Make-Ahead Magic: The Ultimate Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole for a Hassle-Free Holiday Brunch

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole: Perfect for Your Holiday Brunch

Introduction

The Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a brunch game-changer. Layer flaky, buttery croissants with savory eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast fillings for a make-ahead dish that transforms busy mornings into stress-free, delicious celebrations. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its rich flavor, creamy texture, and sheer convenience—especially when you’re hosting for the holidays and want to spend more time with loved ones than in the kitchen.

Why Make This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole?

What sets this casserole apart is its use of day-old croissants, which absorb the custard base and bake into a delightfully rich and tender strata. The combination of golden edges and a creamy interior appeals to all ages, while the flexibility of add-ins means you can customize it to everyone’s taste. This dish can be assembled the night before, making it the ultimate no-fuss option for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or any special occasion.

Building Layers of Brunch Flavor

Start with high-quality croissants—store-bought or homemade—and tear them into generously sized pieces. Arrange them in a baking dish, alternating with your choice of breakfast meats, sautéed vegetables, and plenty of cheese for extra richness. Using a Fullstar Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer, 4 in 1, White can streamline your veggie prep if you’re adding bell peppers, onions, or spinach, ensuring even cuts for a uniform bake.

The Easy Custard Base

Whisk together eggs, milk, and a touch of cream to create the custard. For precise measurements—crucial to the casserole’s perfect texture—rely on an Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Black and Stainless Steel. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg. Pour the custard over the croissant mixture, pressing down lighty so every piece soaks up the flavor.

Assembling and Chilling: The Make-Ahead Magic

For smooth, stick-free assembly and easy cleanup, line your casserole dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet. After soaking overnight in the fridge, the casserole is ready to bake first thing in the morning, freeing you up to set the table or enjoy coffee with guests.

Baking and Serving Your Holiday Brunch Casserole

When you’re ready to bake, simply slide the dish into a preheated oven. Use a KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set, Milkshake, 2 Count for safe handling when it’s hot and bubbling. Serve slices directly from the baking dish, perhaps alongside a fresh fruit salad or crispy bacon.

Leftovers? Store them in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep them fresh for next-day enjoyment.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole yields about 8 hearty servings. Depending on your fillings, each portion has approximately 350–450 calories. Packed with protein and indulgent croissant goodness, it’s a festive treat perfect for special occasions.

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole (Recap)

With minimal morning effort and maximum brunch appeal, this casserole delivers the buttery richness of croissants in a satisfying, savory bake. Ideal for large gatherings, it promises a stress-free and flavor-packed holiday meal that everyone will remember.

Ingredients

6 large croissants, day-old, torn into pieces
8 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or your favorite)
1 cup chopped cooked bacon or breakfast sausage
1 cup sautéed vegetables (spinach, onion, bell pepper)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Butter, for greasing the baking dish
Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
  2. Scatter half of the torn croissants in the bottom of the dish. Layer with half of the cooked bacon or sausage, sautéed vegetables (chopped using your Fullstar Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer), and cheese. Repeat with remaining croissants, meat, veggies, and cheese.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. For precision, weigh your ingredients using an Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale.
  4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant layers, pressing down gently so all bread is soaked. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
  5. In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Uncover the casserole and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Use your KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set when removing from the oven.
  6. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley, serve, and store any leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers in the fridge.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 8 hours (overnight recommended)

Bake Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 9 hours 5 minutes (mostly unattended)

Bring Your Brunch to Life

This easy overnight croissant breakfast casserole streamlines holiday brunch prep while delivering restaurant-quality comfort on your table. It’s sure to become one of your favorite family traditions!

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