Picture this: A lazy weekend morning, the sun streaming through your window, and the irresistible aroma of something warm and savory baking in the oven. If you’ve ever dreamed of a breakfast that feels luxurious yet effortless, this Sausage and Cheese Croissant Bake is the answer. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, makes mornings extra special, and satisfies your deepest comfort food cravings.
This recipe combines buttery croissants, savory sausage, melted cheese, and a rich custard into a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or even meal-prepping for the week.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Elegant: This dish looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s surprisingly simple to make.
- Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for stress-free hosting.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for family brunches, potlucks, or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this decadent breakfast bake.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pork sausage | 1 pound | Remove casing if necessary. |
| Yellow onion | ½ | Chopped for flavor. |
| Eggs | 8 large | Forms the base of the custard. |
| Milk | 1 ½ cups | Whole milk preferred. |
| Ground mustard | 2 teaspoons | Adds a subtle tang. |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the savory flavors. |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons | Balances the richness. |
| Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon | Brings out the flavors. |
| Pepper | ½ teaspoon | For seasoning. |
| Nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon | Adds warmth and depth. |
| Green onions | ½ cup | Thinly sliced for garnish. |
| Croissants | 6 large | Cut into 2-inch chunks. |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 ½ cups | Shredded for creamy goodness. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage and Onions
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it browns.
- Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
2. Prepare the Croissants
- Slice six large croissants into 2-inch chunks. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
3. Make the Custard Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground mustard, dried thyme, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. This custard will soak into the croissants, adding moisture and flavor.
4. Assemble the Bake
- Scatter the cooked sausage and onions over the croissant chunks.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the entire dish, ensuring every piece of croissant is soaked.
5. Chill for Best Results
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
6. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve hot. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality croissants, sausage, and cheese make all the difference.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the custard set properly.
- Cover If Browning Too Quickly: If the top starts to brown before the center is set, cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Customizable Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Add Some Heat: Toss in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make It Sweeter: Replace the sausage with cooked bacon and add a drizzle of maple syrup.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Protein | 21g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven for a fresh and flavorful breakfast.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! After baking, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
4. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Of course! Pre-cooked sausage can save you time. Simply chop or crumble it and mix it with the onions.
5. Can I use store-bought croissants?
Yes, store-bought croissants work perfectly. Just make sure they’re buttery and flaky for the best results.
6. What’s the best type of cheese for this dish?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of buttery croissants, savory sausage, creamy custard, and melty cheese is irresistible. The custard seeps into the croissants, creating a soft yet flavorful base, while the sausage and cheese add hearty, savory elements. The dish is rich but balanced, making it the perfect centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch spread.
Conclusion: Make Your Morning Special
With this Sausage and Cheese Croissant Bake, you’ll transform any morning into a celebration. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, creates memories, and fills your home with the most incredible aromas.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding a crowd, or treating yourself to a luxurious breakfast, this recipe is a winner. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
Sausage and Cheese Croissant Bake
This Sausage and Cheese Croissant Bake is a comforting and flavorful breakfast casserole featuring buttery croissants, savory sausage, cheddar cheese, and a rich, seasoned custard. It's perfect for brunch, special occasions, or lazy weekend mornings.
- 1 pound Remove casing if necessary.
- ½ Yellow onion Chopped for added flavor.
- 8 large Eggs The base of the custard.
- 1 ½ cups Milk Whole milk preferred.
- 2 teaspoons Ground mustard Adds subtle tanginess.
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme Enhances the savory flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar Balances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt Essential for seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper Adds spice and depth.
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg Adds warmth to the custard.
- ½ cup Green onions Sliced for garnish.
- 6 large Croissants Cut into 2-inch chunks.
- 1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese Shredded for cheesy goodness.
- Cook Sausage and Onions: Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Add chopped yellow onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare Croissants: Cut croissants into 2-inch chunks and arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make Custard Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, ground mustard, thyme, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread sausage and onion mixture over the croissants. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Pour the custard mixture evenly over everything, ensuring all croissants are soaked.
- Chill for Best Results: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until golden and set in the center.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with green onions and serving hot.