Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Holiday Brunch Delight

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Introduction

When it comes to holiday brunch recipes, few dishes elicit as much excitement as an Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Imagine waking up to the aroma of buttery croissants, savory cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs, all melded into one decadent bake. This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal morning effort, making it the perfect centerpiece for festive family breakfasts or celebratory brunch gatherings.

Why This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Is a Holiday Brunch Winner

What sets this casserole apart is its sweet-savory richness, fluffy texture, and the ultra-convenience of prepping everything the night before. The croissants soak up the creamy egg mixture, resulting in a custardy interior and a golden, toasty top. Paired with your favorite proteins and cheeses, this breakfast bake will easily become a most-requested dish for any special occasion—especially when you’re feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.

Gather and Prep Your Ingredients with Ease

Preparation is a breeze if you organize your workstation and ingredients ahead of time. Use a Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 to efficiently chop herbs, vegetables, or breakfast meats. To keep brunch prep mess-free and organized, line your baking dish with a strip of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This ensures effortless removal and cleanup post-bake.

Tips for a Perfect Casserole Bake

For best results, use day-old croissants to maximize absorbency. If you’d like even consistency in your ingredients—think uniform chopped peppers or onions—reach for a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Layer the croissants, protein, and cheese for optimal distribution.

When it comes time to bake, place your casserole on the center rack. Use a pair of KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set for safe handling once your gorgeous casserole is bubbling and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions for an Effortless Holiday Brunch

Slice the casserole into hearty squares and serve with a side of fresh fruit or a crisp green salad. For a festive touch, keep your setup hassle-free with Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White. Leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, store beautifully in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for a next-day treat.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole serves around 8 average brunch portions, with each helping clocking in at approximately 350–400 calories depending on your cheese and protein choices. It’s a crowd-pleasing treat—rich enough to feel special, but light enough to pair with fruit and salad sides.

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole (Recap)

This casserole transforms leftover croissants and simple pantry staples into a decadent, flavorful make-ahead dish that streamlines holiday mornings. Its buttery, custardy texture and savory notes make it an instant brunch favorite, perfect for celebrating with family or friends.

Ingredients

6 large croissants, day-old and roughly torn
1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or a blend)
1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham
¾ cup diced bell pepper or spinach (optional)
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian herbs

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and, if desired, line with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for effortless cleanup.
  2. Scatter the torn croissants evenly in the bottom of your baking dish.
  3. Layer the cooked sausage (or ham), diced vegetables (use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for uniformity), and cheese over the croissants.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and herbs until well-combined. A hand blender like the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black makes quick work of this step, resulting in an extra-creamy custard base.
  5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in your baking dish, gently pressing the croissants with a spatula to ensure even soaking.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (or for at least six hours).
  7. In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Remove cover and bake for 40–45 minutes or until puffed, golden, and set in the center.
  8. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Use KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set when handling the hot dish.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: Overnight (at least 6 hours)
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 7 hours (includes chilling)

Leave a Comment