Description
A savory and hearty breakfast casserole made with croissants, sausage, and cheese, perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 croissants sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage cooked and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/21/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/41/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. You will know it is ready when the kitchen starts warming up.
- Prepare the Croissants: Slice those day-old croissants into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they feel a bit crusty to absorb the egg mixture better.
- Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 1 cup of half and half until smooth and creamy. This mixture is essential for binding the casserole.
- Add the Sausage & Cheese: Mix in 1 pound of cooked sausage and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. This will add richness and flavor.
- Combine Everything in a Dish: Gently fold the croissant pieces into the egg and sausage mixture, ensuring everything is well-coated. Avoid overmixing to prevent mushiness.
- Let It Chill: Cover the dish and let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight to meld the flavors together.
- Bake the Casserole: Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 55 minutes. It is ready when the top is golden and bubbly. If it needs more browning, consider turning up the temperature or broiling briefly at the end.
- Garnish & Serve: Once cooled slightly, top with fresh herbs or spices for an extra kick.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
- Expert Tips: Use day-old croissants for the best texture. To ensure the casserole sets properly, let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours before baking. If the casserole turns out soggy, try using more croissants or reducing the half-and-half slightly in the egg mixture.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For individual portions, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with fresh fruit salad, and pair with coffee or hot chocolate. Top with additional cheese or herbs before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Recipe Variations: Add cooked veggies like spinach or peppers for more nutrition. For a spicier version, include jalapenos or use different types of sausage.
- Ingredient Notes: When selecting croissants, use day-old ones for better absorption of the egg mixture. Consider using mozzarella cheese, gruyere cheese, or Swiss cheese for unique flavors alongside cheddar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 3846
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 6779mg
- Fat: 278g
- Saturated Fat: 125g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 173g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 157g
- Cholesterol: 1497mg