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This baked croissant breakfast casserole is the perfect mix of savory comfort and brunch-worthy elegance. With layers of flaky croissants, crispy bacon (or breakfast meat of choice), and melty cheese, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress and bring everyone to the table—no one will guess how simple it is to make!
Nikki’s Recipe Rundown
- Taste: Savory and rich, with the perfect balance of crispy bacon, nutty Gruyere, and tangy cheddar.
- Texture: Fluffy, puffy eggs with buttery croissants peeking through and a crispy, cheesy top layer—pure comfort in every bite.
- Ease: Simple enough for any home cook, especially with make-ahead options that make your morning stress-free.
- Pros: Crowd-pleasing, adaptable with your favorite breakfast meats and cheeses, and a beautiful centerpiece for brunch.
- Considerations: It does take a bit of time to bake, so plan accordingly. Keep an eye on browning and cover with foil if needed.
- Recipe Repeatability: Absolutely! This is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again for special breakfasts, holidays, or any time you want to impress. The best part? They’ll never know just how easy it is to whip up!
This croissant breakfast casserole brings a touch of luxury to the breakfast table, blending classic comfort with an elevated twist. The combination of flaky croissants, smoky bacon, and melty cheese makes it irresistibly comforting. It’s the kind of dish I love to serve when I want to surprise my family with a special breakfast or spoil guests without much fuss. And let’s be honest, who wants to be stuck in the kitchen when the family is gathered around? This dish can bake away while you enjoy your time with loved ones.
It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone yet elegant enough for holiday gatherings or a beautiful brunch spread. Dishes like this bring that warm, inviting Southern hospitality that says, “Come and stay a while,” making everyone feel right at home!
Ingredients Needed For Breakfast Casserole with Croissants, Bacon, and Gruyere
- Bacon: I love cutting bacon slices into 5-6 pieces and weaving them between the croissant layers for pockets of crispy goodness in every bite. Alternatively, you can dice the bacon into bite-sized pieces for easier distribution.
- Croissants: I go for the medium to large croissants you can grab at Sam’s Club, Costco, Walmart, or any local grocery store.
- Gruyere Cheese: This adds a nutty, rich flavor. Swiss or Fontina are great substitutes if needed.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Both white and yellow cheddar add a nice tang and melt well. Smoked cheddar can add a fun twist.
- Milk and Heavy Cream: The blend creates a luxurious custard that’s rich but balanced. You can use all milk for a lighter option or half-and-half as a middle ground.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds depth without overpowering. Stone-ground mustard or a hint of prepared horseradish can be used for variation.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Adjust these to taste based on your preferred saltiness and spice level.
- Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and color. Smoked paprika works well for a deeper flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley brings a burst of color and a hint of freshness. If you only have dried, use two teaspoons, but use fresh if you can for the best flavor.
Croissant Casserole Variations and Substitutions
- Meat Options: Swap out the bacon for cooked sausage crumbles, diced ham or sliced ham, Canadian bacon or even a plant-based breakfast meat for a vegetarian-friendly version. Sautéed mushrooms can also add a hearty, savory element.
- Cheese Swaps: If Gruyere isn’t handy, Swiss or Fontina are excellent substitutes for their smooth melt and nutty flavors. For a bolder taste, try smoked Gouda or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Dairy Alternatives: Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter dish. For a dairy-free option, use a blend of unsweetened almond milk and coconut cream.
- Bread Choices: If croissants aren’t available, brioche or challah bread can be used for a similar richness. For a different texture, try cubed French bread or even leftover rolls.
- Mustard Substitution: If you’re not a fan of Dijon, stone-ground mustard or a touch of prepared horseradish can add a similar depth of flavor.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh thyme or chives make great alternatives to parsley and add their unique touch. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning can introduce a bit more herbaceousness to the dish.
- Spice It Up: For those who like a kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- Make It Sweeter: For a fun brunch twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few tablespoons of maple syrup to the egg mixture and top with a bit of crumbled breakfast sausage.
How To Make A Croissant Breakfast Casserole
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Cook Bacon or Breakfast Meat of Choice
Start by cooking your bacon or breakfast meat of choice. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon once it’s hot. Stir frequently and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy.
Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
Step 2 | Prepare Baking Dish
While the bacon drains, preheat your oven to 350℉ and prepare a 9×13 baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 3 | Prepare Egg Mixture
Now, it’s time for the egg mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until combined.
Then add whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and parsley, whisking again to combine.
Stir in half of your shredded cheese to ensure some gooey goodness throughout.
Step 4 | Layer
Start by layering the croissant pieces evenly in your greased baking dish, making sure they’re spread out to create a good base. Sprinkle the bacon on top, tucking some pieces between the croissants for even flavor in every bite.
Once that’s done, pour the egg mixture over the croissants, letting it soak into all those flaky layers.
Finish by topping everything with the remaining cheese to ensure a golden, bubbly crust that ties it all together.
Step 5 | Bake
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 40-55 minutes, or until the croissants are beautifully golden, the eggs are set, and the cheese is bubbly and crisp.
Check at the 25-30 minute mark—if it’s browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 6 | Let it Set & Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole set for about 10 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a burst of color, then serve while it’s warm. Enjoy every bite!
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Savory Breakfast Casserole Recipe Tips
- Use Stale Croissants: Day-old croissants work best for soaking up the egg mixture without becoming mushy. If yours are fresh, a light toasting in the oven for about 5-10 minutes will help them hold up in the casserole.
- Slice the croissants into generous chunks, about 3-4 slices each. When layering them in the baking dish, I arrange them so the meats can be tucked evenly between the pieces. I also like to have the pointed tops and edges sticking up slightly; this not only makes the casserole pretty but also lets everyone know they’re getting delicious croissants in every serving.
- Layering for even flavor is key: Tuck the bacon pieces between the croissant chunks to ensure every bite has a bit of that crispy, savory goodness. Don’t forget to sprinkle the cheese evenly on top to create a gooey, golden, cheesy crust that ties all the flavors together.
- Whisk Well: Make sure to whisk the egg mixture thoroughly so that the ingredients are fully combined. This helps the custard cook evenly.
- Check Early: Start checking for doneness at the 25 to 30-minute mark. If the croissants are browning too quickly, lightly cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the center continues to cook.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the custard set up, making it easier to slice and serve while ensuring the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Cook Time: The cooking time for this dish varies from 40 to 55 minutes. If you prefer a softer set egg, start checking at 40 minutes. Personally, I love a nice, fluffy, and puffy set egg, so I usually let it bake for 50-55 minutes to achieve that perfect texture.
Recipe FAQs
The casserole is done when the center is set and the top is golden brown. The egg custard will only have a very slight jiggle and will bounce back if you gently press it. If you prefer a softer set, check at 40 minutes; for a fluffier set, bake closer to 50-55 minutes.
While I have only tested this with dairy, for a dairy-free version, try substituting the milk and cream with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk and using a dairy-free cheese alternative. Be sure to check that your bread choice is also dairy-free.
Yes! Adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can boost the flavor and nutrition. Make sure to cook them beforehand to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
Storage
Make-Ahead Option: To save time, this dish can be assembled the night before. Prepare the egg mixture, layer the croissants, cheese, and bacon in the baking dish, and pour the egg mixture over. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking.
Storing Leftovers: Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, cover the dish with aluminum foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Individual servings can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes, although reheating in the oven gives you the best texture.
Freezing: The baked casserole can be frozen for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until hot.
Tip for Best Results: When freezing, consider freezing in individual portions for quicker reheating and serving.
What to Serve with Breakfast Croissant Casserole
While this dish makes a stand-alone meal, it is a perfect breakfast or brunch spread; try pairing it with some of my favorites!
- Overnight French Toast Casserole: This make-ahead dish adds a sweet counterpart to your savory main.
- Classic Southern Grits Casserole: Creamy and comforting, they pair well with the rich flavors of the casserole.
- Homemade Biscuits with Sausage Gravy: A quintessential Southern option that’s hearty and crowd-pleasing.
- Sticky Bun Monkey Bread: This sweet, pull-apart treat is perfect for sharing and adds a fun twist to your brunch.
- Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing: Refreshing and light, this salad is the ideal complement to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Either my Strawberry Pecan Salad or Strawberry Spinach Salad, each leafy green salad pairs nicely especially for brunch.
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Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 – 16 ounces thick sliced bacon, sliced into 5-6 slices
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 7 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 Croissants, about 1 pound sliced into 3 or 4 pieces
Instructions
- Cook Bacon or Breakfast Meat of Choice: In a large skillet, over medium heat, add bacon to the hot skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes or until crispy.
- Remove the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, to drain the grease.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat an oven to 350℉ and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs.8 large eggs
- Add whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and parsley and whisk together. Stir in half of the cheese.2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 teaspoons dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley, 7 ounces Gruyere cheese, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- Layer: Place croissant pieces into greased pan. Place bacon over in and in between the croissant pieces.8 Croissants, 12 – 16 ounces thick sliced bacon
- Pour the egg mixture over the croissants and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 40-55 minutes or until the croissants are golden brown, eggs are set, and the cheese is golden.
- Check at 25-30 minutes; if browning too fast, cover with aluminum foil.
- Set & Serve: Remove from the oven. Let it set for 10 minutes, garnish with parsley or sliced green onion, and serve while warm.
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Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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