If you’re searching for a cozy breakfast that’s both indulgent and effortless, look no further than this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe. It perfectly combines flaky, buttery croissants with savory sausage and melty cheddar cheese, all soaked in a rich egg custard overnight. The next morning, it bakes into a golden, irresistibly comforting dish that feels like a special brunch treat but requires minimal morning effort. It’s a showstopper for weekend gatherings or a delightful way to start the day with hearty flavors and a touch of elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe serves a delicious purpose, combining simple pantry staples and fresh items to create layers of flavor and texture. From the flaky croissants to the bold sausage and creamy custard, these basics come together to make a truly satisfying breakfast casserole.
- Olive oil: For sautéing onions, adding a subtle fruity touch and helping soften them beautifully.
- Small onion, peeled and chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sausage mixture.
- Breakfast sausage (1 lb, mild flavor): Brings savory richness and a hearty protein element that keeps you full and satisfied.
- Butter croissants (4 large or 8 small): The star of the dish, offering flaky layers that soak up the custard and sausage flavors perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp and creamy, it melts into the casserole adding gooey, cheesy bliss.
- Large eggs (6): The binding agent that creates the luscious custard soak for the croissants and sausage.
- Heavy whipping cream (½ cup): Enriches the custard with a velvety texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
- Whole milk (3 cups, divided): Softens the custard’s texture without overpowering flavors.
- Dry mustard powder (½ tsp): Adds a subtle zing enhancing the savory notes.
- Salt and black pepper (½ tsp each, plus extra for gravy): Essential seasonings that balance and highlight every ingredient.
- Paprika (¼ tsp): A gentle smoky warmth to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder (¼ tsp): Gives a hint of garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Used in making the gravy for richness and silky texture.
- All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Helps thicken the savory gravy that pairs perfectly with the casserole.
How to Make Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them until they become soft and translucent. This step releases their natural sweetness and gives the casserole a more complex flavor base. The slow cooking of onions helps meld them seamlessly with the sausage.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Next, add your breakfast sausage to the skillet. Cook thoroughly until it’s browned all over, then drain the excess fat but remember to save some for making the gravy later. This browned sausage brings a savory, hearty quality to the dish that contrasts perfectly with the buttery croissants.
Step 3: Combine Croissants, Sausage, and Cheese
Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a large mixing bowl along with the cooked sausage and onions. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir gently to combine. Every piece of croissant will get a chance to soak in melty cheese and savory sausage goodness, making each bite delightful.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the croissant mixture evenly inside. This even layer ensures that the custard soak will cover every bit and that the casserole bakes uniformly to a golden finish.
Step 5: Prepare and Pour the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, half a cup of milk, dry mustard powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Pour this custard mixture slowly over the croissant blend in the baking dish. This custard will soak into the croissants overnight, softening and binding all ingredients together.
Step 6: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight. This resting time allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard and flavors meld deeply, which transforms this casserole from simple ingredients into a luscious, flavorful breakfast marvel.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and puffed. The smell alone will entice everyone to the table!
Step 8: Make the Savory Gravy
While your casserole bakes, prepare the gravy by melting butter along with the reserved sausage fat in a saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the remaining 2½ cups of milk, stirring until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This rich gravy adds an extra, indulgent layer of comfort to your breakfast.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, serve the casserole warm with the savory sausage gravy on the side for pouring. The combination is pure comfort food bliss that will impress family and friends alike.
How to Serve Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, chives, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley brings a pop of color and a fresh, mild bite that balances the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a splash of hot sauce can also elevate the flavors while keeping things exciting.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad to add a bright, juicy contrast, or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. You can also serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a well-rounded brunch spread that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, layer the casserole as individual portions in ramekins before refrigeration. This makes an elegant presentation and ensures even cooking. You could also sprinkle extra cheddar on top during the last few minutes of baking to create a bubbly cheese crust that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your casserole has cooled, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as delicious, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day breakfasts.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, cover tightly and freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing leftovers, wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. This method helps retain the casserole’s texture better than microwaving, which can sometimes make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! While cheddar offers a nice sharp flavor, you can experiment with monterey jack, gruyere, or even pepper jack for a little kick. Just choose cheeses that melt well.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight? Can I bake it immediately?
Refrigerating overnight really helps the croissants absorb the custard, creating a soft and cohesive texture throughout. You can bake immediately if needed but expect less custard soak and a firmer texture.
What type of sausage works best?
Breakfast sausage with a mild flavor is ideal because it adds savory depth without overpowering the dish. You can also use spicy sausage if you prefer some heat or a sausage substitute for a milder taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free croissants and flour substitutes for the gravy like rice flour or cornstarch. Just be sure your sausage and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How do I reheat the gravy leftovers?
Gravy can be gently reheated on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe truly is a breakfast game-changer. It offers the perfect combination of make-ahead convenience and mouthwatering flavor that feels like a special treat every time. Give it a try for your next brunch or weekend gathering—you and your loved ones will absolutely adore every bite!
Print
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: Overnight (plus 55 minutes on day of baking)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and convenient make-ahead dish featuring buttery croissants, savory breakfast sausage, sautéed onions, and melted cheddar cheese all baked to golden perfection. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it pairs wonderfully with a creamy homemade sausage gravy, making it perfect for a hearty weekend brunch or holiday breakfast gathering.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, mild flavor
- 4 large butter croissants or 8 small croissants
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk (for egg mixture)
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
For the Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- Reserved sausage fat (from cooked sausage)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Sausage: Add the breakfast sausage to the skillet with the onions. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into pieces. Drain excess fat, reserving some for the gravy, and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Prepare Croissant Mixture: Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and combine them with the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Spread the croissant, sausage, and cheese mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup whole milk, dry mustard powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until fully combined.
- Combine and Refrigerate: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant mixture in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the croissants to absorb the custard.
- Bake the Casserole: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Prepare the Gravy: While the casserole bakes, melt butter along with the reserved sausage fat in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups of whole milk and cook until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly. Serve warm with the homemade sausage gravy poured over the top or on the side.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled the night before to save time on the day of serving.
- The croissants soak up the egg mixture well, creating a moist and custardy texture.
- You can substitute mild breakfast sausage with spicy sausage for a bit of a kick.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain the casserole’s texture; microwaving may cause sogginess.
