Buttery Breakfast Casserole
This Buttery Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to elevate any breakfast or brunch. The buttery croissants create a rich, golden base, enhanced by caramelized edges that add depth and flavor.
With savory sausage, fresh sage, and creamy Gruyère, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. The toasty croissants absorb the flavorful custard, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Make this dish the night before and bake it to golden perfection the next morning for an effortless, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.
Buttery Breakfast Casserole – Ingredients
The key to this indulgent Buttery Breakfast Casserole lies in its foundation of golden croissants, their rich, buttery texture creating a delightful base. Scallions add a fresh, savory crunch, while sweet Italian sausage brings a hearty, flavorful depth.
Fresh sage infuses the dish with earthy, aromatic notes, perfectly complementing the melted Gruyère cheese, which contributes a creamy, nutty richness. The custard of eggs, milk, and cream binds everything together, ensuring each bite is luxuriously smooth and satisfying.
Buttery Breakfast Casserole: A Perfect Start to Your Morning
This Buttery Breakfast Casserole, made with croissants, sausage, and Gruyère, is a rich, indulgent breakfast that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch or a special family breakfast, this dish has everything you need. It’s easy to prepare the night before, and the flavors meld together beautifully as it bakes. Below are some tips, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions that will help you make the most of this recipe.
Recipe Tips
- Toast the Croissants Just Right:
Toasting the croissants is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Be sure to watch them closely in the oven as they can go from golden to burnt quickly. The goal is to create a caramelized surface that will hold up to the custard without becoming soggy. - Customize the Sausage:
Feel free to switch up the type of sausage used in this recipe. While sweet Italian sausage adds a nice balance, spicy sausage or even turkey sausage can be used for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it’s well browned before adding the sage to enhance its flavor. - Let the Casserole Rest Before Baking:
For best results, let the casserole sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the croissants to absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish once baked.
What to Serve with Buttery Breakfast Casserole
- Fresh Fruit Salad:
A bright and refreshing fruit salad complements the richness of the casserole. Opt for seasonal fruits like berries, melon, or citrus for a balance of sweetness and tartness. The freshness of the fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the decadent casserole. - Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links:
Adding crispy bacon or sausage links on the side offers a savory, salty contrast to the soft, cheesy casserole. The crispiness of the bacon and the hearty texture of sausage provide a satisfying pairing that elevates the meal. - Warm Biscuits or Toast:
Serve the casserole with a side of freshly baked biscuits or a couple of slices of toasted artisan bread. The crunchy texture pairs beautifully with the creamy casserole and gives your guests a variety of textures to enjoy with each bite.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Gruyère is ideal for its nutty and creamy flavor, but you can substitute it with Swiss cheese, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorites. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly. - Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the croissants soak up the custard, resulting in a richer dish. Simply refrigerate overnight, then bake the next morning. - Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using a plant-based sausage or additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying. - How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—just thaw and bake when ready to enjoy again.
This Buttery Breakfast Casserole is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that works for both casual mornings and special occasions. With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have a foolproof breakfast that’s sure to leave everyone satisfied!
Buttery Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound croissants about 5 to 7, halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for greasing the baking dish
- 1 bunch scallions 6 to 7, thinly sliced (reserve the green tops)
- ¾ pound sweet Italian sausage removed from casings
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage finely chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese grated (approximately 2 cups)
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Toast the Croissants:
- Preheat the oven to 500°F. Arrange the croissant halves, cut side up, on a large baking sheet. Toast them until golden brown, about 5 to 10 minutes, keeping a careful watch to avoid burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven and let cool before tearing into large, bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Sausage and Scallions:
- Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced scallions and sausage meat, breaking the sausage apart with a fork as it cooks. Brown the sausage mixture for about 5 minutes, then stir in the chopped sage. Remove from the heat once browned.
- Prepare the Custard:
- In a large bowl, combine the toasted croissant pieces and sausage mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 1½ cups of the grated Gruyère, salt, and pepper. Pour this custard mixture over the croissant and sausage blend, pressing the croissants down gently to help them absorb the liquid.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the croissant and sausage mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Bake and Serve:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the remaining grated Gruyère over the casserole. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and firm to the touch. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the reserved scallion tops for a final touch of color and flavor.
- This Buttery Breakfast Casserole offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for any special morning gathering.
