Imagine waking up to the smell of buttery croissants and sweet maple syrup. This overnight croissant breakfast casserole is your secret to a stress-free morning. It is perfect for a cozy holiday or a lazy Sunday. You can prep it all before you go to bed.
There is nothing better than a breakfast that feels special without the work. This dish delivers a decadent, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. It is warm, golden, and incredibly satisfying for the whole family. You deserve a morning that feels this good.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is a total game-changer for busy holiday mornings. You do all the hard work the night before. This means you can actually enjoy your coffee while it bakes. It turns simple croissants into a creamy, bread-pudding style treat.
The texture is what makes this overnight croissant breakfast casserole so special. The bottom stays soft and custardy like a dream. The tops of the croissants get perfectly crisp and golden. It is a beautiful balance that everyone will love.
Easy Cooking Steps
Making this casserole is as simple as tear, whisk, and pour. You do not need any fancy equipment or advanced skills. It is very beginner-friendly and hard to mess up. Even if you are new to cooking, you can do this. The croissants soak up all the sweetness while you sleep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Using day-old croissants actually makes the dish even better!
- 6 large day-old croissants, torn into 2-inch pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Butter for greasing the pan
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Place the torn croissant pieces evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces. Gently press down on the croissants to ensure they are submerged or well-coated.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
- Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown and puffy.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this dish warm with a dusting of powdered sugar. It looks so beautiful on a holiday table. You can pair it with fresh berries for a bright pop. A side of crispy bacon or sausage balances the sweetness perfectly. Pour a fresh glass of orange juice and enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers, they store very well in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, use a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps the croissant tops stay crispy. You can also use the microwave for a quick snack.
Recipe Tips
- Use day-old croissants because they soak up the custard better.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking so the custard sets.
- Press the croissant pieces down firmly to ensure they are all soaked.
- Prep the custard the night before to save even more time.
- Add a handful of fresh blueberries for a summery seasonal twist.
- Use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for the best flavor.
- Check the center with a knife to make sure it is set.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers for a dessert-like treat.
- Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during the fall season.
- Use gluten-free croissants if you have a dietary restriction.
- Add orange zest to the custard for a bright, citrusy aroma.
Common Questions
Can I bake this immediately?
You can, but the texture will be different. Letting it sit allows the bread to fully absorb the custard. This creates that signature creamy center we all love.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use all whole milk if you need to. However, the heavy cream adds a wonderful richness. It makes the casserole feel much more indulgent and special.
Can I freeze this casserole?
It is best to freeze it after it has been baked. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
I hope this cozy recipe makes your holiday mornings feel extra special. There is nothing like a warm breakfast to bring the family together. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 large day -old croissants, torn into 2-inch pieces
- 8 large egg s
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Butter for greasing the pan
- Confectioners ' sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Place the torn croissant pieces evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces. Gently press down on the croissants to ensure they are submerged or well-coated.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
- Bake uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown and puffy.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.
