The Flaky Croissants: The Perfect Base

The star of this dish is the croissants. Their buttery, flaky texture provides a light, airy base that soaks up the custard-like egg mixture beautifully. While fresh croissants work well, using slightly stale croissants is ideal for this casserole. The slight dryness helps them absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy, ensuring the casserole has the perfect consistency.

The croissants are cut in half lengthwise and layered in the baking dish to create a satisfying base that will support the sausage, cheese, and veggies. Once baked, the croissants transform into a soft, comforting layer that contrasts perfectly with the savory ingredients.

Savory Sausage and Vegetables

The filling for this casserole includes breakfast sausage, which brings a rich, savory flavor to the dish. The sausage is browned in a skillet and combined with sautéed vegetables—onions and red bell peppers. These vegetables add a bit of sweetness and a welcome crunch, providing a balance to the richness of the sausage and cheese. The combination of sausage and vegetables adds depth to the casserole, creating a flavor-packed filling that pairs perfectly with the croissants.

The cream cheese in the filling adds extra creaminess, helping to bind everything together and create a smooth texture. The cheddar cheese, melted throughout the dish, gives the casserole a cheesy, gooey center that’s irresistible. Sliced green onions add a slight sharpness and freshness that brightens up the dish, ensuring it isn’t overly heavy.

A Custardy Egg Mixture: The Heart of the Casserole

The egg mixture for this casserole is where the magic happens. A combination of eggs, half-and-half, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce creates a smooth and rich custard that soaks into the croissants, giving them flavor and moisture. The Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth to the egg mixture, while the hot sauce provides a subtle heat that gives the casserole a bit of a kick without being overwhelming.

This custard base is poured over the croissants and sausage filling, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The casserole is then left to soak for at least an hour or overnight, which allows the croissants to absorb the egg mixture and develop a deliciously custardy texture when baked.

The Everything Bagel Seasoning: A Flavorful Touch

A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top of the casserole gives it an extra layer of flavor and crunch. The seasoning’s mix of sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and poppy seeds adds an aromatic, savory note that complements the richness of the casserole. It’s a simple touch that elevates the dish and gives it an extra burst of flavor.

Before baking, a bit of extra shredded cheddar cheese is added to the top of the casserole. This creates a melty, golden-brown crust that adds a satisfying texture and a bit of extra cheesiness. When baked, the casserole has a crispy top and a creamy, cheesy interior, making every bite a delight.

Make-Ahead Convenience

One of the best features of this Croissant Breakfast Casserole is how easy it is to make ahead. The dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together. In the morning, all you have to do is pop it in the oven, and in less than an hour, you’ll have a delicious, hot breakfast ready to serve.

The casserole can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for busy mornings, holidays, or gatherings when you want to minimize the morning rush. This make-ahead option also allows the casserole to develop even more flavor, as the croissants and sausage mixture have time to soak in the egg custard.

Baking and Serving

Once the casserole has soaked and you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F. The casserole is covered with foil and baked for 30 minutes to ensure that it cooks evenly. After that, it is uncovered and baked for another 15-20 minutes, until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden and crispy.

Once baked, garnish the casserole with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and added freshness. The result is a dish that’s warm, comforting, and perfect for serving to a crowd. It’s easy to slice and serve, making it a great option for family breakfasts, brunches, or even a more casual dinner.

Nutritional Benefits

The Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a filling dish that provides a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Each serving contains about 350 calories, with 20g of protein and 24g of fat, making it a satisfying meal to start the day. The sausage and eggs provide plenty of protein to keep you full, while the croissants offer a comforting, carb-rich base that adds substance to the dish.

In addition to the protein and fats, the casserole also includes vegetables, which provide fiber and important vitamins and minerals. The onions, peppers, and green onions contribute vitamin C, while the egg and cheese provide calcium for strong bones.

While this dish is a bit on the richer side, it’s still a great option for a special breakfast or brunch, and it can be served alongside lighter sides like fresh fruit or a salad to balance things out.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Stress-Free Breakfast or Brunch Dish

The Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish for feeding a crowd without the stress of last-minute preparation. With its flaky croissants, savory sausage, cheesy filling, and custardy texture, it’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a birthday breakfast, or just a weekend gathering, this casserole is an easy, make-ahead option that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

With its simple ingredients and make-ahead convenience, this Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a must-try for anyone looking to serve a delicious, stress-free breakfast or brunch. Give it a try at your next gathering and enjoy a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful!