Go Back
To create a tasty Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole, gather these key ingredients: - 6 large croissants, torn into pieces - 6 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese - 1 cup diced cooked ham or turkey - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon pepper - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or chives) These ingredients work together to form a rich and fluffy dish. The croissants give a soft base, while the eggs and milk create a creamy texture. The cheese adds flavor and gooeyness. You can switch up the ham or turkey with your favorite protein. Fresh veggies like bell peppers and spinach add color and nutrients. Feel free to play with seasonings to suit your taste. This casserole is not just filling; it is a delightful breakfast that will impress anyone. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preparing the Baking Dish: Start by greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or butter to coat it well. This step helps prevent sticking. 2. Layering the Croissants: Next, take your six large croissants and tear them into bite-sized pieces. Spread these pieces evenly in the greased dish. This will be the base for your delicious casserole. 3. Adding Fillings: Now, sprinkle the diced cooked ham or turkey over the croissants. Follow that with the diced bell pepper and chopped spinach. Finally, add ¾ cup of shredded Gruyère cheese. This mix adds great flavor and texture. 4. Making the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, crack six large eggs. Whisk them together with two cups of whole milk, one teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Don't forget to add one tablespoon of Dijon mustard. This mixture binds everything together and adds richness. 5. Combining Ingredients: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered croissants and fillings. Make sure every piece is soaked. This step is key for a moist casserole. 6. Topping with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Gruyère cheese on top. This will create a lovely cheesy crust when baked. 7. Covering and Refrigerating: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge overnight or for at least four hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. 8. Baking Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake it uncovered for 45-50 minutes. You want it set and golden brown on top. 9. Cooling and Serving Tips: Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delightful breakfast treat! - Ensuring Even Soaking of Croissants To make sure all croissant pieces soak well, pour the egg mixture slowly. Use a spatula to press down on the croissants. This helps them absorb the liquid evenly. - Tips for Perfectly Whipped Eggs For fluffy eggs, whisk them well until the yolks and whites mix fully. Use a large bowl and a whisk or an electric mixer. Aim for a light, airy texture, which will help the casserole rise nicely. - Choosing the Right Cheese Gruyère cheese works great for its meltiness and flavor. You can also try cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste. Choose a cheese that melts well to give your casserole a creamy texture. - Recommended Cooking Time Adjustments If your casserole is cold from the fridge, it may need extra cooking time. Check for a golden top and a firm center. If it’s still jiggly, bake for another 5-10 minutes. Always keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Croissants: For the best texture, use croissants that are a day or two old. They will absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables or proteins. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even bacon can add a delicious twist! Let it Sit: Allowing the casserole to rest for at least 15 minutes before baking helps the croissants absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a fluffier texture. Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the fresh herbs! They add a pop of color and a burst of flavor that elevates the dish. {{image_2}} Alternative Proteins (Chicken, Bacon) You can swap out the ham or turkey for cooked chicken or crispy bacon. Both options add great flavor. Chicken offers a milder taste, while bacon brings a smoky crunch. Use about a cup of either, chopped into bite-sized pieces. Different Cheese Options Gruyère cheese is rich and creamy, but you can use other cheeses too. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor, while mozzarella gives a milder taste. Feta cheese can bring a tangy twist. Choose any cheese that will melt well and fit your taste. Vegetarian Version To make a vegetarian casserole, skip the meat entirely. You can pile on more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli. This adds color and nutrients without losing flavor. Make sure to use eggs and cheese to keep it hearty. Seasonal Vegetable Additions You can change the vegetables based on what’s in season. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In fall, try butternut squash or kale. Seasonal veggies not only taste better, but they also make the dish fresh and vibrant. Experiment to find your favorite mix! Refrigeration Tips After baking, let the casserole cool down. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Freezing Instructions You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating Guidelines To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check if it is heated through. It should feel warm in the center. You can also reheat slices in the microwave for a quick meal. Just heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often. Yes, you can make this casserole the night before. Just follow the recipe, cover it, and place it in the fridge. When you wake up, you can bake it right away. This saves time and lets the flavors blend well. Check the casserole after 45 minutes in the oven. It should be set, and the top should turn golden brown. Insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes. Absolutely! Stale croissants work great in this recipe. They soak up the egg mixture better and help create a soft texture. Just tear them into pieces and layer them as usual. This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit or a light salad. You can serve it with orange juice or coffee for a complete breakfast. The fresh flavors balance the richness of the casserole nicely. This blog post shared a straightforward recipe for a croissant casserole. We covered key ingredients, detailed preparation steps, and helpful tips to boost your cooking skills. You now have options for variations and smart storage methods, too. Remember, cooking is about fun and exploration. Don't hesitate to try new ingredients or methods. Enjoy your tasty creation and share it with others!

Fluffy Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole

A delicious and easy breakfast casserole made with croissants, eggs, cheese, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a hearty morning meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 large croissants, torn into pieces
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup diced cooked ham or turkey
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 bunch fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or chives)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  • Layer the Croissants: Spread the torn croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  • Add Fillings: Sprinkle the diced ham (or turkey), bell pepper, spinach, and ¾ cup of Gruyère cheese over the croissants.
  • Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until fully combined.
  • Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant layers, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
  • Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Gruyère cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
  • Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
  • Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
  • Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced breakfast.
Keyword breakfast, casserole, croissant, easy, overnight