Cheesy Croissant Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Croissant Casserole is a rich and savory breakfast bake featuring buttery croissants soaked in a creamy egg mixture with crispy bacon and a blend of Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast, this casserole delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors with a golden, cheesy crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 51 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 11 minutes to 11 hours 11 minutes (including optional refrigeration time)
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Croissants and Bacon
- 6 large croissants, quartered
- 6 slices bacon
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 3 cups milk (preferably whole)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped chives
- 2 tsp. chopped thyme leaves
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch cayenne
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
Other
- Butter, for greasing pan
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast Croissants: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Arrange the quartered croissants cut side up on a large baking sheet and bake until they turn golden brown, about 6 minutes. This step adds a crisp texture to the croissants before soaking.
- Cook Bacon: While the croissants bake, cook the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat until they become crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces to scatter evenly in the casserole later.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, finely chopped chives, and thyme leaves. Season the mixture with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. Stir in about ¾ cup of shredded Gruyère and ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella for a creamy, cheesy base.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter the toasted croissant quarters and cooked bacon evenly in the dish. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the croissants, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid well. For best results, refrigerate the assembled casserole for 30 minutes or up to overnight to fully soak.
- Bake Until Golden: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup each of Gruyère and mozzarella over the top of the casserole. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the casserole is set and the top is golden and bubbly. Garnish with additional chopped chives if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- To save time, croissants can be toasted ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
- Refrigerating the casserole before baking helps the croissants absorb the custard better, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Feel free to swap bacon with sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, use low-fat milk and reduce or omit the heavy cream.
- This casserole freezes well; freeze after assembling and thaw overnight before baking.
Keywords: Croissant Casserole, Cheesy Breakfast Casserole, Bacon Breakfast Bake, Brunch Recipe, Egg Casserole, Gruyère Cheese Casserole
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/cheesy-croissant-casserole-recipe/
