Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole stands out for its:
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before for a stress-free morning.
- Versatility: Easily customize by adding vegetables or experimenting with different cheeses.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: The combination of flaky croissants, hearty sausage, and creamy cheese satisfies both adults and children.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 pound mild breakfast sausage
- 4 large butter croissants, torn into pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
- Cook the Sausage: Add breakfast sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat, reserving 1 tablespoon for later use.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the torn croissant pieces. Evenly distribute the cooked sausage and onions over the croissants. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy whipping cream, 1 cup of milk, dry mustard powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture over the layered croissants, sausage, and cheese. Press down gently to ensure the croissants absorb the liquid.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
- Prepare the Gravy: While the casserole bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the reserved sausage fat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the remaining 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Once the casserole is baked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, drizzled with the prepared gravy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (plus refrigeration time)
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy sausage and add a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for extra heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
FAQs
What type of croissants should I use?
Use large, buttery croissants from the bakery section for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, pre-cooked sausage can save time. Ensure it’s crumbled or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
Refrigerating allows the flavors to meld and the croissants to absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a better texture.
Can I freeze the casserole?
It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may alter the texture of the croissants.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Substitute croissants with gluten-free bread or pastry and use gluten-free flour for the gravy.
What other meats can I use?
Bacon, ham, or turkey sausage are great alternatives to breakfast sausage.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make excellent additions.
How do I prevent a soggy casserole?
Ensure croissants are slightly stale or toasted, and don’t skip the refrigeration step to allow proper absorption.
What should I serve alongside this dish?
A fresh fruit salad or mixed greens complement the richness of the casserole.
Can I prepare the gravy in advance?
Yes, prepare the gravy ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus 8 hours refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your morning right with this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole! Made with buttery croissants, savory sausage, and creamy cheddar cheese, it’s a make-ahead dish perfect for brunch or family gatherings. Easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 pound mild breakfast sausage
- 4 large butter croissants, torn into pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups whole milk, divided
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft.
- Add sausage, cook until browned, and drain excess fat (reserve 1 tablespoon).
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer torn croissants in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with cooked sausage, onion, and shredded cheese.
- Mix the Custard:
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, 1 cup milk, mustard powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Pour over casserole layers. Press down gently.
- Chill Overnight:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes or until golden and set in the center.
- Make the Gravy:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in reserved sausage fat and flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in remaining 2 cups of milk until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm with gravy drizzled on top.
Notes
- Use slightly stale or toasted croissants for better absorption.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for variety.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute croissants with gluten-free bread and use gluten-free flour in the gravy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
