Irresistibly Cozy Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Everyone Craves

Ever wake up craving a breakfast that feels indulgent but still smart enough to prep ahead? Same here. That’s exactly why I keep coming back to this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole. It combines flaky, buttery croissants with a savory egg-and-cheese filling that bakes into pure comfort. I first made this after hosting a brunch where I absolutely refused to wake up early—best decision ever. This croissant breakfast casserole rests overnight, does the hard work while you sleep, and comes out golden, puffy, and ridiculously good in the morning.

If you love make ahead breakfast recipes and need a breakfast casserole for a crowd, this one checks all the boxes. It feels fancy, feeds a lot of people, and skips the stress. Ever wonder why croissants work better than plain bread here? They soak up the custard without turning mushy—IMO, that’s kitchen magic. Whether you serve it for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or cozy Sunday meal, this make ahead croissant breakfast casserole always steals the show 🙂

Ingredients

• 6–7 large croissants, torn into big chunks
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss)
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced (optional)
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Butter for greasing the dish

Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Trust me—no one likes a stuck casserole.
2. Scatter the croissant pieces evenly across the dish. Let them overlap a bit.
3. Sprinkle the cheese, ham, and green onions evenly over the croissants.
4. Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
5. Pour the egg mixture slowly over everything, pressing lightly so the croissants soak it up.
6. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
7. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking.
8. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
9. Rest for 10 minutes, slice, and serve warm.

Why This Overnight Breakfast Casserole Just Works

This overnight breakfast casserole succeeds because croissants bring richness without heaviness. Plain bread can feel dense, but croissants stay airy even after soaking. Ever wondered why people fight for seconds? The layers of texture keep every bite exciting. FYI, leftovers taste even better the next day—no joke.

I also love how flexible this dish feels. You can lean indulgent with cheese or keep it lighter for a healthy breakfast casserole angle. Either way, you get a cozy, one dish breakfast that feels effortless. Isn’t that the dream?

Variations

Want to switch things up without reinventing the wheel? I’ve got you.

• Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole: Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers.
• Croissant Casserole Without Meat: Use extra cheese and herbs like thyme or chives.
• Mini Quiche Breakfast Cups: Bake the same mixture in muffin tins for portion-perfect servings.

Serving & Tips

Serve this baked croissant egg casserole with fresh fruit, a simple salad, or crispy bacon. For storage, cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days. You can freeze slices, too—wrap them individually and reheat when needed.

Want a cozy seasonal touch? Add nutmeg in winter or fresh herbs in spring. This dish shines at brunch potlucks and holidays, especially when you want something warm and comforting without standing over the stove. Ever hosted guests and wished breakfast handled itself? Same.

Final Thoughts

I always come back to this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole when life gets busy but I still want something special on the table. It feels indulgent, relaxed, and just a little smug—you did all the work last night, after all. Whether you cook for guests or just treat yourself, this casserole turns mornings into something worth waking up for.

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FAQs

Can I use day-old croissants?

Absolutely. Slightly stale croissants soak up the egg mixture even better and hold their structure.

Is this freezer friendly?

Yes. Freeze baked slices up to 2 months and reheat gently for an easy meal.

Can I make this without cheese?

You can, but the texture changes. Add veggies or dairy-free milk to keep it creamy.

How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The center should feel set and spring back lightly when pressed. If it jiggles, bake 5 more minutes.