If you’re searching for the ultimate comforting morning dish, look no further than this irresistible Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s a warm, cheesy, and savory delight that combines buttery croissant pieces with hearty sausage, fresh spinach, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for lazy weekend brunches or holiday mornings, this casserole will become your new favorite way to start the day.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Effortless prep: You can assemble this casserole the night before, letting it soak overnight so the croissants soak up all those rich flavors.
Flavorful layers: The blend of sausage, spinach, and two cheeses creates a perfect harmony of savory and creamy.
Comfort food elevated: Uses buttery croissants instead of plain bread for a richer, flakier texture.
Feeds a crowd: This recipe makes enough to serve six, making it ideal for family breakfasts or brunch parties.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish packed with texture and flavor. Each component plays a key role—from the spicy sausage adding a hearty kick to the flaky croissants absorbing creamy egg custard. Don’t forget the fresh spinach for a pop of color and the two cheeses for that perfect melty stretch.
- Pork sausage: Adds a savory, meaty depth—ground turkey or chicken sausage work well as leaner options.
- Onion or leek: Brings sweetness and subtle complexity; leeks give a milder, slightly oniony flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Adds freshness and vibrant green color without overpowering the dish.
- Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese: Use sharp cheddar for bite and Monterey Jack for creamy melt.
- Croissants: The star of the show—makes the dish buttery and flaky; use day-old croissants for maximum absorption.
- Eggs and dairy: Create the silky custard that binds everything with depth and richness.
- Seasonings: Mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper bring balanced warmth and flavor accents.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables
Start by browning the pork sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and browned — this brings out its rich flavor. Transfer it to a paper towel to drain excess grease. Then, in the same pan, sauté the diced onion or leek until translucent and fragrant, followed by adding the fresh spinach to wilt down. This combination of cooked sausage, onions, and spinach forms the savory base you’ll build upon.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and veggies with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Gently fold in the cubed croissants, allowing the buttery bread to mingle with all the savory goodness. Spread this mixture evenly into an 8×8-inch baking dish—it’s about to get cozy in there!
Step 3: Whisk the Custard and Refrigerate
Whisk together eggs, whole milk, half and half, and spices including dry mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the croissant blend, making sure every piece gets soaked. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight — this step is key for the croissants to absorb those rich custard flavors deeply.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the center is set and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes—this short rest helps everything settle so you get perfect slices without crumble. Then, dig in!
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness atop each serving. For some extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate the flavor and balance the rich custard beautifully.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe with bright, fresh sides like a mixed greens salad tossed in citrus vinaigrette or a simple fruit salad featuring berries and melons. Crispy breakfast potatoes or roasted asparagus also complement the casserole nicely for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, serve the casserole in mini ramekins for individual portions, adding a garnish to each for visual appeal. Another fun idea is to plate it alongside savory jams or compotes — the slight sweetness helps contrast and highlight the savory notes of the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Croissant Breakfast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to three days. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick and satisfying breakfast any morning after your initial feast.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole for longer storage by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It stores beautifully for 3 to 6 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the thawed casserole in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, heat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes for a fast and convenient breakfast treat that tastes freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought croissants for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought croissants work perfectly, especially if they’re a day old or slightly stale. This way, they absorb the custard beautifully without becoming too soggy.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Yes! You can swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or vegetarian sausage alternatives. Just be sure to adjust seasonings to maintain a savory, satisfying flavor.
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Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely. In fact, preparing it the night before and letting it soak overnight in the fridge enhances the flavors and texture, making it wonderfully moist and well-set after baking.
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How long does this casserole keep after baking?
Once baked, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within three days for optimal freshness and taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warm, buttery flakiness of croissants paired with savory sausage and melty cheese in this Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to bring smiles around the breakfast table and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. So why wait? Give it a try and enjoy a slice of cozy morning comfort that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty Croissant Breakfast Casserole featuring savory pork sausage, sautéed onions and spinach, layered with rich cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, all soaked in a flavorful egg custard and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for an easy make-ahead breakfast or brunch, this casserole combines flaky croissant bread with savory breakfast favorites for a comforting morning meal.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1/2 lb regular pork sausage
- 1/2 small onion or 1 large leek, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 3 large croissants, cut or torn into 1–2 inch cubes
Egg Custard
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 3/4 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the pork sausage until fully cooked. Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and pat lightly to remove any remaining fat. Place the cooked sausage in a medium mixing bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, wipe it clean lightly and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Add this cooked vegetable mixture to the bowl with the sausage.
- Combine with Cheese and Croissants: Toss the sausage and sautéed vegetables with the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Add the cubed croissants and mix gently to combine. Spread this mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth. Add the whole milk, half and half, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, whisking until fully combined.
- Soak and Chill: Pour the egg custard evenly over the croissant mixture in the baking pan. Press lightly to ensure all croissant pieces soak up the egg mixture. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and bread to absorb custard.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for easier slicing.
Notes
- If doubling the recipe, bake in a 9×13-inch baking dish and extend baking time to 50-60 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For freezing, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for 3-6 months.
- To reheat frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the fridge then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Individual portions can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes until warmed.
