Print

Easy Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Bacon and Gruyère

overnight croissant breakfast casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich and savory breakfast casserole featuring buttery croissants soaked overnight in a custard with crispy bacon and melted Gruyère cheese, perfect for a hassle-free morning meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large buttery croissants, preferably day-old or slightly stale
  • 8 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (about 170g)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (480ml) or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional add-ins: 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (chives or thyme), sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions

Instructions

  1. Cook 8 strips of thick-cut bacon until crisp by frying over medium heat for about 10 minutes or baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Tear or roughly chop 6 croissants into bite-sized chunks (about 2-inch pieces). Use day-old croissants if possible.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional), 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half the croissant chunks evenly in the dish, then sprinkle with half the chopped bacon and half the shredded Gruyère cheese. Repeat layering with remaining croissants, bacon, and cheese.
  5. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Press down gently with a spatula to help croissants absorb the custard. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and custard is set (a knife inserted near the center should come out clean). Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  8. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Use day-old croissants for best custard absorption and texture. Cook bacon until crispy to avoid greasiness. Mustard adds depth to custard. Let casserole soak overnight for best flavor and texture. Watch bake time as ovens vary. Cover casserole tightly when refrigerating overnight to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight casserole, breakfast casserole, croissant casserole, bacon breakfast, Gruyère cheese, easy brunch recipe, make-ahead breakfast

Find it online: https://islatable.com/easy-overnight-croissant-breakfast-casserole-with-bacon-and-gruy-e-re-recipe-for-perfect-morning-meal/