The Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake with Gravy is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast or brunch. Layers of flaky croissants, savory breakfast meats, eggs, and cheese are baked together, then topped with rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for holidays, weekends, or when hosting a crowd, this casserole is easy to prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it the night before for a stress-free breakfast.
- Flaky and Buttery: Croissants add a rich, indulgent texture to the dish.
- Savory and Hearty: Packed with eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats, it’s a filling meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or potlucks.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite cheeses, meats, or veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Croissants (day-old preferred, torn into pieces)
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
- Cheddar or mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Cooked breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham (crumbled)
- Green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)
- Butter (for greasing the dish)
For the Gravy:
- Breakfast sausage (crumbled and cooked)
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes or paprika for extra flavor
Directions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread the torn croissant pieces in the baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked meat and cheese evenly over the croissants.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the croissant layers, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the eggs are set.
- Prepare the Gravy: While the casserole bakes, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat the sausage. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Slice into portions and top with warm gravy and optional green onions or chives.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
- Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and load up on sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
- Cheese Options: Try Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Sweet and Savory: Use maple sausage and a sprinkle of brown sugar for a sweet twist.
- Mini Portions: Assemble the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized servings.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole without refrigerating overnight?
Yes, while refrigerating helps the croissants soak up the egg mixture, you can bake it immediately after assembling if needed.
Can I use crescent rolls instead of croissants?
Yes, crescent rolls work well, though croissants provide a richer flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover the casserole with foil for the first half of baking, then remove it to allow the top to brown.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach make excellent additions.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Use gluten-free croissants and flour for the gravy to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond or oat milk can be substituted for dairy milk in the egg mixture and gravy.
What’s the best way to tell if the casserole is done?
The top should be golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and increase the cooking time slightly.
Can I skip the gravy?
The casserole is delicious on its own, but the gravy adds extra richness and flavor.
Can I serve this for dinner?
Absolutely! Pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a satisfying dinner.
Conclusion
The Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake with Gravy is a decadent and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its buttery croissant base, savory layers, and creamy gravy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Make-ahead convenience and endless customization options make this casserole a must-try for your next breakfast or brunch gathering!
PrintOvernight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake with Gravy
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining buttery croissants, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and creamy gravy. Perfect for holiday mornings or a special weekend brunch, this make-ahead casserole ensures a stress-free start to your day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb (450 g) ground breakfast sausage
- 1/2 cup (75 g) diced onion
- 1/2 cup (75 g) diced bell pepper (optional)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground sage (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage Mixture:
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the croissant pieces evenly in the dish. Top with the sausage mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Make the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Pour the mixture evenly over the croissant and sausage layers.
- Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 2 hours).
- Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden.
- Make the Gravy:
- While the casserole bakes, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Add salt, pepper, and sage. Cook until the gravy thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the warm gravy before serving, or serve the gravy on the side.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot breakfast sausage and add red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- Substitute the sausage with cooked bacon or a vegetarian sausage alternative for customization.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.