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Close-up overhead view of croissant breakfast casserole showing layers of custard, sausage, and cheese

Easy Breakfast Croissant Casserole

40aprons.com/croissant-breakfast-casserole/
This sausage and egg croissant breakfast casserole recipe is fantastic for holiday brunch or feeding a hungry family! Buttery croissants soak in a rich, custardy egg mixture and are layered with savory hot sausage and sharp cheddar cheese, all baked until golden and crispy on top.   
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 45 minutes
Total 1 hour
Recipe Makes (Approximate): 8

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • chef's knife

Ingredients

For the Casserole

  • 8 to 10 full-size croissants
  • 1 pound hot ground pork sausage (such as Jimmy Dean)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For the Custard

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups half and half (milk of choice, or heavy cream)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 green onions (sliced; divided)
  • pinch cinnamon
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Lightly spray 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Add 1 pound hot ground pork sausage to large skillet over medium heat. Brown and crumble sausage completely, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease and set aside.
  • Slice 8 to 10 full-size croissants in half horizontally, then tear into large pieces, about 2 to 3 inches each. Add torn croissants to prepared baking dish.
  • In large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1½ cups half and half, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ cup pure maple syrup, pinch of cinnamon, and half of sliced green onions until smooth and well combined. Reserve remaining green onions for garnish.
  • Scatter cooked sausage evenly over croissants in baking dish. Pour custard mixture over everything, gently pressing croissants down to help them absorb custard.
  • Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over top of casserole.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, until croissants are golden brown and cheese has crisped up. Check at 30-minute mark -- if croissants or cheese are browning too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for remaining bake time.
  • Remove from oven and let cool 5-10 minutes. Garnish with reserved green onions before serving.

Recipe Notes

Make it Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before baking, and add 10 to 15 minutes to the bake time.
Freezing Instructions: Freeze the unbaked casserole wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. The texture won't be quite as perfect as fresh, but it's still delicious.
Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, or reheat the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Day-Old Croissants Work Best: Slightly stale croissants absorb the custard better than super-fresh ones. If using fresh croissants, tear them up and let sit uncovered for a few hours before assembling.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 659calProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 167mgSodium: 559mgPotassium: 176mgTotal Carbs: 10gFiber: 0.3gSugar: 8gNet Carbs: 10gVitamin A: 712IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 285mgIron: 1mg
Recipe By: Cheryl Malik
https://40aprons.com/croissant-breakfast-casserole/