Overnight Croissant Breakfast Delight

Featured in Start Your Day with Grace.

Enjoy a savory breakfast dish layered with buttery croissants, crumbled sausage, and sharp cheddar. Eggs and milk come together to form a creamy custard, poured over the layers and left to soak overnight. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully and the croissants to absorb all the rich custard. Simply bake until golden and set for a warm, satisfying start to the day. It's easy to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings or special brunch gatherings. Easily customize with your favorite cheese or substitute vegetables for a lighter touch.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:04:36 GMT
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A bowl of food with a fried egg on top. | gracefulflavors.com

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the kind of recipe that transforms an ordinary morning into something delicious and memorable. It is perfect for busy families or anyone hosting brunch. The scent of baking croissants, sausage, and cheddar will win over even sleepyheads in the house.

I first made this for a Christmas morning, and it has become a special tradition ever since. The best part is waking up to a ready-to-bake breakfast while everyone unwraps gifts.

Ingredients

  • Croissants: large and fluffy these add richness and soak up the custard for a soft yet crisp top try to use fresh bakery croissants if possible
  • Breakfast sausage: classic pork sausage adds a savory bite look for one with good seasoning and not too much fat
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: brings a gooey melt and sharp flavor choose extra sharp for bolder taste
  • Eggs: large eggs provide structure and richness make sure they are fresh for the fluffiest texture
  • Milk: whole milk makes the custard creamy you can use half and half for extra richness if desired
  • Dry mustard: gives a tiny bit of warmth and depth do not skip this as it makes a difference
  • Salt: enhances all the flavors use kosher salt for best control
  • Black pepper: fresh cracked wakes up the whole dish use more or less to taste

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease a large nine by thirteen inch baking dish making sure to get the corners Cover the bottom evenly with croissant pieces so every bite will have that golden base
Add Sausage and Cheese:
Scatter the cooked crumbled sausage over the croissants then sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly all over This layering ensures you get sausage and cheese in every portion
Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl whisk together eggs milk dry mustard salt and pepper until the mixture is completely smooth and streak free This custard is what binds the casserole and gives it a souffle like quality
Assemble the Casserole:
Gently pour the egg mixture over the croissant sausage and cheese layers Press down with a spatula just enough so the croissant pieces start soaking up the liquid but do not crush them
Refrigerate:
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least two hours This long soaking helps the custard absorb and gives the casserole a lush texture
Bake:
Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it rest on the counter while the oven heats Bake uncovered for about forty five minutes You want the top golden brown and the center set with a bit of a jiggle
Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares Serving warm brings out the cheese and sausage flavors the best
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A dish with meat and cheese. | gracefulflavors.com

One of my favorite parts of this casserole is the way the edges of the croissants crisp up in the oven while the inside stays tender each bite feels luxurious My kids still talk about the first time we ate this on a snowy morning with the windows steamed from baking

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat slices in the oven or microwave for best results If you want to freeze assemble but do not bake double wrap in foil and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a vegetarian option swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms spinach or bell peppers You can also try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version For the cheese mozzarella Swiss or gruyere all work well and each brings a unique twist

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a bowl of fresh mixed berries or a crisp green salad For heartier appetites serve with roasted potatoes or a fruit salad Add fresh orange juice or hot coffee to round out your brunch spread

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A baked dish with meat and tomatoes. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural Glimpse

Breakfast casseroles like this have deep roots in American brunch culture especially in the Midwest and South They combine convenience with comfort making them favorites for holiday mornings or Sunday gatherings I love that every family puts their own spin on this dish

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought croissants?

Absolutely, store-bought croissants work well. Just ensure they’re fresh and of good quality for best results.

→ Are there alternatives to sausage?

Yes, you can use cooked bacon, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage. For a vegetarian option, try sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.

→ Can this dish be frozen before baking?

Yes, assemble and tightly cover the dish, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Place any leftover portions in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.

→ Can I swap out the cheese?

Certainly! Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella are tasty alternatives to cheddar and provide a different flavor profile.

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Croissants, sausage, and cheddar meld together for a satisfying morning dish you can prep ahead.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Morning Favorites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (One 9×13-inch casserole)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 6 large croissants, cut into pieces
02 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
03 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

→ Egg Custard

04 6 large eggs
05 2 cups milk
06 1 teaspoon dry mustard
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Arrange the croissant pieces in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 03

Evenly sprinkle the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese over the croissant layer.

Step 04

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

Step 05

Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled croissants, sausage, and cheese, pressing gently to saturate the croissant pieces.

Step 06

Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the croissants to absorb the custard.

Step 07

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While preheating, let the dish rest at room temperature.

Step 08

Remove plastic wrap and bake the casserole, uncovered, for 40–45 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set.

Step 09

Allow to cool for several minutes before slicing. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  1. For best results, ensure even layering of croissants, sausage, and cheese for balanced flavor.
  2. Allowing the croissant pieces to soak overnight greatly enhances the custard texture.
  3. This dish is ideal for preparing ahead and serving fresh at brunch gatherings.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs, milk, wheat (croissants), and cheese (dairy).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 29 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 21 g