Imagine waking up to a mouthwatering breakfast that practically prepares itself while you sleep! This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate game-changer for lazy weekend mornings and brunch enthusiasts. With minimal morning effort and maximum flavor, this French-inspired dish transforms humble croissants into a decadent, creamy casserole that will have your family fighting for seconds. Prepare to revolutionize your breakfast routine with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the buttery richness of croissants with savory ham and melted cheese.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 croissants, torn into pieces
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, crack the 6 eggs and whisk them until well combined. Add the 2 cups of milk to the eggs and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Season the egg and milk mixture with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. If you’re using fresh herbs, chop them finely and add them to the mixture for added flavor.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the torn croissant pieces in the large mixing bowl. Gently fold the croissants into the mixture, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Next, add the diced cooked ham and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the bowl. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, allowing the croissants to soak up the egg mixture.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while the oven heats up.
- Once the oven is ready, uncover the casserole and place it in the oven. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Croissants: For the best results, use day-old or slightly stale croissants. Fresh croissants can become too soggy, while slightly dried croissants will absorb the egg mixture perfectly.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, or different cheese varieties to make the recipe your own.
- Ensure Even Soaking: When mixing the croissants with the egg mixture, take your time to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. This guarantees a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Room Temperature Matters: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and prevent a cold center.
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overcooking to maintain a creamy texture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, making it ideal for entertaining or busy mornings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 298kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 233mg
