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If you have ever dreamed of waking up to a dish that feels like a warm, cozy hug on a plate, then you are in for a treat with this Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Savory Sausage and Cheddar Recipe. Layers of buttery, flaky croissants soak up a rich custard infused with hearty sausage and sharp cheddar, then bake to golden perfection. The final touch? A luscious homemade sausage gravy that elevates every bite into something truly special. This casserole is not just a breakfast, it’s a celebration of comfort and flavor that’s perfect for gatherings or an indulgent weekend brunch at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Savory Sausage and Cheddar Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the right balance of texture, taste, and color that makes this casserole irresistibly delicious.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: for sautéing onions gently without overpowering their sweetness.
- 1 small onion, peeled and diced: adds a mild, savory aroma and subtle crunch.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild flavor): provides rich, savory depth without too much spice.
- 4 large croissants or 8 small croissants, torn into large bite-size pieces: these buttery, flaky delights soak up all the creamy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: sharp and melty, it brings gooey cheesy comfort to every forkful.
- 6 large eggs: the binding force creating a custardy, luscious texture.
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream: adds luxurious richness to the egg mixture.
- 3 cups whole milk, divided: balances creaminess for the bake and the gravy.
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder: a subtle tang that lifts the egg custard flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste: enhances all the recipe’s flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus additional to taste: adds a gentle kick and spice warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: offers a gentle smoky undertone and vibrant color.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: deepens the savory profile without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons butter: essential for making a silky, buttery roux in the gravy.
- 1 tablespoon reserved sausage fat (from cooking sausage): adds authentic, concentrated sausage flavor to the gravy.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: thickens the sausage gravy to perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 ½ cups whole milk (remaining from the 3 cups total): used in making the decadently smooth sausage gravy.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Savory Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Cook Sausage
Start by warming olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and sauté them gently until they become soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Their mild sweetness creates a wonderful flavor base. Next, crumble in the breakfast sausage and brown thoroughly, making sure there’s no pink left. Once cooked, drain the excess fat into a container to save for the gravy—you’ll thank me later!
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole Base
Grab a large bowl and combine the cooked sausage and onions with the torn croissant pieces and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently stir everything so the cheese and sausage get evenly distributed without breaking the croissants too much. Transfer this hearty mixture into a greased 9×13-inch glass baking dish prepared with non-stick spray. This will be the canvas for your spectacular breakfast masterpiece.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, ½ cup of milk, dry mustard powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until silky smooth. This flavorful egg custard will soak into the croissants, creating a delicate but rich texture that’s the soul of this casserole.
Step 4: Combine Egg Mixture with Casserole
Pour the egg custard evenly over the croissant, sausage, and cheese base in the baking dish. Make sure every bite is well saturated, as this is what transforms the casserole into a melt-in-your-mouth delight. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight
Pop the casserole into the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. This waiting period may test your patience, but it’s crucial; it allows the croissants to soak up all those rich flavors and ensures the final dish bakes up creamy and delicious.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Bake
When ready, remove the casserole from the fridge and let the oven preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake the uncovered dish for 35 to 45 minutes, until it’s beautifully golden brown on top and the eggs are fully set. Your kitchen will soon be filled with an irresistible aroma that’s hard to resist.
Step 7: Make Sausage Gravy
While the casserole bakes, melt butter and that reserved tablespoon of sausage fat in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, cooking and stirring for about a minute. Slowly whisk in the remaining 2 ½ cups of whole milk, little by little, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to stir on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens to creamy perfection. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve Your Masterpiece
Once the casserole is baked, slice it into generous portions and serve warm. Ladle that velvety homemade sausage gravy over each piece or offer it on the side for dipping. This finishing touch makes every bite truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Savory Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that beautifully complements the richness of the casserole. You could also sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar on top just before baking for an extra gooey cheese layer if you’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
This casserole is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with light sides can balance your brunch spread. Consider a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness or a bowl of fresh fruit to add natural sweetness and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the casserole family-style straight from the baking dish, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by ramekins of sausage gravy. Alternatively, present individual portions in mini ramekins for a charming, personalized touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3-4 days, maintaining most of their flavor and texture without drying out.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. For the best quality, consume within 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave portions but doing it in the oven helps retain that wonderful crust and prevents sogginess. Don’t forget to warm the sausage gravy separately for a fresh, saucy finish!
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While cheddar adds a lovely sharpness, feel free to experiment with gouda, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just pick cheeses that melt well for the best texture.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
Yes, chilling the casserole for at least 8 hours allows the croissants to soak up the egg custard fully, resulting in a moist, tender bake instead of a dry or rubbery texture.
Can I prepare this recipe without the sausage fat for the gravy?
While the reserved sausage fat adds authentic flavor, you can substitute it with an extra tablespoon of butter if you prefer. The gravy will still be delicious and creamy.
Is this casserole suitable for feeding a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe yields 12 servings, making it perfect for family breakfasts, brunch parties, or holiday gatherings. It’s a hearty dish sure to impress a crowd.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
The croissants and flour in the gravy contain gluten, so to make a gluten-free version, swap the croissants for gluten-free bread and use a gluten-free flour blend in the gravy. Keep the rest of the ingredients and steps the same for a tasty adaptation.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy, crave-worthy charm of the Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Savory Sausage and Cheddar Recipe. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether feeding family or impressing friends at brunch. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will become your new go-to breakfast hero that brings warmth and joy to the table!
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Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Savory Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Savory Sausage and Cheddar is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a brunch or special breakfast. Featuring buttery croissants soaked in an egg and milk mixture, combined with flavorful sausage and melted cheddar cheese, it bakes to a golden brown and is served with a creamy homemade sausage gravy. The casserole is prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight to allow the croissants to absorb all the savory goodness, then baked until set and deliciously golden.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, peeled and diced
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild flavor)
- 4 large croissants or 8 small croissants, torn into large bite-size pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups whole milk, divided
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus additional to taste
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sausage Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon reserved sausage fat (from cooking sausage)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk (remaining from the 3 cups total)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onions and sauté until they are softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Crumble the breakfast sausage into the pan and cook until browned and fully cooked with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat into a small container and refrigerate overnight for later use in the gravy.
- Assemble Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and onions with the torn croissant pieces and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently stir the mixture to evenly distribute all ingredients. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13-inch glass baking dish prepared with non-stick spray.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, ½ cup of the milk, dry mustard powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Egg Mixture with Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant and sausage mixture in the baking dish, making sure all pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. This step allows the croissants to soak up the egg mixture for optimal texture and flavor.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-45 minutes or until it turns a beautiful golden brown and the eggs are fully set.
- Make Sausage Gravy: While the casserole is baking, melt the butter and 1 tablespoon of the reserved sausage fat in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Milk and Thicken Gravy: Gradually pour in the remaining 2 ½ cups of whole milk, whisking continuously to smooth the mixture. Cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Once the casserole is baked, slice into 12 portions and serve warm. Ladle the creamy sausage gravy over each slice or serve it on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Refrigerating the casserole overnight allows the croissants to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a custardy texture.
- You can use mild, spicy, or any type of breakfast sausage depending on your flavor preference.
- The reserved sausage fat adds extra flavor to the gravy but can be substituted with additional butter if preferred.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked fresh the next morning for convenience.
- Ensure the casserole is fully set before removing from the oven by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
