Why You’ll Love Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

You prep it the night before—no scrambling in the morning.
It’s rich, buttery, and comforting—croissants elevate a classic breakfast casserole.
Feeds a crowd easily, so it’s perfect for brunch or family mornings.
Flexible: you can swap meats, cheeses, or add vegetables to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

5 large croissants, torn into large chunks
1 lb (450 g) ground sausage, cooked and drained
1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
2 cups (475 ml) whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Layer the torn croissants evenly in the dish.
Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the croissants.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully combined.
Pour the egg mixture slowly over the croissant mixture, making sure to cover all the pieces.
Gently press down the croissants with a spatula so they absorb the liquid.
Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours).
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center.
Let it cool for 10 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Yield: 8 servings
Prep time: ~15 minutes (plus overnight resting)
Bake time: ~45 minutes

Variations

Substitute the sausage with cooked chicken, turkey, or a plant‑based meat alternative.
Use Swiss, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella in place of cheddar.
Add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or reheat the whole dish at 325 °F (160 °C) for about 20 minutes.
Freeze: Freeze cooked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make this without sausage?

Yes. You can omit the sausage or replace it with another cooked protein or a plant‑based substitute.

2. Can I bake it immediately without chilling overnight?

You can, but letting it rest overnight yields better flavor and texture as the croissants fully absorb the custard.

3. What if I don’t have croissants?

You can use brioche or challah bread—but croissants impart a richer, flakier texture and buttery flavor.

4. Is this casserole freezer‑friendly?

Yes. You can freeze it either before baking or after baking. Make sure it’s well wrapped and stored in airtight containers.

5. Can I use part‑skim milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, though the casserole might be slightly less rich and creamy.

6. How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown and the center should be set (no liquid jiggle).

7. Can I use less cheese?

Yes, although reducing too much may affect the creaminess and flavor. You can reduce by up to ¼ cup without much issue.

8. Can I make this in smaller or larger pans?

Yes, but adjust baking time accordingly. A deeper dish may require more baking time; a shallower dish less.

9. Can I add fresh herbs or greens?

Yes—mix in chopped spinach, chives, or parsley before baking for added flavor and color.

10. Can I reheat in the oven only, not microwave?

Absolutely. Reheat at 325 °F (160 °C) for about 20 minutes (longer if reheating a full casserole).

Conclusion

This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole delivers a hands‑off, indulgent breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or a leisurely weekend treat. With buttery croissants, savory sausage, and a custardy egg base, it’s comforting and richly satisfying. Prepare it the night before, bake in the morning, and serve warm for a dish that feels special but demands minimal morning effort. Let me know if you’d like a printable recipe card or a version adapted for dietary needs.