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5.0 from 252 votes

Overnight Cheesy Bacon Croissant Breakfast Casserole

A versatile and tasty recipe that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy.

Prep Time
4 hrs 35 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
5 hrs 25 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound croissants, halved lengthwise (about 5-7 small/medium croissants) see note
  • 8 to 10 to 10 slices bacon, chopped (I use thick-sliced)
  • ½ cup diced shallot or red onion
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar, gruyere or swiss cheese (see note)
  • 9 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk (see note)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the halved croissants, cut side up, on a parchment lined half sheet pan and toast in the oven until golden, 10-12 minutes, checking often so they don't burn. Let the croissants cool.
  2. Tear the croissants into large bite-size pieces and place evenly in the bottom of a 9X13-inch baking dish.
  3. In a 10- or 12-inch skillet set over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel lined plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease and return the skillet to medium heat.
  4. Add the shallot (or red onion) and a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 3-5 minutes, until translucent.
  5. Sprinkle the cooked bacon and onions over the torn croissants followed by the shredded cheese. At this point, you can lightly toss the ingredients together to distribute the cheese/bacon/onion throughout or leave as is (I usually don't toss).
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt and pepper until very well-combined. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
  7. Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours (any longer than 12 hours and the croissants can start to break down and disintegrate).
  8. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the cover from the casserole and place the baking dish on a foil-lined sheet pan (to catch any spillovers). Bake for 45-50 minutes until the casserole is golden, puffy, and firm to the touch. Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Croissants: if you don't have a scale to weigh the 1 pound croissants, use about 5-7 small/medium croissants or about 4 large (Costco-sized) croissants. The torn croissants should evenly cover the bottom of a 9X13-inch baking dish with no gaps (and might even be double layered in some spots).
  • Milk: the texture and consistency of the casserole will turn out best using 2% or whole milk. You could also sub in three cups of half-and-half for the milk and heavy cream.
  • Cheese: my preference is to use one cup shredded sharp cheddar and one cup shredded gruyere cheese, but you can use all cheddar or half cheddar/half Swiss or a combination of your choosing. Freshly grated cheese (as opposed to shredded cheese in the bag) will melt better and the breakfast casserole will be creamier and cheesier.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 serving Calories 403kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 17g (34%) Fat 27g (42%) Saturated Fat 14g (70%) Cholesterol 220mg (73%) Sodium 697mg (29%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 7g (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 serving
Calories 403kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 17g 34%
Fat 27g 42%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Cholesterol 220mg 73%
Sodium 697mg 29%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 7g 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.