Name: Easy Cheesy Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 mini croissants (or 5 regular), preferably 1–2 days old; 1 lb thick-cut bacon; 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp reserved bacon grease (optional); 4 oz white cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 cup); 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 cup); Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing

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If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together buttery croissants, crispy bacon, and a generous cheese pull, you’ve got to try this Easy Cheesy Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect way to start a weekend, holiday, or special brunch, offering warm, rich flavors wrapped in a fluffy, custardy embrace. The blend of sharp and white cheddar cheese adds a melty, savory depth, while the Dijon mustard sneaks in a little zing that elevates the whole experience. This casserole is an absolute winner that’s sure to become your new go-to breakfast favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden table with a green and white checkered cloth featuring red cherries. In front is a white bowl with a green pattern filled with golden croissants layered build-up, showing a flaky texture. To the left, there is a white bowl filled with bright yellow shredded cheese and another clear glass bowl with pale yellow shredded cheese. A white plate holds various brown and light blue eggs arranged neatly. Behind are two small white bowls, one with a light brown creamy sauce, the other with a pale creamy liquid. Next to them is a clear glass mug filled with frothy milk. A coral bowl contains savory cooked bacon pieces with a pink and brown crispy look. An open recipe book with handwritten notes lies at the back on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to make the most memorable dishes. Each component here plays an essential role in building that irresistible balance of creamy, crispy, and cheesy textures, plus a pop of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Mini croissants (or regular): Using day-old croissants helps them soak up the custard without falling apart.
Thick-cut bacon: Crispy bacon pieces add a savory crunch and smoky richness.
Large eggs: The backbone of the custard, giving structure and creaminess.
Whole milk: Adds a velvety texture to the custard.
Heavy cream: Enriches the custard with extra decadence.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Season perfectly to bring out all the flavors.
White cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly and delivers mild, creamy sharpness.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives a punchy, vibrant cheesy flavor that’s unmistakable.
Butter or nonstick spray: For greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and add richness.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Croissants

Start by chopping your croissants into bite-sized pieces—roughly one inch. If you’re lucky enough to have mini croissants, six pieces per croissant works perfectly. For regular-sized ones, aim for 10 to 12 pieces each. This size allows the croissants to soak up the luscious egg custard without losing their delightful texture after baking.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Next, chop the thick-cut bacon into smaller bits and cook them in a skillet over medium heat. Aim for crispy perfection, which usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to lift the bacon out, letting the excess grease drain on paper towels. Pro tip: Reserve a tablespoon of that flavorful bacon grease and whisk it right into the egg mixture — it adds an incredible depth of savory goodness you won’t want to skip.

Step 3: Make the Egg Custard

Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl. Be sure to whisk until everything is smooth and perfectly combined — no streaks of yolk or mustard should be visible. Stir in the cooked bacon and most of the shredded cheese, saving a third for topping off the casserole just before it goes into the oven.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so the casserole releases effortlessly once baked. Spread out the croissant chunks evenly in the dish, then pour the egg mixture on top. Gently press down the croissants with a spatula, helping them soak in that creamy custard. To finish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, covering every inch with glorious, melty goodness.

Step 5: Bake

Bake your masterpiece at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes uncovered. You’re looking for a golden, slightly puffed surface and a custard set firm in the center. If the top starts to brown too quickly, no worries — just lightly tent it with foil. To check doneness, insert a knife into the middle; it should come out clean without any liquid egg clinging to it.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Patience is key here! Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This resting period helps the custard firm up, making slicing neat and easy, and ultimately enhancing the texture so every bite is as dreamy as the last.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

A thick slice of baked casserole sits on a white plate with red stripes. The casserole has three visible layers: a golden-brown crispy top with melted cheese and browned bits, a middle layer of soft, yellow-orange texture with chunks of meat, and a dense, pale bottom layer. In the background, a dark baking dish holds the rest of the casserole, with a white slotted spatula resting inside. Under the plate, there is a colorful cloth on a light wooden surface, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chives or parsley sprinkled on top bring a lovely contrast of color and freshness to the rich casserole. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for a little extra zing that complements the cheese and bacon beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with light, bright sides like fresh fruit salad or citrusy roasted tomatoes. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette can also balance the richness and create a well-rounded brunch spread that’s sure to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make breakfast extra special? Serve individual portions in pretty ramekins or muffin tins for a personal touch. You can also sprinkle extra shredded cheese and bacon on top right before serving to amp up the cheesy, crispy factor. It’s both cozy and elegant — perfect for entertaining friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Easy Cheesy Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe, store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it well-sealed maintains moisture and stops it from drying out so it tastes almost as good the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place the entire cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, warm slices gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and gooey again. You can also microwave portions on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid dry edges. Adding a little sprinkle of water before reheating helps retain that just-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized croissants instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Just chop them into smaller pieces—about 10 to 12 per croissant—so they soak up the custard evenly and bake with the perfect texture.

What kind of cheese works best in this casserole?

The combination of white cheddar and sharp cheddar creates a beautiful balance of creamy melt and bold flavor. You can experiment with other cheeses, but these two give the best classic cheesy taste.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to keep the casserole flavorful and hearty.

Is it necessary to use Dijon mustard?

Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that brightens the whole dish, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it or substitute with a small amount of whole grain mustard or mild horseradish for a similar kick.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for a golden, puffed top and a custard set in the middle. Insert a clean knife or toothpick—if it comes out without wet egg, you’re all set.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe is truly a love letter to all things comforting and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a luxurious morning meal, it delivers on every level with gooey cheese, fluffy croissants, and savory bacon goodness. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite breakfast tradition.