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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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