Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast treat: overnight croissant casserole! Seriously, this dish is everything you could want for a cozy morning. It’s incredibly easy to whip up the night before, and you wake up to the most scrumptious, warm casserole that practically melts in your mouth. Imagine buttery croissants soaking up a rich, creamy custard and then baking to golden perfection. You can almost smell it baking in the oven! Plus, it’s perfect for brunch gatherings or lazy weekends when you just want to indulge a little. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients for Overnight Croissant Casserole

6 croissants, cut into pieces: The star of the show! Use fresh, buttery croissants, and cut them into bite-sized pieces for that perfect texture.
6 large eggs: These will help bind everything together, creating a rich custard that’s simply divine.
2 cups milk: I always go for whole milk for that extra creaminess, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
1 cup heavy cream: This adds a luxurious touch to your casserole, making it incredibly rich and satisfying.
1/2 cup sugar: Just the right amount to balance out the flavors and give a hint of sweetness.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds that warm, inviting flavor that makes this dish taste like a dream!
1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
1 cup shredded cheese (optional): If you want to add a savory twist, sprinkle some cheese on top! I love using sharp cheddar or Gruyère.
Fresh berries for serving (optional): These are perfect for adding a burst of color and freshness on the plate—plus they taste amazing with the casserole!

How to Prepare Overnight Croissant Casserole

Getting this overnight croissant casserole ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious breakfast waiting for you in the morning. The best part? Most of the work happens while you sleep! Let’s dive in.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting that perfect golden brown crust!
Grab a greased baking dish (I love using a 9×13 inch one) and start placing those lovely croissant pieces in there. Spread them out evenly, so every bite gets that buttery goodness.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until it’s all well combined. This is where the magic happens—you’re creating that creamy custard that’ll soak into the croissants!
Now, pour that luscious egg mixture over the croissant pieces, making sure to coat them well. Gently stir everything together to combine, but don’t worry about it being perfect—some croissant pieces can peek out!
If you’re adding cheese, go ahead and sprinkle it on top now. This step is optional, but trust me, it adds an amazing savory touch!
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge overnight. Letting it sit allows the croissants to soak up all that creamy goodness. It’s like a cozy sleepover for your casserole!
When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and slide that dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center. The smell will be absolutely heavenly!
Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, topped with fresh berries if you like!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s super quick to prepare—just a little chopping and whisking before bed, and you’re all set!
The overnight soaking means it’s bursting with flavor and incredibly moist by morning.
It’s completely customizable! Feel free to add your favorite toppings or mix-ins—like chocolate chips, nuts, or even different cheeses.
Perfect for feeding a crowd; this casserole serves up to 6 people, making it ideal for brunch gatherings.
It’s a deliciously satisfying breakfast that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.
You can prepare it ahead of time, which is a lifesaver for busy mornings!
The warm, comforting aroma wafting from the oven will have everyone racing to the table!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your overnight croissant casserole turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my best tips to help you nail this recipe every time:

Use fresh croissants: The better the croissants, the better the casserole! If you can, get some from your local bakery or grocery store. Stale croissants just won’t give you that dreamy texture.
Let it soak: Don’t rush the refrigerator time! The longer the croissants soak in the custard, the more flavorful and moist your casserole will be. Overnight is best, but if you can let it sit for at least 4 hours, that works too.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to get creative! Try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of orange zest to the egg mixture for a fun twist. You can also swap in different cheeses or mix in fruits!
Keep an eye on the baking: Ovens can vary, so start checking your casserole a bit earlier than the suggested baking time. You want that golden brown top, but you don’t want to overbake it and dry it out!
Serve warm: This casserole is best served warm right out of the oven. If you can, have your coffee ready and enjoy it fresh! And don’t forget those fresh berries on top—they add a lovely touch of brightness.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on the nutritional breakdown for each delicious slice of your overnight croissant casserole! Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so they might vary slightly depending on what you use. But here’s what you can expect:

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 200mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 8g

This casserole is indulgent but oh-so-worth it for a special breakfast treat! Enjoy every bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make this overnight croissant casserole without cheese?
Absolutely! You can totally skip the cheese, and it’ll still be delicious. The custard mixture is rich enough to stand on its own, but feel free to add some extra spices or fruit for added flavor!

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
You’ll want to look for a beautiful golden brown top and a custard that’s set in the center. A little jiggle is okay, but if it’s still super liquidy, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Also, the smell will be a dead giveaway—trust me!

Can I prepare this casserole in advance and freeze it?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option!

What can I serve with the overnight croissant casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, like a vibrant fruit salad, or even a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a heartier meal. And let’s not forget a steaming cup of coffee to wash it all down!

Can I use other types of bread instead of croissants?
You bet! While croissants give it that dreamy texture, you can use brioche or even challah for a different twist. Just be mindful of moisture levels, as some breads might soak up more custard than others.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this delicious overnight croissant casserole, and now you’re wondering how to store those mouthwatering leftovers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Proper storage is key to keeping that creamy goodness fresh and tasty for the next day—or even longer!

First things first, once your casserole has cooled down a bit, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep those flavors intact!

When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is super simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish if it’s not already. Cover it with foil to prevent the top from getting too browned while it warms up. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you want a little extra crisp on top, you can uncover it for the last 5 minutes!

And there you have it! Enjoy your leftover casserole warm, and don’t forget to add those fresh berries again for that delightful touch. Happy eating!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your delicious overnight croissant casserole ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! This dish is like a blank canvas, and there are so many delightful options to enhance your breakfast experience.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad bursting with seasonal berries, melons, and citrus is the perfect complement. The freshness balances the richness of the casserole beautifully!
Crispy Bacon or Sausage: If you’re in the mood for something savory, crispy bacon or juicy sausage links add a wonderful contrast to the sweet and creamy casserole.
Yogurt Parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and fresh fruits creates a nice crunch and creaminess, making for a well-rounded breakfast plate.
Steaming Coffee: You can’t go wrong with a cup of freshly brewed coffee! Whether you prefer it black, with cream, or a splash of flavored syrup, it pairs perfectly with this indulgent dish.
Herbal Tea: For a lighter beverage, a fragrant herbal tea can be a lovely choice. Think chamomile or peppermint for a soothing sip alongside your meal.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create your ideal breakfast spread! Enjoy every bite and sip, because this is what cozy mornings are all about!

Overnight Croissant Casserole: 7 Steps to Morning Bliss

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious overnight croissant casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale

6 croissants, cut into pieces
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Fresh berries for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the croissant pieces in a greased baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Pour the mixture over the croissants and stir gently to combine.
If using, sprinkle cheese over the top.
Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown and set.
Serve warm with fresh berries.

Notes

Prepare the casserole the night before for best results.
Customize with your favorite toppings.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: overnight croissant casserole, breakfast casserole, croissant recipe

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