Did you know, make-ahead breakfast casseroles are one of the fastest-growing search topics for weekend brunch planners? Easy Croissant Breakfast Casserole places buttery croissants at the center of a cozy, family-friendly morning meal. This recipe is optimized for make-ahead success, and it includes protein-forward tweaks that beat basic French toast casseroles. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prep, bake, vary, and store this crowd-pleaser with confidence. If you like hearty breakfasts, check our guide to best high protein breakfast foods for more ideas.
What Is Easy Croissant Breakfast Casserole?
Easy Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a savory, baked egg casserole that soaks cubed croissants in a rich custard, with bacon and melted cheese folded in for texture and flavor. It is meant to be baked until golden, served hot, and ideal for feeding 6 to 8 people.
This dish elevates day-old croissants, turning them into a custardy breakfast bake that reheats well. Nutritionally, the croissants add calories from butter and carbs, while eggs and cheese supply protein and fat. For authoritative portion and nutrition guidance, consult USDA resources.
Quick Facts about Easy Croissant Breakfast Casserole
- Servings: 6 to 8 people
- Prep time: 20 min, Toasting: 5 min, Bake: 40-45 min
- Key nutrients per serving, approximate: 520 kcal, 24 g protein, 32 g fat, 28 g carbs
- Shelf life: 3 days refrigerated, 2 months frozen
Easy Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
For the casserole
- 6 croissants 6 large croissants, preferably day-old Use dried or toasted croissants to avoid a mushy texture.
- 8 large 8 large eggs Provides protein and structure to the casserole.
- 1 cup 1 cup milk Can substitute half-and-half for a richer custard.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup cream Adds richness to the custard.
- 1 cup 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded Reserve half for topping.
- 3/4 cup 3/4 cup smoked Gouda, shredded Can substitute with any favorite melting cheese.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped Can replace with mushrooms and spinach for vegetarian version.
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped Adds freshness.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dry chives
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Slice each croissant into four pieces and place on the parchment lined baking sheet. Toast the croissants in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until they are dried but not extra golden.
Creating the Casserole
- Reduce oven heat to 350°F. Arrange the toasted croissant quarters in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the chopped bacon over the croissants.
- Whisk the eggs, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, dry chives, salt, pepper, milk, and cream together in a large mixing bowl. Add ¾ cup of the Colby Jack cheese and ¾ cup of smoked Gouda. Mix well.
- Pour egg mixture over the croissants and bacon. Use a spatula to press down gently on the crescents to soak them with the egg mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the surface of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until it is nice and golden. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for a golden, custardy casserole with crisped cheese on top. Each numbered step lists the action and the expected result.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Expected result: Oven and pans are ready, croissants will toast quickly and evenly.
Slice each croissant into four pieces and place on the parchment lined baking sheet. Toast the croissants in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until they are dried but not extra golden.
- Expected result: Croissant quarters are drier and will absorb the egg custard without becoming soggy.
Reduce oven heat to 350 degrees F. Arrange the toasted croissant quarters in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the chopped bacon over the croissants.
- Expected result: Even distribution of bread and bacon creates balanced bites.
Whisk the eggs, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, dry chives, salt, pepper, milk, and cream together in a large mixing bowl. Add ¾ cup of the Colby Jack cheese and ¾ cup of smoked Gouda. Mix well.
- Expected result: Smooth custard forms, cheese is evenly dispersed.
Pour egg mixture over the croissants and bacon. Use a spatula to press down gently on the crescents to soak them with the egg mixture.
- Expected result: Croissants absorb custard for consistent texture.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the surface of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until it is nice and golden. Serve immediately.
- Expected result: Top is golden and bubbling, center is set but tender.
Chef Tip: For a firmer set, allow casserole to rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Variations & Substitutes
Small swaps transform the casserole for dietary needs and flavor profiles, with predictable changes to cooking time and nutrition.
- Vegetarian: Omit bacon, add sautéed mushrooms and spinach, increases fiber, reduces saturated fat.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free croissants, may change soak time by 5 to 10 min.
- Lower fat: Swap half-and-half for 2% milk, reduces fat by about 30% per serving.
- Regional twist: Add chorizo and pepper jack for a Tex-Mex variation, boost spice and protein.
If you want handheld versions, try these ideas and compare textures with our banana oatmeal protein breakfast cookies to round out a brunch spread.
Mistakes to Avoid
Common beginner errors can make casseroles soggy, bland, or unevenly cooked, but they are easy to fix.
Checklist to avoid mistakes
- Using fresh croissants, not dried, can lead to a mushy center, fix: toast first.
- Skipping rest time makes messy slices, fix: rest 10 minutes before cutting.
- Overfilling the baking dish causes spillover, fix: use a 9 x 13 inch pan or split into two dishes.
- Under-seasoning the custard leads to flat flavor, fix: taste and adjust salt/pepper.
- Uneven cheese distribution yields burnt spots, fix: save half the cheese for the final top layer.
Storage, Reuse
Leftovers reheat well and are versatile for quick meals, with simple rules for safety and quality.
- Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container, reheat at 350 degrees F for 12 to 15 min.
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in foil up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reuse ideas: Turn slices into breakfast sandwiches with fresh greens, or chop and fold into scrambled eggs.
Related Recipes / See Also
If you love this, try our curated savory options and high-protein breakfasts for more make-ahead inspiration, and explore the full savory breakfast collection at savory breakfast recipes category. For additional high-protein ideas, see our 3 easy high protein sandwich recipes and best high protein pancakes for balanced meal planning.
Conclusion
This Easy Croissant Breakfast Casserole gives you a make-ahead, crowd-pleasing meal with rich flavor and simple techniques. Follow the steps, avoid the common mistakes, and store slices for easy reheating, and you will have a brunch winner ready for guests or busy mornings.
