Description
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake is buttery, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting. Made with flaky croissants, savory sausage, and a rich egg custard, it’s the ultimate make-ahead brunch recipe for holidays, weekends, or cozy mornings when you want something special without the stress.
Ingredients
6–8 large croissants, preferably day-old, torn into large chunks
1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
6–8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1–2 tbsp butter (for greasing and sautéing)
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Red pepper flakes or hot sauce, to taste (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Tear croissants into large pieces and spread evenly in the dish.
Cook the Sausage & Veggies: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic (if using) and spinach, cooking until wilted. Brown the sausage separately, then combine with the spinach mixture.
Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Bake: Layer half the croissants, then half the sausage mixture and cheese. Repeat layers. Pour custard evenly over the top, pressing gently to help it absorb.
Chill Overnight: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden.
Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with herbs or serve with chili sauce or hot sauce if desired.
Notes
Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
Quick Version: Skip the overnight chill—just let it soak for 30–60 minutes before baking.
Substitutions: Use brioche or challah instead of croissants, or swap sausage for mushrooms and peppers for a vegetarian version.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.
Cheese Options: Try Gruyère, Swiss, or a cheddar blend for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10 of casserole)
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake, make-ahead breakfast, easy brunch casserole, sausage breakfast bake
