Rise Shine Croissant Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wake up craving something ridiculously comforting? Let me introduce you to the Easy Breakfast Croissant Puff Casserole ! It is the perfect way to make a wonderful, yummy breakfast.

This recipe has an amazing flavor combination.

Brief Overview

This Croissant Breakfast Casserole takes inspiration from classic bread pudding recipes. It is thought to have originated from humble origins to reduce food waste.

This dish is easy to make. Prep is about 20 minutes, and cook time is about 35 minutes. This recipe makes 6-8 servings, perfect for weekend brunch ideas .

Main Benefits

The Easy Breakfast Croissant Puff Casserole is packed with protein from the eggs and ham. Honestly, it's like a big hug in a baking dish.

It's perfect for a special breakfast. This is the best bread pudding recipe , and is unique because of the buttery croissants and savory fillings.

The flavor is so good.

Craving an Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe?

Want a dish that makes you the star of brunch? My Easy Breakfast Croissant Puff Casserole is about to become your new best mate.

It is a custardy, dreamy casserole, transforming regular croissants into a decadent treat.

This Brunch Casserole Recipe will impress your friends and family. The buttery flavor is incredible. The touch of French flair makes it special.

The rich taste of vanilla and cinnamon makes it lovely. All is balanced with the savoury elements, like ham and cheese.

You know? This recipe is so easy.

Making It Your Own: Tweaks & Swaps

Croissant for Breakfast is a treat! Don't be shy about making it your own. Toss in cooked sausage or spinach for a savoury twist.

Or, add chocolate chips if you are feeling naughty. For a dairy-free Option, almond or oat milk in place of dairy milk and a dairy-free cream works so well.

Trust me, it's amazing!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

Alright, so you wanna make this Easy Breakfast Croissant Puff Casserole ? Good choice! It's proper lush, and dead simple.

This ain't your nan's complicated baking. Think of it like the Best Bread Pudding Recipe but with extra pizzazz. It's a great Brunch Casserole Recipe that feels extra special.

Main Ingredients

This recipe is all about good quality ingredients.

• Croissants: You'll need 6 large croissants, a little stale is ideal (about 10 ounces/280g ), chopped into 1 inch pieces. Honestly, don’t use those sad, squashed supermarket ones.

  Proper bakery croissants are where it's at!

• Custard Base: We're talking 6 large eggs, 2 cups (473 ml) of whole milk, 1 cup (237 ml) of heavy cream, 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

  Overnight Croissant Casserole perfection starts here!

• Savory Goodness: Then get 4 ounces (113g) of cooked ham, diced and 4 ounces (113g) of Gruyere cheese, shredded. Swiss cheese works too if that's what you've got.

  This elevates it from a simple Breakfast Croissant to a full-on Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake .

Seasoning Notes

We don't need too much for seasoning.

Cinnamon and vanilla extract are essential here. This combo makes it so comforting. A pinch of salt is a must to balance the sweetness.

For extra flavour, try adding a tiny bit of nutmeg. Or a dash of almond extract instead of vanilla is a nice twist.

Equipment Needed

Right, what do we need? This is another benefit, it is an Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe , it has only minimal equipment.

All you need is a 9x13 inch baking dish . A large mixing bowl is essential. You will also need a whisk and measuring cups and spoons.

Honestly, you could use a fork instead of a whisk in a pinch. I mean who actually owns a whisk?

Rise & Shine: Mastering the Easy Breakfast Croissant Puff Casserole

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good brunch? And if it's something I can prep the night before? Count me in! This Easy Breakfast Croissant Puff Casserole recipe is the absolute bomb! It’s like the best bread pudding recipe met a ham and cheese croissant bake and had a delicious baby.

This is no ordinary Breakfast Croissant ! This recipe is great for weekend brunch ideas .

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

Okay, first things first, let's get organized. Cut those 6 large croissants (slightly stale are ideal!) into 1 inch pieces. Dice up 4 ounces of ham and shred 4 ounces of Gruyere cheese .

Whisking bowls ready? You got this. This is your essential mise en place . Think of it as your culinary calm before the storm of deliciousness.

Using slightly stale croissants is crucial. It stops the casserole from becoming overly soggy. This ensures that the flavor is the best bread pudding recipe

step-by-step to Casserole Glory

Alright, let's get down to business. Follow these steps to brunch bliss:

1. Spread those croissant pieces in your generously buttered 9x13 inch dish. Seriously, butter it well!
2. Sprinkle the diced ham and shredded Gruyere evenly over those beautiful croissants.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs , 2 cups of whole milk , 1 cup of heavy cream , ½ cup of granulated sugar , 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract , ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon , and a pinch of salt. Whisk like you mean it!
4. Pour that custard over the croissants. Make sure everything is nicely soaked.
5. (Optional, but HIGHLY recommended) Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes , or even better, overnight for that Overnight Croissant Casserole magic.
6. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
7. (Optional, but also HIGHLY recommended) Mix ¼ cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle it on top.
8. Bake for 35- 40 minutes , or until golden brown and a knife inserted comes out mostly clean.

Pro Tips and Tricks

Want to take this Brunch Casserole Recipe to the next level? I have to say that this makes for an Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe .

If you’re not feeling ham, try cooked sausage or even leftover chicken. Don’t overbake it! A dry casserole is a sad casserole.

Let it cool for 10- 15 minutes before diving in. Trust me on this one. The croissant for breakfast can be the only thing you need with some coffe to have a good day.

Seriously, this recipe is a game changer. It's my go-to for any Easy Breakfast Casserole situation, whether it's a casual weekend brunch ideas with friends or a slightly fancy breakfast spread for family.

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Rise & Shine Casserole

So, you're ready to try the Easy Breakfast Croissant Puff Casserole ? Ace! Here are a few extra tidbits. Think of these as my tried and-true secrets to making this Breakfast Croissant casserole a total winner.

Honestly, sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference, you know?

Plating Like a Pro and Drink Pairings

Okay, presentation matters. I get it. I normally serve a slice warm. A sprinkle of powdered sugar looks really classy, or just a dollop of whipped cream.

Got some fresh berries? Bang them on top! For drinks, you can't go wrong with mimosas. I mean is there anything better for a weekend brunch idea? Coffee or tea is also super.

You do you!

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

Honestly, this Brunch Casserole Recipe never lasts long in my house, but if you do have leftovers, no worries. Just pop it in the fridge in an airtight container.

It should be good for 3-4 days . I don't recommend freezing it. Once defrosted, the custard can get a bit weird.

When you fancy some more, a quick nuke in the microwave or a warm-up in the oven does the trick.

Make sure to heat it through properly.

Croissant Breakfast Casserole: A Few Twists on a Classic

Want to change things up? No worries! For a savory version, ditch the sugar and cinnamon. Throw in some cooked sausage, spinach, and mushrooms.

Or, want to make a chocolate chip version? Easy peasy! Ditch the ham and cheese, and add chocolate chips and a sprinkle of cocoa.

My mum loves this Easy Bread Pudding Recipe with cinnamon, so I sometime add a dash more for her!

Want a dairy-free Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe ? Use almond milk or oat milk. There are loads of dairy-free cream alternatives to replace the heavy cream too. Boom!

Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake : Nutrition Snippets

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the lowdown. Each slice is around 450-550 calories. It's got protein and fat, carbs too.

This is because of all the croissants! It's a treat, not a health food. This Best Bread Pudding Recipe gives you energy and makes you happy! So, enjoy it in moderation.

So there you have it! Hopefully, this has helped you to prepare an Overnight Croissant Casserole. Now go on, and make that cracking Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake .

You've got this! Let me know how it turns out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really make this Easy Breakfast Croissant Puff Casserole the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, we highly recommend it. Letting the casserole sit overnight allows the croissants to soak up all that delicious custard, resulting in a richer, more flavorful bake. Think of it as a little beauty sleep for your breakfast!

Help! My Easy Breakfast Croissant Puff Casserole is getting too brown on top. What do I do?

No worries, we've all been there! If the top is browning too quickly, simply tent a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will shield the top and prevent it from burning while the inside finishes cooking. Think of it as a little sun hat for your casserole!

Can I switch up the ingredients in this croissant casserole? What if I don't like ham or Gruyere?

Definitely! This recipe is super flexible. If you're not a fan of ham, try cooked bacon or sausage. Gruyere can be swapped with Swiss, cheddar, or even Monterey Jack. Get creative and use your favorite cheeses and meats it's your breakfast masterpiece after all!

How do I store leftover croissant casserole, and how long will it last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Just like a good cup of tea, a reheated croissant casserole can be just as comforting as the first time!

Is this Easy Breakfast Croissant Puff Casserole healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

While incredibly delicious, this casserole is a bit of a treat! It's relatively high in calories, fat, and sugar (see nutritional information above). However, you can make it a bit healthier by using whole wheat croissants, reducing the sugar, using leaner meats like turkey bacon, or adding more vegetables.

My croissants are super fresh, can I still use them for this recipe?

While stale croissants are preferable because they soak up the custard better without becoming soggy, you can still use fresh croissants! To help them dry out a bit, you can cube them and leave them out on a baking sheet at room temperature for a few hours before assembling the casserole, or even lightly toast them in the oven.