Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole

This overnight croissant breakfast casserole is my secret weapon for easy brunches and holiday mornings It is loaded with rich croissants savory sausage and melty cheese all soaked in a creamy egg custard The magic happens while you sleep and the reward is a decadent baked breakfast that is ready with minimal effort in the morning

The first time I made this for Christmas morning it disappeared in minutes My family now asks for it every Easter and on lazy winter weekends

Ingredients

• Large croissants: provide a buttery flaky texture day old croissants soak up custard without getting mushy
• Breakfast sausage: brings hearty savory flavor choose a high quality sausage for best taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melts beautifully sharp cheddar offers rich tang
• Large eggs: hold everything together and create a creamy base use fresh eggs for a fluffier texture
• Milk: gives the custard its delicate richness whole milk is ideal but two percent works
• Dry mustard: lifts the flavor with gentle spice try to find a fresh tin as the flavor fades quickly
• Salt and black pepper: balance and enhance every layer use kosher salt and freshly ground pepper if you can

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Dish:

Generously grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray making sure to coat all corners so nothing sticks

Layer Croissants:

Cut croissants into bite sized pieces and arrange them evenly in the greased dish spreading them out for even soaking and baking

Add Sausage and Cheese:

Scatter cooked crumbled sausage all over the croissant layer then sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly so every bite is flavorful

Make the Egg Custard:

In a large bowl whisk eggs milk dry mustard salt and pepper vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and no streaks remain

Assemble and Soak:

Slowly pour the egg mixture over the croissants sausage and cheese Press gently on the top with the back of a spoon to help the bread soak up the custard Let the dish rest a few minutes

Cover and Chill:

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least two hours to fully saturate the croissants and develop flavor

Get Ready to Bake:

Remove the dish from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature while you preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit

Bake to Perfection:

Take off the plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for forty to forty five minutes Look for a golden brown top and a set center that does not jiggle when you shake the pan

Cool and Serve:

Allow the casserole to cool a few minutes so it slices cleanly then serve warm for the best texture and taste

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I absolutely love using a good sharp cheddar in this casserole The flavor pops and helps balance the richness My kids help layer the croissants and always try to sneak extra cheese into their squares

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers tightly covered in the fridge The casserole keeps well for up to three days For a quick breakfast reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through Avoid freezing as the croissants can lose their lovely texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap cooked bacon or diced ham for the sausage if you prefer a milder flavor For a vegetarian option use sautéed mushrooms and spinach For cheese try Monterey Jack or Gruyere for a different twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a fresh fruit salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal For a festive touch add a few spoonfuls of salsa or chopped herbs on top when serving

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Cultural and Historical Context

Breakfast casseroles like this have roots in American home cooking perfect for holiday mornings and gatherings The croissant variation brings a bit of French flair making the dish both comforting and rich

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different cheeses instead of cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your preferred cheeses for varied flavor profiles.

→ Does the dish have to be soaked overnight?

While overnight soaking gives optimal texture, refrigerating for at least 2 hours allows the croissants to absorb the custard mixture.

→ Can I use other meats besides breakfast sausage?

Crisped bacon, diced ham, or even meatless alternatives work well in place of sausage for this casserole.

→ Can I prepare this in advance and freeze it?

Yes, assemble the dish and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed for fresh results.

→ How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the top is golden and the center is set. A knife inserted should come out clean without raw custard.