Wake Up to Dreamy Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Mornings call for comfort, and this overnight croissant breakfast casserole gravy recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Rich layers of flaky croissants meld seamlessly with savory seasonings and tender ingredients.

Breakfast lovers will swoon over this decadent morning delight that combines classic flavors with innovative technique.

Eggs and creamy gravy create a luxurious base that elevates every single bite.

Hearty and satisfying, this casserole transforms simple breakfast ingredients into an extraordinary morning feast.

Weekend brunch guests will be thoroughly impressed by this delectable dish that comes together with minimal morning effort.

Dive into this irresistible breakfast experience that promises warmth, flavor, and pure breakfast bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need For Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy

• Breakfast Sausage: Adds rich, meaty flavor and hearty texture to the casserole, best chosen from fresh ground pork with balanced spice profile.
• Onions: Provides sweet undertones and aromatic depth, select firm bulbs with no soft spots or sprouting.
• Bell Peppers: Brings vibrant color and subtle crunch, choose crisp peppers with smooth, glossy skin.

• Eggs: Acts as primary structural component binding ingredients together, use fresh large eggs at room temperature.
• Milk: Creates silky consistency and enhances overall moisture, whole milk recommended for richer result.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and depth, select high-butterfat content cream for best flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor and melty goodness, opt for freshly shredded block cheese.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Provides warm, subtle heat, freshly ground offers superior taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds gentle background complexity, ensure recent purchase for maximum potency.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertone, choose high-quality Spanish variety.
• Croissants: Serves as buttery, flaky base, select day-old bakery-fresh pastries.
• Butter: Critical for creating smooth gravy and adding richness, use unsalted high-quality butter.
• Flour: Thickens gravy and creates smooth consistency, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Sage

Helpful Tools For Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and sautéing vegetables with even heat distribution.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the entire casserole, ensuring a perfect size for family servings.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Crucial for whisking the egg mixture thoroughly and combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Necessary for blending eggs and creating a uniform egg mixture without lumps.
• Medium Saucepan: Ideal for preparing the creamy gravy with precise temperature control.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Plastic Wrap or Foil: Used for covering the casserole during overnight refrigeration.

Easy Steps To Make Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy

• Sausage Foundation

Create a flavor-packed base by browning sausage in a skillet. Toss in diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they release their aromatic goodness. Let the mixture drain and rest.

• Layered Landscape

Grab a baking dish and create a cozy bed of torn croissant pieces. Blanket the croissants with the savory sausage mixture, then shower generously with shredded cheddar cheese.

• Liquid Gold

In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs with milk and cream. Season with a magical blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Pour this silky mixture over the layers, ensuring every croissant piece gets a luxurious bath. Wrap the dish and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight.

• Oven Transformation

Wake up and preheat the oven to a cozy 350F. Let the casserole breathe at room temperature for a few minutes. Slide the dish into the oven and bake until the top turns golden and the eggs set perfectly.

• Gravy Magic

While the casserole bakes, craft a velvety gravy. Melt butter in a saucepan, sprinkle in flour, and stir until it turns a delicate golden hue. Slowly pour in milk, whisking away any lumpy rebels. Season with salt, pepper, and sage. Let the gravy simmer and thicken into liquid comfort.

• Finishing Touch

Rescue the casserole from the oven and let it rest. Drizzle the warm gravy over the top or serve it alongside for a personalized breakfast experience.

Tips To Tweak Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy

2 days in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator for ultimate convenience and stress-free morning entertaining.

• Protein Power Swap: Replace breakfast sausage with turkey sausage, chorizo, or vegetarian sausage crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences and add exciting flavor variations.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free croissants and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the gravy to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Cheese Lover's Twist: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, monterey jack, or pepper jack to elevate the casserole's flavor profile and create a unique breakfast experience.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute croissants with cauliflower florets or low-carb bread cubes for a keto-friendly version that still delivers rich, satisfying breakfast flavors.

Serve Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy Warm

• Comfort Breakfast Companion: Serve alongside fresh fruit salad for a balanced, colorful morning plate that adds brightness and nutrition to the rich casserole.
• Weekend Brunch Showstopper: Pair with mimosas or fresh orange juice to elevate the meal into a celebratory weekend gathering that feels special and indulgent.
• Side Salad Refresh: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
• Garnish Delight: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for a pop of color, added freshness, and a subtle herbal note that complements the savory gravy and sausage.

How To Store Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy

• Refrigerator Rest Strategy: Store the assembled casserole covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Prepare the entire casserole, wrap securely in freezer-safe plastic and foil, and freeze uncooked for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
• Leftover Love: Sealed in an airtight container, this breakfast bake stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave for 60-90 seconds, adding fresh gravy for extra moisture.
• Quick Portion Control: Cut cooled casserole into individual squares, wrap separately in plastic wrap, and store in freezer for grab-and-go breakfast options that can be microwaved within minutes.

Hearty Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty overnight croissant breakfast casserole combines classic breakfast ingredients for a comforting morning meal. Rich layers of buttery croissants, eggs, and savory gravy promise a satisfying start to your day.

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Ingredients

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• 8 large eggs
• 1 lb (450 g) ground breakfast sausage
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (75 g) diced onion
• ½ cup (75 g) diced bell pepper (optional)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground sage (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sausage Preparation: Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until tender. Drain excess oil to concentrate flavors.
2. Layering Foundation: Grease a baking dish and create a base layer with torn croissant pieces. Distribute sausage mixture evenly and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface.
3. Custard Creation: Whisk eggs with milk, cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Pour this silky mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and absorption.
4. Flavor Infusion: Cover the dish with wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing croissants to fully soak in the egg mixture and develop deep, complex flavors.
5. Baking Process: Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350F and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and puffy.
6. Gravy Crafting: Create a roux by melting butter and adding flour. Slowly whisk in milk, avoiding lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and sage. Simmer until gravy reaches a smooth, thick consistency.
7. Final Presentation: Let casserole rest briefly after baking. Drizzle warm gravy over the dish or serve separately as a complementary sauce.

Notes

• Sausage Browning Technique: Ensure the sausage is browned thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors. Pat the meat dry before cooking to achieve better caramelization and prevent excess moisture.
• Croissant Absorption Tip: Use slightly stale or day-old croissants for optimal liquid absorption. Tear them into uneven pieces to create interesting texture and prevent a uniform, dense layer.
• Overnight Resting Hack: Allow the casserole to rest in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, but no more than 24 hours. This process allows the croissants to soak up the custard completely, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
• Gravy Perfection Trick: Whisk the gravy constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky consistency. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of full cream, or substitute with a gluten-free flour alternative for dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 230 mg