Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Make your mornings less hectic with this easy and delicious Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Prep it the night before and wake up to a hassle-free breakfast.
This overnight croissant breakfast casserole is so easy, I actually prepped it on a weekday morning for dinner that night. That’s how easy this overnight breakfast croissant casserole is. So, technically I didn’t let it sit overnight, but it did sit in the fridge for at least 8 hours. I wanted to make sure the croissants absorbed all the delicious egg-iness to turn them into a scrumptious custard type consistency in this breakfast casserole.
The longer it refrigerates, the more the croissants absorb that egg custard goodness. The longer it sits the more custard-like it gets. And you want this to be so custardy delicious almost like this Bisquick zucchini quiche! With some flecks of sausage and cheese which adds to the yummy goodness that is this brunch friendly overnight breakfast casserole.
What are croissants?
Croissants are a beloved pastry that is quintessential to French cuisine, but it’s not a totally French creation. It was inspired by an Austrian pastry called the kipfel. The kipfel dates back as far as the 1200s. However, the crescent shape was supposedly created in the 1600s as a nod to the Austrian victory over the Ottoman Empire whose flag had a crescent moon on it. Yes, the kipfel was more dense and sweeter, but it was the inspiration for the current croissant.
Some say Marie Antionette brought the kipfel to France, but it’s more likely that an Austrian businessman opened a Viennese bakery in Paris in the 1800s. He sold this bakery a few years later, but the seed was planted in France for this epic pastry. In an effort to imitate the kipfel, French bakers turned to a laminated dough where layers of butter are sandwiched between layers of dough. This creates the light and crispy croissant we’re used to seeing today.
What are the benefits of overnight casseroles?
Overnight casseroles make breakfasts and brunches easier to manage. By preparing the dish the night before, you not only save time in the morning but also allow the flavors to meld together. This results in a more complex and delicious breakfast casserole.
Casseroles, like this tater tot breakfast casserole, provide a delicious and easy meal that can either feed a few or feed a crowd. This makes them perfect for entertaining guests, hosting a family brunch, or just making breakfast for the two of you. The convenience of make-ahead breakfasts like this one allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your friends and family.
They’re also great for busy holiday mornings or special occasions when you want to serve a memorable dish without the stress of last-minute preparation. You can take time the day before (or 2 days before) to prepare the ingredients and assemble the croissant casserole. Then the day of you take it out of the fridge to take the chill off and then back. This gives you plenty of time to finish up last minute decorations, gift wrapping, or baking up some scones or biscuits for people to snack on.
Ingredients needed for this breakfast casserole recipe
This overnight croissant breakfast casserole has simple ingredients most have on hand.
Croissants
Fridge – turkey sausage (or pork if you prefer), cheddar cheese, milk, cream, eggs
Spices – salt, pepper, onion powder, ground mustard
Instructions to make this overnight croissant breakfast casserole
Combine the croissants with the sausage and cheese in a large mixing bowl and toss well before pouring into an 8×8 casserole dish. In the same bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and stir with a whisk until thoroughly combined. Pour the custard mixture over the croissants. Press the croissants into the custard to make sure they absorb all that egg goodness. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but 8 or more is best.
Remove the casserole 90 minutes before you want to serve it. Let it sit on the counter to warm up 30 minutes then cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 350 F. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let the overnight croissant breakfast casserole cool 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Can you customize your overnight croissant breakfast casserole?
Absolutely! Don’t be afraid to get creative with your croissant breakfast casserole by adding family favorite ingredients. If you don’t like sausage, you can use diced ham or bacon. I would even try some kielbasa, smoked sausage, or chorizo for a different flavor profile. Or step it up and try some crab or even lobster for an extra special holiday brunch.
I did not add any vegetables, but you’re more than welcome to add some to yours. I would sauté some mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or caramelize some onions to stir into this casserole. Roasted red peppers or even some marinated artichoke hearts are an easy way to kick up this casserole.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyère, cheddar, or Parmesan to give your casserole a unique flavor profile. Definitely make sure to pair your cheese with your meat and vegetables. I wouldn’t put Gruyère with chorizo, but I would pair it with some queso fresco and maybe some tomatoes and green onions. Going the seafood route, I would pair crab or lobster with Gouda or Parmesan. The sky is the limit with customizations for this casserole.
How do you serve your breakfast casserole?
Whether you’re hosting a brunch with friends or enjoying a cozy morning at home, presentation can really elevate the dining experience. We eat with our eyes first. Your guests will appreciate the effort you put in to making it pretty on the plate.
I paired my casserole with side tossed salad because we had it for dinner. For brunch you could consider serving your casserole with a fruit salad or even a caprese salad. Making it all look pretty on the plate involves a garnish with some chives or herbs like parsley or basil. A sprinkle of cheese makes a great garnish, too. Sometimes I just dust the plate with paprika or chili powder for a little color and flavor.
What does this overnight croissant breakfast casserole taste like?
The croissants absorb all the flavors in the egg custard. This makes them almost custard-like themselves. Then you taste the tang of the cheddar and the spice of the sausage. It’s all creamy, rich, and decadently delicious. Just like you want a brunch or holiday breakfast casserole to be!
And since it’s simple to make with simple ingredients, you will make this repeatedly during the holiday season and beyond. Just make sure you have the recipe handy to hand out because your guests will want it to make this for their brunch or breakfasts. It’s that simple and that delicious!

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Tired of the same old breakfast routine? Switch it up with our mouth-watering Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredients
- 2 cups croissant pieces (about 5 average size torn into pieces)
- 1 cup chopped, cooked turkey breakfast sausage
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs (1 1/2 cups)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk (or all heavy cream or all milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the croissant pieces with the sausage and cheese in a mixing bowl. Pour the mixture into an 8” x 8” casserole dish coated with cooking spray.
- Using the same bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and stir with a whisk.
- Pour the egg mixture over the croissant mixture. Press the croissants into the egg mixture, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 3 hours but overnight is best.
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Remove the casserole 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
- Cover with aluminum foil, place the casserole dish on a sheet plan, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and the eggs are set in the center.
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 621Total Fat 41gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 337mgSodium 1034mgCarbohydrates 37gFiber 2gSugar 10gProtein 25g
900+ calories? Damn. I think those are super croissants or something. Eat at your own risk!
Easter Brunch Recipes
- Banana Bread Pancakes by Our Good Life
- Crescia al Formaggio (Italian Easter Bread) by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Easy Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole by Blogghetti
- Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Sheet Pan Pancakes by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs by Art of Natural Living
- Yeasted Waffles by That Recipe
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Meetings are the #1 reason I left the corporate world. UGH! so much of my life wasted.
I love overnight casseroles like this. And the croissants would be a big hit with my crowd.
During this situation we’re in right now, I feel like they’re non-stop!
Wow sounds like a cultural issue with those meeting problems. Good luck.
I read this casserole recipe with interest because everyone loves a good strata except me. But made with croissants, it would have to be good! Genius!
I devoured it. The hubs didn’t get one bite of it! It was perfectly delicious.
I have a sweet overnight croissant casserole, but this savory one looks incredible. I put it on my list to have on my Easter table.
The hubs doesn’t do sweet for breakfast. So I’m always making savory casseroles for breakfast.
This casserole sounds amazing! I would totally devour a large piece too.
Thank you!
I adore these assemble ahead casseroles where the bread has a chance to get so tender and soft soaking in all that eggy goodness! This looks wonderful
Thanks! That’s why letting them sit overnight is such a great idea! Win for make ahead and win for super custard-y bread in the casserole.
Oh this looks so yummy! I love that you used croissants! I used to hate those kind of meetings….time I could have spent doing something else!
Thanks! I wanted to kick it up with something decadent; croissants!
This sounds so good. I’m such a sucker for croissants!
Me, too! Thanks!