Transform your mornings with the tantalizing aroma and delectable taste of the Overnight Sausage, Egg, and Croissant Breakfast Bake. This breakfast casserole is a symphony of flavors, blending savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and buttery croissants into a delightful culinary masterpiece. The best part? It can be prepared the night before, allowing you to wake up to a piping hot, stress-free breakfast. Join us on a journey as we guide you through the creation of this mouthwatering morning treat that will make breakfast the highlight of your day.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole Base:
- 8 large croissants, split and cut into chunks
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Egg Mixture:
- 10 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Casserole Base:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the croissant chunks evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and parsley over the croissants.
- Whisk the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture Over Croissants:
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants, ensuring each piece is coated. Press down slightly to allow the croissants to absorb the liquid.
- Top with Tomatoes and Mozzarella:
- Arrange halved cherry tomatoes on top and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese for a burst of freshness and gooey goodness.
- Cover and Refrigerate:
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours. This allows the croissants to soak up the egg mixture.
- Preheat and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the center is set.
- Rest and Garnish:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This ensures a perfectly set center and easy serving.
- Garnish with additional chives and parsley for a touch of freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice into squares, serve warm, and savor the layers of croissants, savory sausage, and velvety eggs.
Cook Notes:
- Croissant Quality: Opt for high-quality croissants with a buttery and flaky texture. Day-old croissants work exceptionally well for better absorption of the egg mixture.
- Sausage Choice: Experiment with different sausage varieties, such as maple-flavored or spicy, to add a unique twist to the casserole.
- Soaking Time: Allowing the croissants to soak in the egg mixture overnight ensures a rich and flavorful casserole.
- Customizing Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends or add your favorite cheeses for a personalized touch.
Variations:
Vegetarian Delight:
- Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
Herb-Infused Elegance:
- Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil into the egg mixture for an aromatic and flavorful twist.
Caprese Twist:
- Replace cheddar cheese with fresh mozzarella and add basil leaves for a Caprese-inspired breakfast bake.
Keto Version:
- Substitute croissants with keto-friendly croissants made from almond or coconut flour.
- Choose keto-friendly sausage without added sugars.
- Use unsweetened almond milk or another low-carb milk substitute in the egg mixture.
Low-Carb Version:
- Replace croissants with a low-carb bread alternative or use cauliflower bites for a carb-conscious option.
- Choose low-carb sausage and use a low-carb milk substitute in the egg mixture.
- Customize the casserole with low-carb vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
The Overnight Sausage, Egg, and Croissant Breakfast Bake redefine the breakfast experience, offering a perfect balance of convenience and gourmet indulgence. Whether you embrace the classic version or embark on creative variations, this casserole is sure to become a breakfast favorite. So, make your mornings stress-free and delicious with this irresistible breakfast bake that turns ordinary mornings into extraordinary moments.
