Gooey Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake with Gravy Recipe

Mornings become magical when an overnight croissant breakfast casserole arrives at your table, promising comfort in every delectable bite.

Waking to golden, puffy layers nestled beneath a creamy blanket of savory goodness.

Rich textures and indulgent flavors await you in this simple yet extraordinary dish.

Buttery croissants absorb a delightful egg mixture, creating a pillowy foundation that melts in your mouth.

Weekend brunches transform with this effortless recipe that looks like you spent hours preparing.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment, letting you savor precious moments with loved ones instead of standing over a hot stove.

Grab a fork and let the deliciousness begin—this casserole will be the star of your morning spread.

Why Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy Stands Out

• Overnight Magic: Prep this delightful casserole the night before, allowing flavors to meld and saving precious morning time for relaxation.
• Layered Flavor Explosion: Combining flaky croissants, savory sausage, melted cheese, and creamy eggs creates a mouthwatering breakfast experience that tingles every taste bud.
• Comfort Food Perfection: The homemade gravy adds a rich, velvety touch that transforms this casserole from simple to spectacular, making it the ultimate weekend breakfast treat for families and friends.
• Easy-Peasy Cooking: With minimal morning effort and straightforward preparation, this recipe works for novice cooks and busy households seeking a delicious, satisfying meal without complicated techniques.

What You’ll Use For Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy

• Croissants: Buttery, flaky base that soaks up flavors and creates a rich texture. Day-old croissants work best for better absorption.
• Butter: Helps grease the baking dish for easy serving and prevents sticking.

• Sausage, Onions, Bell Peppers: Savory mixture that adds depth and hearty flavor. Choose fresh ground sausage for best results. Mix of bell peppers provides color and nutrition.

• Eggs, Milk, Cream: Create a custardy base that binds the casserole. Whole milk provides richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor that melts beautifully and adds creamy texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste profile.

• Butter, Flour: Base for creating smooth, classic gravy. Use all-purpose flour for consistent texture.
• Milk: Provides liquid and creaminess for gravy.
• Sage: Adds earthy, traditional flavor to the gravy.

Simple Steps To Make Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage Medley

In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they turn soft and fragrant. Drain away any excess grease, leaving behind a delicious mixture.

Step 2: Create the Casserole Foundation

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange croissant pieces in an even layer, creating a dreamy base. Sprinkle the sausage mixture over the croissant pieces, then cover with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Whip Up the Silky Egg Blend

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Pour this luxurious blend evenly over the croissant and sausage layers. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil, then let it rest in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 2 hours).

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Warm up the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and set eggs.

Step 5: Craft the Creamy Gravy

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried sage

Continue cooking until the gravy thickens to a smooth, velvety consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle the warm, aromatic gravy over the top, or serve it alongside the casserole for guests to pour as they please. Watch as everyone digs into this comforting morning feast!

Tips To Get Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy Just Right

• Prep Ahead Perfection: Assemble the casserole the night before to save morning cooking time and let flavors meld together beautifully.
• Customize Croissant Choice: Use day-old bakery croissants or fresh ones for different texture variations, ensuring they're slightly stale for better absorption.
• Vegetarian Swap Strategy: Replace sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a meat-free version.
• Gravy Consistency Control: Whisk milk slowly and continuously to prevent lumps, adjusting thickness by adding more milk if too thick or cooking longer if too thin.
• Cheese Creativity Boost: Experiment with different cheese blends like gruyère, monterey jack, or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles to the casserole.

Best Way To Store And Reheat Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze Portions: Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality. Label the container with the date.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm individual portions in the microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated completely.
• Check Temperature: Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating to maintain food safety and preserve the casserole's delicious texture.

What Tastes Good With Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy

• Brew Bold Coffee Companions: Pair this hearty breakfast casserole with a strong, dark roast coffee or a rich espresso. The robust coffee cuts through the creamy, savory flavors, creating a perfect morning balance.
• Wine Brunch Elegance: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole and help cleanse the palate between bites.
• Citrus Juice Zinger: Complement the dish with fresh orange juice or a tangy grapefruit juice. The bright, acidic notes will help cut through the casserole's richness and provide a vibrant morning pick-me-up.
• Fresh Fruit Freshness: Add a side of mixed berries or sliced melon to bring a light, sweet element to the meal. The fresh fruits provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty casserole.

Twists You Can Try On Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy

• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace sausage with chorizo and add diced jalapeños for a zesty kick. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese and mix in some chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
• Mediterranean Morning Mix: Substitute sausage with crumbled feta and spinach. Use herbs like oregano and thyme in the egg mixture. Top with sliced kalamata olives before baking for a Greek-inspired breakfast casserole.
• Vegetarian Harvest Edition: Swap sausage with roasted seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of milk in the gravy and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Replace sausage with crispy bacon pieces. Incorporate crumbled bacon into the egg mixture and sprinkle additional bacon bits on top before serving. Add chives to the gravy for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs About Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy

• Why use croissants instead of regular bread in this breakfast casserole?

Croissants add a buttery, flaky texture that creates a more luxurious and rich base for the casserole. Their delicate layers absorb the egg mixture beautifully, giving the dish a lighter, more delicate structure compared to dense bread.

• Can I prepare this casserole if I'm short on time?

While the recipe is designed for overnight chilling, you can reduce the refrigeration time to a minimum of 2 hours. This allows the croissants to soak up the egg mixture and ensures the flavors meld together properly.

• Is this breakfast casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning. It’s perfect for busy families or weekend gatherings, as most of the preparation is done in advance. The casserole reheats well and stays delicious for 2-3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sausage mixture. You can also use turkey sausage for a leaner protein option or add some diced bell peppers for extra vitamins and crunch.

Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake With Gravy Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty French-inspired “overnight croissant breakfast casserole” brings comfort and elegance to morning meals. Rich layers of buttery croissants meld with savory gravy, promising a delightful start to your day that will satisfy morning cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground breakfast sausage
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Bread and Vegetable Ingredients:

• 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup (75 g) diced onion
• ½ cup (75 g) diced bell pepper (optional)

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Gravy Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage (optional)

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Instructions

1. Transform the sausage into a flavorful base by browning it in a skillet over medium heat. Introduce diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become tender and translucent. Eliminate excess oil to maintain a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
2. Create a strategic foundation in a generously greased baking vessel by arranging torn croissant pieces in an even layer. Distribute the aromatic sausage mixture across the surface, then lavishly dust with shredded cheddar cheese for added depth.
3. Craft a silky custard foundation by whisking eggs with milk, cream, and a harmonious blend of seasonings including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Gently cascade this luxurious mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Shield the assembled dish with protective wrap and allow it to rest and meld flavors in the refrigerator overnight, permitting the croissants to absorb the rich egg mixture completely.
5. Remove the casserole from cold storage and allow it to reach ambient temperature for approximately 15 minutes before baking. Position in a preheated oven at 350F, transforming the ingredients into a golden, puffy masterpiece over 35-40 minutes.
6. Simultaneously prepare a velvety gravy by melting butter and introducing flour, creating a roux with delicate golden undertones. Gradually incorporate milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Enhance with salt, pepper, and sage, simmering until the sauce reaches a luxurious, coating consistency.
7. Once baked to perfection, allow the casserole to rest briefly, then elegantly drizzle the warm, aromatic gravy directly over the dish or serve alongside as a complementary sauce.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Magic: This recipe shines with overnight marination, allowing croissants to soak up the rich egg mixture, creating a luxurious, custardy texture that elevates the entire dish.
• Flavor Flexibility: Swap pork sausage for turkey or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising taste and texture.
• Cheese Creativity: Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, monterey jack, or pepper jack to add unexpected depth and personal flair to the breakfast casserole.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free croissants and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the gravy to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 240 mg