, custard-like egg mixture that all come together in perfect harmony. This casserole is more than just a breakfast dish—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone gather around the table, excited for the first bite, knowing it’s going to be a celebration of flavors.
A Decadent Breakfast: Croissant Breakfast Casserole
There are few things as comforting and satisfying as a warm, hearty breakfast that combines both sweet and savory flavors in one dish. The Croissant Breakfast Casserole delivers exactly that. Imagine flaky, buttery croissants, golden and soft, layered with savory sausage, sautéed vegetables, creamy cheese, and a rich, custard-like egg mixture that all come together in perfect harmony. This casserole is more than just a breakfast dish—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone gather around the table, excited for the first bite, knowing it’s going to be a celebration of flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
8–10 small or medium croissants: The key to a successful casserole, stale croissants work best because they absorb the custard mixture more efficiently, ensuring a flavorful, moist dish. Fresh croissants will also work, but letting them sit out for a few hours will help them dry out slightly, allowing them to better soak in the egg mixture.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the sausage and vegetables, adding a subtle depth of flavor and helping prevent sticking.
1 lb breakfast sausage: This forms the rich, savory base of the casserole. Breakfast sausage is ideal due to its balanced seasoning, but you can opt for other types of sausage or ground meat if you prefer.
1/2 yellow onion, diced: Onions bring sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish. When sautéed, they become tender and add a subtle layer of flavor that complements the sausage.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Bell peppers provide a slight sweetness and a pop of color. Their crispness adds texture, contrasting nicely with the other soft ingredients.
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature: Cream cheese brings creaminess and a bit of tang, which perfectly balances the richness of the sausage and cheese. It also helps bind the filling together.
2 cups white cheddar, grated: White cheddar has a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. It melts wonderfully and becomes golden and bubbly as it bakes, providing that satisfying cheese pull.
3 green onions, sliced: Green onions add freshness and color, brightening up the richness of the dish and offering a subtle onion flavor.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Paprika adds a smoky, warm flavor that enhances the overall profile of the dish. It’s subtle, but it helps balance the richness of the sausage and cheese.
10 eggs: Eggs are the backbone of the custard, providing structure and moisture. They hold all the ingredients together and create a creamy texture when combined with the half-and-half.
1 1/4 cups half-and-half: Half-and-half offers a creamy, smooth texture without being as rich as heavy cream. It’s perfect for creating the custard base that gives the casserole its luscious consistency.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard introduces a tangy, slightly sharp flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cheese and sausage. It adds an extra layer of depth to the custard.
2 tablespoons hot sauce: Hot sauce provides just the right amount of heat, awakening the palate without overwhelming the other flavors. It’s a subtle but impactful addition.
2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning: This seasoning mix is a game-changer, bringing crunch, saltiness, and a blend of spices that enhance the overall flavor. It’s the perfect finishing touch for the casserole’s top layer.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Don’t skimp on the seasoning—taste as you go to make sure everything is balanced.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the meat and veggies.
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage, using a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. The sausage should be browned and fully cooked through. Once it’s nearly done, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are soft and the onions have turned translucent. The sausage mixture will become aromatic, and the vegetables will take on a slight sweetness that perfectly complements the savory meat. Once everything is cooked, set it aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Mix the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sausage mixture with the cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, and sliced green onions. Stir everything together until well incorporated. The cream cheese will help bind the filling together while adding a creamy texture. The result should be a rich, flavorful filling with a perfect balance of sausage, cheese, and vegetables.
Step 3: Prep the croissants.
Cut the croissants in half lengthwise, exposing their soft, buttery interiors. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the bottom halves of the croissants in the dish. Make sure the croissants are snugly arranged in a single layer. Next, divide the sausage mixture evenly among the croissant bottoms. Top with the other halves of the croissants. This creates a sturdy base for the custard to soak into and ensures that each bite will be filled with flavorful filling.
Step 4: Mix the custard.
In a blender or a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, half-and-half, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform. If you’re whisking by hand, make sure the eggs are fully blended, with no streaks of egg whites or yolks remaining. The custard should have a creamy consistency, ready to soak into the croissants.
Step 5: Pour and set.
Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the custard mixture for brushing the top of the casserole before baking. Pour the remaining custard over the croissants, making sure it seeps into every crevice. Cover the dish with foil and let it rest for at least 1 hour at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge. This resting period allows the croissants to absorb the custard, ensuring a moist and flavorful casserole. If you’re making it the night before, the flavors will have even more time to meld together.
Step 6: Bake the casserole.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush the tops of the croissants with the reserved custard mixture and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning and the remaining shredded cheese. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly layer while the seasoning adds an extra pop of flavor. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and no longer runny. The top should be golden brown and crisp, while the inside remains soft and custardy.
Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to firm up slightly and makes it easier to slice. Top with additional sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add a bit of crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.
- Cheese Choices: While white cheddar is the star, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack. Each cheese will bring a slightly different flavor, so try different combinations to see what you like best.
- Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier sausage to elevate the heat.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble it the night before and bake it the next morning. Alternatively, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
What makes this dish so appealing is its combination of textures and flavors. The croissants, tender and flaky, are a perfect vehicle for the custard and fillings, soaking up the egg mixture without becoming soggy. The sausage provides a rich, savory depth, balanced by the sweetness of onions and bell peppers. The cheese—mild yet tangy cheddar—adds the kind of gooey richness we all crave, while the touch of Dijon mustard and hot sauce gives the casserole a subtle kick. Together, these ingredients create a mouthwatering casserole that can serve as the star of your brunch spread or the main event of a cozy family breakfast.
Whether you’re preparing for a holiday brunch or simply want to treat your family to something special, this Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the answer. Easy to prepare, it can be assembled the night before and baked the next morning, making it a great choice for busy mornings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate dietary preferences and ingredient substitutions. This casserole is bound to become a family favorite and a go-to dish for any occasion.
The Ingredients: Building Blocks of Flavor
To create the perfect Croissant Breakfast Casserole, it’s important to have high-quality ingredients that work together to deliver a delicious, balanced dish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
8–10 small or medium croissants: The key to a successful casserole, stale croissants work best because they absorb the custard mixture more efficiently, ensuring a flavorful, moist dish. Fresh croissants will also work, but letting them sit out for a few hours will help them dry out slightly, allowing them to better soak in the egg mixture.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the sausage and vegetables, adding a subtle depth of flavor and helping prevent sticking.
1 lb breakfast sausage: This forms the rich, savory base of the casserole. Breakfast sausage is ideal due to its balanced seasoning, but you can opt for other types of sausage or ground meat if you prefer.
1/2 yellow onion, diced: Onions bring sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish. When sautéed, they become tender and add a subtle layer of flavor that complements the sausage.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Bell peppers provide a slight sweetness and a pop of color. Their crispness adds texture, contrasting nicely with the other soft ingredients.
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature: Cream cheese brings creaminess and a bit of tang, which perfectly balances the richness of the sausage and cheese. It also helps bind the filling together.
2 cups white cheddar, grated: White cheddar has a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. It melts wonderfully and becomes golden and bubbly as it bakes, providing that satisfying cheese pull.
3 green onions, sliced: Green onions add freshness and color, brightening up the richness of the dish and offering a subtle onion flavor.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Paprika adds a smoky, warm flavor that enhances the overall profile of the dish. It’s subtle, but it helps balance the richness of the sausage and cheese.
10 eggs: Eggs are the backbone of the custard, providing structure and moisture. They hold all the ingredients together and create a creamy texture when combined with the half-and-half.
1 1/4 cups half-and-half: Half-and-half offers a creamy, smooth texture without being as rich as heavy cream. It’s perfect for creating the custard base that gives the casserole its luscious consistency.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard introduces a tangy, slightly sharp flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cheese and sausage. It adds an extra layer of depth to the custard.
2 tablespoons hot sauce: Hot sauce provides just the right amount of heat, awakening the palate without overwhelming the other flavors. It’s a subtle but impactful addition.
2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning: This seasoning mix is a game-changer, bringing crunch, saltiness, and a blend of spices that enhance the overall flavor. It’s the perfect finishing touch for the casserole’s top layer.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Don’t skimp on the seasoning—taste as you go to make sure everything is balanced.
Preparing the Dish: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to assemble the casserole. The steps are straightforward, but the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Step 1: Brown the meat and veggies.
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage, using a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. The sausage should be browned and fully cooked through. Once it’s nearly done, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are soft and the onions have turned translucent. The sausage mixture will become aromatic, and the vegetables will take on a slight sweetness that perfectly complements the savory meat. Once everything is cooked, set it aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Mix the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sausage mixture with the cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, and sliced green onions. Stir everything together until well incorporated. The cream cheese will help bind the filling together while adding a creamy texture. The result should be a rich, flavorful filling with a perfect balance of sausage, cheese, and vegetables.
Step 3: Prep the croissants.
Cut the croissants in half lengthwise, exposing their soft, buttery interiors. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the bottom halves of the croissants in the dish. Make sure the croissants are snugly arranged in a single layer. Next, divide the sausage mixture evenly among the croissant bottoms. Top with the other halves of the croissants. This creates a sturdy base for the custard to soak into and ensures that each bite will be filled with flavorful filling.
Step 4: Mix the custard.
In a blender or a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, half-and-half, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform. If you’re whisking by hand, make sure the eggs are fully blended, with no streaks of egg whites or yolks remaining. The custard should have a creamy consistency, ready to soak into the croissants.
Step 5: Pour and set.
Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the custard mixture for brushing the top of the casserole before baking. Pour the remaining custard over the croissants, making sure it seeps into every crevice. Cover the dish with foil and let it rest for at least 1 hour at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge. This resting period allows the croissants to absorb the custard, ensuring a moist and flavorful casserole. If you’re making it the night before, the flavors will have even more time to meld together.
Step 6: Bake the casserole.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush the tops of the croissants with the reserved custard mixture and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning and the remaining shredded cheese. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly layer while the seasoning adds an extra pop of flavor. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and no longer runny. The top should be golden brown and crisp, while the inside remains soft and custardy.
Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to firm up slightly and makes it easier to slice. Top with additional sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add a bit of crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.
- Cheese Choices: While white cheddar is the star, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack. Each cheese will bring a slightly different flavor, so try different combinations to see what you like best.
- Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier sausage to elevate the heat.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble it the night before and bake it the next morning. Alternatively, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is filling on its own, but if you want to elevate your breakfast or brunch spread, consider pairing it with a few sides. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the casserole. For something sweet, serve fresh fruit or fruit preserves. Pairing this dish with coffee, fresh orange juice, or even a mimosa will complete the experience.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, you’re in for a treat. Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. The croissants may lose a bit of their initial flakiness, but the casserole will remain just as delicious.
Conclusion
The Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast indulgence, combining all the rich, comforting flavors we love into one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply as a weekend treat, this casserole will be a crowd-pleaser. With its golden croissants, savory sausage, creamy custard, and gooey cheese, every bite is a celebration of flavor.
So, why not give it a try next time you want to make breakfast extra special?
