
Croissant Breakfast Bake with Sausage
Equipment
- Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Baking sheet
- Foil
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 5 croissants halved lengthwise
- 1/2 lb breakfast ground sausage
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter plus more for greasing
- 1 small onion very thinly sliced
- Salt
- Pepper
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 1/2 tbsp mustard
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half and half
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place croissants cut side up on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until lightly crisp. Let them cool.
- Brown sausage in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add butter, onions, and a pinch of salt. Cook on low until the onions caramelize.
- Stir in sausage, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, thyme, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, and 1/2 tbsp mustard.
- Whisk eggs, half and half, remaining mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Butter a baking dish. Layer croissant bottoms, spread sausage mixture, and place croissant tops over the filling.
- Pour the egg mixture over the top. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil sprayed with nonstick spray and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Bake at 325°F for 45 minutes covered, then uncover and bake 15 minutes more.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Video
Nutrition
A Cozy and Flavorful Breakfast Casserole
This croissant breakfast bake with sausage creates a warm and comforting morning meal that feels rich without being complicated. The flaky croissants soak up the egg mixture and turn soft and custardy, while the sausage and onions add savory depth. Because the ingredients come together easily, this recipe works well for weekends, holidays, or any morning when you want something hearty and satisfying. The bake also chills overnight, which makes it perfect for early mornings when you want breakfast ready to go.
Preparing the Croissants
You begin by slicing the croissants and placing them cut side up on a baking sheet. As they bake, the croissants turn lightly crisp, which helps them hold their shape in the casserole. This step also prevents the dish from becoming soggy. Once the croissants cool, they become sturdy enough to layer in the baking dish. The flaky texture creates a buttery base that pairs well with the creamy filling.
Cooking the Sausage and Onions
Next, you brown the breakfast sausage in a skillet. The sausage cooks quickly and adds a savory flavor that anchors the dish. After draining the excess fat, you add butter and thinly sliced onions. As the onions cook, they soften and caramelize, which brings sweetness and depth to the mixture. Because the heat stays low, the onions develop flavor without burning. Once they finish cooking, you stir in the sausage, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, thyme, shredded cheese, and a touch of mustard. The mixture becomes creamy and rich, and it spreads easily over the croissants.
Mixing the Egg Custard
In a separate bowl, you whisk the eggs, half and half, mustard, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the custard that binds the casserole together. The half and half adds richness, while the mustard brings a subtle tang that balances the sausage and cheese. Because the custard pours smoothly, it fills the gaps between the croissants and helps the bake set evenly.
Assembling the Breakfast Bake
After buttering the baking dish, you layer the bottom halves of the croissants. Then you spread the sausage mixture over the top. The croissant lids go on next, which creates a layered structure that bakes into a soft and flaky texture. Once the layers are in place, you pour the egg mixture over everything. The croissants absorb the custard as the dish chills, which helps the flavors blend. A sprinkle of shredded cheese finishes the top.
Chilling and Baking
You cover the dish with foil sprayed with nonstick spray and refrigerate it for at least four hours or overnight. This step allows the croissants to soak up the custard. When you bake the casserole, it rises slightly and turns golden around the edges. The cheese melts, the croissants soften, and the filling becomes creamy and flavorful. After a short rest, the bake slices cleanly and holds its shape.
A Reliable and Comforting Breakfast
This croissant breakfast bake with sausage delivers a warm, rich, and satisfying meal that feels special without extra work. The ingredients stay simple, the steps stay clear, and the final result tastes comforting every time.
