Delicious and super easy Croissant Breakfast Bake
A breakfast treat that’s not only delicious but ridiculously easy to make – Croissant Breakfast Bake. Buttery flakiness of croissants, the creaminess of eggs, and the savory goodness of sliced meats and cheese all baked into one glorious dish. Trust me, all you need is one bite of this Croissant Breakfast Casserole and your taste buds and belly will thank you!
Imagine indulging in this goodness for breakfast. What a great start to the day. You will be fueled and ready for anything. If you are not a breakfast person, a slice for lunch will keep you full until dinner. Enjoy it with fresh fruit, side salad or delicious salsa. Are you in? I knew it. Nobody can resist this Croissant Breakfast Bake. I guarantee you this will be one of your favorite breakfast casseroles!
Here’s the catch! This dish is VERY versatile. Whether you’re planning a lazy weekend brunch, gathering with friends and family, or looking for a special treat for Christmas morning, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, with its customizable ingredients and make-ahead option, it’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Why you will love this Croissant Breakfast Bake recipe
Buttery flakiness – croissants bring a buttery, flaky texture to the dish, making every bite a satisfying experience. The layers of buttery croissants soak up the egg mixture, creating a rich and indulgent base.
Versatility – customize this savory breakfast casserole with your favorite ingredients, whether it’s different types of cheese, meats, or veggies, making it perfect for using up leftovers or incorporating your favorite flavors.
Easy to make – with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this croissant breakfast casserole is a breeze to make. It’s perfect for lazy weekends, busy mornings, or whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Great for feeding a crowd – hosting brunch, feeding a hungry family? Easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. Share leftover croissant breakfast casserole or enjoy them throughout the week.
Balanced flavors – savory ham and cheese to the creamy egg mixture, every bite is packed with flavor. The addition of Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and smoked paprika adds depth and complexity to the croissant breakfast casserole, making it irresistible.
Comfort food at its best – warm, cheesy, and sweet breakfast casserole straight from the oven. Where do I sign up?
Ingredients, Variations and Substitutions
Croissants – 4 to 6-day-old croissants add a perfect texture for this dish. They will absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. Using slightly stale croissants helps them hold up better during baking. You can use any other bread you have on hand, such as French bread, brioche, or even leftover dinner rolls.
Eggs – serve as the base of this breakfast bake, providing richness and binding the ingredients together. Be sure to whisk the eggs until they are well beaten to ensure even distribution throughout the dish. If you’re looking to reduce cholesterol, you can substitute some of the eggs with egg whites or use a plant-based egg substitute.
Heavy Whipping Cream or Whole Milk – cream adds a luxurious creaminess to the dish. You can also combine HWC and whole milk for a slightly lighter option. Adjust the ratio of HWC to milk based on your preference for richness. You can substitute the heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Butter – is used to grease the baking dish, preventing the croissant breakfast casserole from sticking. You can also use cooking spray as an alternative to greasing the baking dish. Any cooking oil or non-stick spray can be used instead of butter.
Dijon Mustard – adds a tangy kick and depth of flavor to the breakfast casserole. Even if you’re not a fan of mustard, you won’t taste it directly in the final dish—it just enhances the other flavors. You can use whole-grain mustard or omit it entirely if you prefer.
Ham and Prosciutto – black forest ham and prosciutto add a savory depth to the dish, complementing the richness of the eggs and cheese. Feel free to use your favorite ham or even cooked bacon if you prefer. Cooked bacon, cooked sausage, or even vegetarian alternatives like sautéed mushrooms can be used instead of ham or prosciutto.
Gruyere Cheese and Parmesan Cheese – add a nutty, sharp and salty kick. Using a combination of cheeses adds complexity to the dish. Swiss cheese or Emmental cheese or Romano can be used as substitutes.
Fresh Thyme – fresh thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor and aroma to the breakfast bake. You can substitute dried thyme, but use half of the amount. Fresh rosemary or sage can be used instead of thyme for a slightly different flavor profile.
Salt, Pepper, and Smoked Paprika – seasonings add depth and balance to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. Adjust the amounts to taste, keeping in mind that the ham and cheeses also add saltiness to the dish. Adding herbs like parsley or chives are also a great option to enhance flavors of this bake.
Equipment you will need
Baking Dish
Mixing Bowl
Whisk or fork
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Knife and Cutting Board
Oven
Oven Mitts
Top tips
Use stale croissants – it will prevent them from becoming too soggy when soaked in the egg mixture. Day-old or even two-day-old croissants work best for this recipe.
Cut ingredients evenly – try to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size. This will ensure even cooking and distribution of ingredients throughout the bake.
Grease the baking dish – with butter to prevent the breakfast bake from sticking. You can also use cooking spray as an alternative.
Layer ingredients evenly – layer the torn croissants, ham, and cheese evenly in the baking dish to ensure every bite is filled with deliciousness. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top layer to ensure a golden, cheesy crust during baking.
Press down gently – after adding the last layer of croissant mixture, press down gently with a spatula to make sure the croissants are submerged in the egg mixture.
Rest before serving – allow the Croissant Breakfast Bake to cool slightly before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve, and it will also help the flavors to meld together.
Customize to Your Taste – change things around, add your favorite ingredients. Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes, or use cooked bacon or sausage.
Make-ahead – this Croissant bake is a great option for busy mornings or when hosting brunch!
Serve with fresh herbs: Garnish the finished breakfast casserole with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Step by step instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
- Start by tearing or cutting the croissants into bite size pieces. Arrange one layer of the bread at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Follow by torn pieces of ham and prosciutto and some of the shredded cheese
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, smoked paprika and fresh herbs.
- Add another layer of torn croissants and meats, and more cheese
- Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture over the bread and meat. Lightly press down and mix a little with the fork to arrange the pieces.
- Add the last layer of shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
How to use this dish, best way to enjoy
As a standalone breakfast – serve slices of the Croissant Breakfast Bake on its own for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.
With fresh fruit or side salad – pair the croissant breakfast casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a light and nutritious meal.
Other great options are – side of avocado (or guacamole), hot sauce or salsa, potato hash and of course a mimosa
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Storage instructions, reheating
- Refrigeration:
- allow the Croissant Breakfast Bake to cool completely. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual portions to an airtight container.
- use within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- Freezing:
- allow the Croissant Breakfast Bake to cool completely.
- portion it into single servings and transfer into freezer-safe containers.
- use within 2-3 months for the best quality and taste.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Place individual portions in a oven safe dish and reheat in the oven set to 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. You can cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out
- Microwave: always use microwave -safe container; reheat in short intervals, until heated through. Let it stand for a minute or two before serving.
- Thawing Frozen Bake: Transfer frozen Croissant Bake to the fridge and thaw overnight. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated leftovers.
Easy Savory Croissant Bake
Equipment
- Baking dish
- measuring cups and spoons
- whisk or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- cheese grater
- oven mitts
Ingredients
- 4 – 6 day old croissants
- 5 eggs
- 1 cup HWC or ½ + HWC
- 1 tbs butter to grease the baking dish
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 6 – 8 slices black forest ham or ham of your choice
- 5 slices prosciutto
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
- Start by tearing or cutting the croissants into bite size pieces. Arrange one layer of the bread at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Follow by torn pieces of ham and prosciutto and some of the shredded cheese
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, smoked paprika and fresh herbs.
- Add another layer of torn croissants and meats, and more cheese
- Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture over the bread and meat. Lightly press down and mix a little with the fork to arrange the pieces.
- Add the last layer of shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Conclusion
There you have it! My Easy Croissant Breakfast Bake is the ultimate morning indulgence, a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. With buttery croissants, savory ham and prosciutto, and a rich and creamy egg mixture, every bite of this breakfast casserole delivers satisfying sensation.
Lazy weekend brunch, gathering with friends and family, a special Christmas morning treat or simply looking for quick and satisfying breakfast casseroles, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, with its customizable ingredients and make-ahead option, it’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Don’t wait. Give it a try and let me know what you think. I have a feeling these breakfast casserole will become a staple in your breakfast rotation in no time!
FAQ
Can I use fresh croissants instead of stale ones?
While using stale croissants is recommended for better texture, you can still use fresh croissants. Just be aware that they might become a bit softer and more moist during baking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply bake it as directed. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when hosting brunch.
How far in advance can I prepare this dish?
You can prepare the Croissant Breakfast Bake up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake according to the recipe instructions.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the Croissant Breakfast Bake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the breakfast casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Click HERE to read more about storage instructions.
Can I customize this recipe with different ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to customize this croissant breakfast casserole recipe with your favorite ingredients. You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes, or swap out the ham and prosciutto for cooked bacon or breakfast sausage.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ham and prosciutto, and add your favorite vegetables or vegetarian alternatives like sautéed mushrooms or spinach to make this breakfast casserole completely vegetarian.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Gruyere cheese adds a nutty flavor, while Parmesan cheese adds a sharp kick to this breakfast casserole. You can substitute with your favorite cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella.
What can I serve with Croissant Breakfast Bake?
Croissant Breakfast Bake pairs well with fresh fruit, breakfast potatoes, breakfast sausage, toast, or a simple green salad. It’s also delicious with a side of hot sauce or salsa for extra flavor.
How do I know when the breakfast bake is done?
The breakfast bake is done when the top is golden brown and the eggs are set. You can also insert a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes! Leftovers or overnight croissant breakfast bake can be reheated in the oven or microwave. Click HERE to read more about storage and reheating instructions for more details.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free croissants or substitute with gluten-free bread to make this breakfast casserole gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this sweet breakfast casserole by using dairy-free alternatives for ingredients like heavy whipping cream and cheese. Substitute coconut cream or almond milk for the heavy whipping cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Adjust the quantities and flavors according to your taste preferences.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat Croissant Breakfast Bake leftovers, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the desired amount in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions of this overnight breakfast casserole in the microwave in short intervals until warmed to your liking.
I hope you enjoy this croissant breakfast bake recipe!
