Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast treasure: the overnight croissant breakfast casserole bake with gravy! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly morning—so comforting and utterly delicious! I love how the buttery croissants soak up all those rich, savory flavors overnight, making the texture fluffy yet satisfying. Plus, the creamy gravy draped over the top? It’s a game changer! Trust me, whether it’s a cozy family brunch or a festive holiday gathering, this casserole steals the show every single time. You can prepare it the night before, so all you have to do is pop it in the oven in the morning. What’s not to love about that?
Ingredients List
- 6 croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (or feel free to switch it up with sausage or crispy bacon!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (this adds such a nice creaminess)
- 1 cup chicken broth (you can use low-sodium if you prefer)
How to Prepare Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake with Gravy
Alright, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering overnight croissant breakfast casserole bake with gravy! I promise, it’s super easy and totally foolproof. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious breakfast that everyone will rave about!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect golden-brown finish!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until everything’s nicely combined. This is where the magic begins!
- Now, add those torn croissant pieces, shredded cheese, and diced cooked ham to your egg mixture. Gently stir to combine—it should look like a cozy, cheesy mixture. Don’t worry if it seems a bit messy; that just means it’s going to be delicious!
- Next, pour this delightful mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly; you want every bite to be just as tasty!
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the chicken broth until smooth. This will be your rich gravy that takes everything to the next level!
- Pour the gravy mixture over the casserole, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies. Yum!
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator overnight. This step is key because it lets those flavors mingle and the croissants soak up all that goodness.
- When you’re ready to bake, simply uncover the casserole and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and set in the center. The smell will be irresistible, I promise!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s chat about how to make your overnight croissant breakfast casserole bake with gravy even more amazing! Here are my top tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly:
- Use day-old croissants: They soak up the egg mixture better and give you that perfect fluffy texture. Fresh croissants might get too mushy, so trust me on this one!
- Let it rest: Don’t skip the overnight chilling! This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the croissants to absorb all that tasty liquid.
- Check your oven: All ovens are a bit different, so keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the center sets.
- Customize your fillings: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Throw in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Just be sure to chop them small so they blend well!
- Let it cool slightly before serving: This helps it set up a bit more, making it easier to slice and serve. Plus, it’ll still be warm and comforting!
Variations to Try
Get ready to unleash your creativity because there are so many fun ways to customize your overnight croissant breakfast casserole bake with gravy! Here are some of my favorite variations that add a delightful twist to this already amazing dish:
- Cheesy Veggie Delight: Add in some sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers to give it a fresh and colorful punch. This is a great way to sneak in some veggies, too!
- Southwestern Style: Spice things up by mixing in cooked chorizo or taco-seasoned ground beef, along with some diced green chilies. Top it off with pepper jack cheese for a kick!
- Sweet and Savory: Swap out the ham for crumbled cooked bacon and add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg to the egg mixture. This combination pairs beautifully with a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving!
- Herbed Mushroom Medley: Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in your egg mixture, and toss in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor that elevates the dish. It’s like a brunch in a fancy café!
- Breakfast for Dessert: For a fun twist, consider adding some chocolate chips or chopped fruit like apples or berries to the mix. This gives you a sweet version that’s perfect for brunch with a dessert feel!
Feel free to mix and match any of these ideas to create your own signature casserole! The sky’s the limit, so have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to this delicious overnight croissant breakfast casserole bake with gravy, I want to remind you that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So while I can give you a general idea, keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates and may not be precisely accurate for your version of the dish.
For a serving size of 1 slice, here’s what you might expect:
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
So, enjoy this comforting casserole knowing that it’s a bit indulgent, but oh-so-worth it for those cozy mornings and special occasions!
FAQ Section
Can I prepare the overnight croissant breakfast casserole bake with gravy a few days in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to three days ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bake it on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of croissants?
If you don’t have croissants on hand, you can easily substitute them with day-old brioche or even French bread. Just make sure to tear them into similar-sized pieces for even soaking!
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add in more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a hearty and satisfying dish.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. It should not be overly jiggly!
What do I serve with the overnight croissant breakfast casserole bake with gravy?
This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or even some crispy bacon for a complete breakfast spread. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a make-ahead wonder—prepare it the night before and just bake in the morning!
- The buttery croissants soak up all those savory flavors, creating a delightful, fluffy texture.
- Rich, creamy gravy on top adds that extra layer of comfort that everyone craves.
- Perfect for brunch gatherings, family get-togethers, or even just a cozy breakfast at home.
- Customizable to suit your taste—swap in your favorite meats or veggies for endless variations!
- Feeds a crowd without any fuss—just slice and serve! Everyone will be coming back for seconds.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of breakfast in one delicious dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, if you happen to have any leftovers of this delightful overnight croissant breakfast casserole bake with gravy (which is rare, trust me!), here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy them later. First, let the casserole cool completely before covering it. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll be good for up to 2 months!
When you’re ready to eat, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer. If refrigerated, just pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If frozen, I recommend thawing it overnight in the fridge and then reheating. In the oven, cover it with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated all the way through. You want that cheesy, savory goodness to be just as comforting as the first time you made it!
Print
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Bake with Gravy Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious overnight croissant breakfast casserole baked with gravy.
Ingredients
- 6 croissants, torn into pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add croissant pieces, cheese, and ham to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with chicken broth.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Make sure to use day-old croissants for better texture.
- You can substitute ham with sausage or bacon.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
Keywords: overnight croissant breakfast casserole bake with gravy