Description

This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a decadent and comforting make-ahead breakfast dish combining buttery croissants, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or weekend family breakfasts, it’s prepped the night before and baked to golden perfection in the morning for a flaky, flavorful, and indulgent start to your day.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

5 large croissants (preferably day-old), torn into large chunks
1 pound (450g) ground sausage, cooked and drained
1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
2 cups (475ml) whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Add-Ins & Swaps

Cooked turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage
Swiss, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar
Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
Dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for spice

Instructions

Prepare the Base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Layer the torn croissants evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the cooked and drained sausage over the croissants, then add the shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly.
Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully combined. Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the croissant, sausage, and cheese layers. Gently press down with a spatula to help the croissants absorb the custard.
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the croissants to soak and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Bake in the Morning: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil and bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm alongside your favorite breakfast sides.

Notes

Use day-old croissants for best texture; fresh croissants can make the casserole soggy.
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to firm up and make slicing easier.
For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
Feel free to customize by swapping the sausage or cheese or adding vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 230 mg

Keywords: overnight croissant breakfast casserole, croissant casserole, make-ahead breakfast, sausage breakfast casserole, cheesy breakfast bake, holiday brunch recipe, easy breakfast casserole