If you’re searching for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of flaky croissant pieces, savory sausage, and melty cheddar cheese soaked in a rich custard, all baked to golden perfection. What makes it truly special is the ease of preparing it the night before — making your morning stress-free and your taste buds endlessly happy. This casserole is perfect for lazy weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using ingredients that work in harmony to create a casserole bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays an essential role, from the buttery croissants to the perfectly spiced custard that ties it all together.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sauté the onions with a subtle fruity note and prevents sticking.
- 1 small onion, peeled and chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic base for the sausage.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, mild flavor: Brings the savory, meaty depth that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
- 4 large butter croissants or 8 small croissants: The star ingredient providing flaky, buttery layers throughout the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets adding sharpness and richness.
- 6 large eggs: Essential for creating the custardy base that binds all the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: Boosts the creamy texture for a luscious finish.
- 3 cups whole milk, divided: Keeps the custard light and perfectly balanced.
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder: Adds a subtle tang that lifts the sausage and cheese.
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for gravy): Enhances all other flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (plus more for gravy): Adds a mild kick for warmth and depth.
- 1/4 tsp paprika: Introduces a hint of smokiness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory background to round out the dish.
- 2 tbsp butter: Used for making the silky, rich gravy with a golden hue.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy perfectly for serving alongside the casserole.
How to Make Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions until Soft and Translucent
Start by heating the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and cook them until they become soft and translucent — this step is key for developing a sweet, caramelized flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage Thoroughly
Add your breakfast sausage to the skillet with the onions. Break it apart as it cooks until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat but save a bit; this flavorful fat will make your gravy extra delicious. Let the sausage mixture cool slightly before moving on.
Step 3: Combine Croissants, Sausage, and Cheese
Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the sausage and onion mixture along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Mixing these while slightly warm helps the cheese begin to soften, creating those irresistible cheesy pockets in the casserole.
Step 4: Spread the Mixture Into a Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch dish lightly with butter or spray. Spread the croissant, sausage, and cheese mixture evenly in the dish, ensuring you fill every corner for uniform baking and flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Prepare the Custard and Pour Over
Whisk together eggs, heavy cream, half a cup of milk, dry mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. This velvety custard is what soaks into the croissants and binds everything into a luscious delight. Pour it gently and evenly over the casserole.
Step 6: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This resting period allows the croissants to soak up the custard fully, intensifying the texture and flavor while letting you wake up to breakfast that’s mostly already made.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the custard is set. The smell alone will make your mouth water!
Step 8: Prepare the Savory Gravy
While the casserole bakes, melt butter in a saucepan with the reserved sausage fat. Stir in the flour to form a roux, then slowly whisk in 2½ cups of milk. Cook over medium heat until thickened and creamy—season with salt and pepper to taste. This gravy is the perfect creamy counterpoint to the casserole.
Step 9: Serve Warm with Gravy
Once baked, serve your Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe warm from the oven, generously drizzled or served alongside the savory gravy. It’s comfort food elevated, and it’s guaranteed to brighten any morning table.
How to Serve Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the casserole just before serving adds a fresh pop of green and a subtle oniony bite. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream or a scattering of sliced green onions can lift the flavors even further.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with some light, fresh sides. Think a crisp fruit salad or a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad to balance the richness. Some crispy breakfast potatoes or even simple roasted asparagus make great savory companions too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking to serve personalized sizes with a stylish flair. Alternatively, you can add sautéed mushrooms or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to tweak the flavor profile to match your guests’ tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for fantastic make-ahead breakfasts or lunches.
Freezing
This casserole freezes really well. Portion it into airtight containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Warm until heated through, about 15-20 minutes depending on portion size. Microwaving is fine for a quicker option but may soften the croissants slightly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar brings sharpness and a classic flavor, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack can be delicious substitutes to switch things up.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
Yes, the overnight soak helps the croissants soak up the custard fully, ensuring a tender, custardy texture throughout, rather than a dry or uneven bake.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian version that’s still packed with flavor.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The bake is ready when the top is golden brown, and the custard is set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean). Avoid underbaking to keep the texture perfect.
Can I prepare the gravy without sausage fat?
If you prefer, use all butter instead of reserved sausage fat. It will still result in a delicious, creamy gravy that complements the casserole well.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe has become one of those comforting staples that I’m always excited to share and enjoy myself. The ease of prepping it the night before combined with flavors that sing together beautifully makes it a winner every time. Whether feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a special morning, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a delicious way to make breakfast effortless, indulgent, and unforgettable.
Print
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 15 hours (including overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a savory and satisfying dish perfect for a make-ahead brunch or breakfast. Layers of flaky butter croissants, browned breakfast sausage, sautéed onions, and melted cheddar cheese are soaked overnight in a rich egg and milk mixture, then baked to golden perfection. Finished with a creamy homemade sausage gravy, this comforting casserole brings together delicious flavors and a delightful texture that’s sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetable
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, mild flavor
Casserole Base
- 4 large butter croissants or 8 small croissants
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk (from the 3 cups total, divided)
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus additional for the gravy to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (plus additional for the gravy to taste)
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk (remaining from the 3 cups total)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Sausage: Add the breakfast sausage to the skillet with onions and cook until the sausage is browned all over. Drain excess fat, reserving some for the gravy, and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the cooked sausage and onions along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently mix to combine.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the croissant, sausage, and cheese mixture evenly in the dish.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup of whole milk, dry mustard powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Soak and Refrigerate: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant mixture in the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight to allow the croissants to soak up the custard.
- Bake Casserole: The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Make Gravy: While the casserole bakes, prepare the gravy. In a saucepan, melt butter with the reserved sausage fat over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the remaining 2 1/2 cups of milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Once the casserole is baked, serve it hot with the creamy sausage gravy on the side for pouring over individual portions.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants enhances texture as they absorb the custard better.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with a different cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a variation in flavor.
- For a spicier kick, use spicy breakfast sausage or add cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
- Make sure to cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the casserole to set properly.
- Gravy can be prepared ahead and reheated when ready to serve.
