Name: Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Chicken Sausage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: AMERICAN
Ingredients: 5 large croissants, torn or cut into large pieces (adjust depending on the size of pastry. I used Costco croissants); 5 large eggs; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk; 2 to 3 fully cooked chicken sausage links, sliced (about 6–9 oz / 170–255 g). I used 2 Sabatino’s Organic Paleo Chicken Sausage links.; 2 slices of bacon, chopped; 2 scallions, thinly sliced, green tops reserved for garnish; 5 ounces (about 1 1/4 cups) shredded cheddar cheese; Butter, for greasing the baking dish; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Croissant breakfast casserole with chicken sausage, bacon, cheddar cheese, and scallions

There is something about a warm breakfast casserole coming out of the oven that instantly makes the morning feel a little more special, and this Croissant Breakfast Casserole might be one of my new favorites.

I made this croissant breakfast casserole yesterday while filming a Reel, and I already knew before it even came out of the oven that I needed to get the recipe on the blog. The buttery croissants, chicken sausage, a little smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, and scallions baked into the most delicious golden breakfast casserole… and my family absolutely LOVED IT!

I used only two slices of bacon because I wanted that smoky flavor without having bacon take over the entire dish. The chicken sausage keeps it hearty, while the croissants soak up the creamy egg mixture underneath and stay beautifully golden and crisp on top.

This is exactly the kind of easy breakfast I love for a weekend morning, but it would be especially perfect for Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas morning, New Year’s brunch, Easter, Mother’s Day, or anytime you’re feeding family or overnight guests.

And because everything goes into one baking dish, you aren’t standing at the stove making eggs, sausage, toast, and bacon separately while everyone else is enjoying their morning.

Golden cheesy croissant breakfast casserole topped with fresh scallions

Why This Recipe Belongs on Your Brunch Table

There are plenty of breakfast casseroles out there, but croissants make this one extra special. They soak up the creamy egg mixture while still leaving little buttery layers and crisp edges throughout the casserole.
It’s also wonderfully flexible. Use the meat and cheese you already love, add vegetables, leave out the bacon, or turn it into a completely meatless breakfast bake.
Another reason I love this recipe for the holidays is that most of the prep can be done ahead of time. Assemble it, refrigerate it, and bake it the next morning when everyone is ready for breakfast.

Can I Make This Croissant Breakfast Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes, and this is exactly why it works so well for Christmas morning and holiday brunch.

You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. The croissants will absorb more of the egg mixture as they rest, creating a softer, more custardy interior.

If you prefer more crispy pieces on top, here’s a little trick: reserve a few pieces of croissant and a small handful of cheese. Add those to the top right before the casserole goes into the oven.

Let a cold casserole sit on the counter while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. It may need a few additional minutes since it is starting cold.

What Can I Use Instead of Bacon?

The bacon is completely optional. I love what those two slices add because you get a little smoky flavor without turning the entire recipe into a bacon casserole.
For a pork-free breakfast casserole, try turkey bacon, beef bacon, smoked turkey, extra chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or beef sausage.
You could also simply leave the bacon out. Using a chicken sausage with a smoky or savory flavor will still give the casserole plenty of personality.
And if someone doesn’t eat meat at all, sautéed mushrooms are fantastic here.
I would cook sliced cremini or baby bella mushrooms in a little butter or olive oil until they’re nicely browned before adding them to the casserole. Mushrooms aren’t really a direct protein replacement, so if you want the vegetarian version to have more protein, add a good plant-based breakfast sausage along with the mushrooms.
A combination of mushrooms + caramelized onion + spinach + cheddar would be incredible, too.

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

This is one of those recipes you can use as a base and make your own.

Instead of chicken sausage: turkey sausage, pork breakfast sausage, beef sausage, diced ham, smoked turkey, or plant-based sausage.
Instead of bacon: turkey bacon, beef bacon, smoked turkey, or simply omit it.
For a vegetarian casserole: sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, roasted red peppers, or plant-based sausage.
Instead of cheddar: Gruyère, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Gouda, or a combination of cheeses.
Instead of heavy cream, half-and-half works beautifully. You can also use more whole milk for a slightly lighter casserole, although the texture won’t be quite as rich.

And don’t feel as though you need fancy bakery croissants. Grocery-store croissants work perfectly. In fact, croissants that are a day old are excellent for breakfast casseroles because they absorb the egg custard beautifully without falling apart.

Tips for the Best Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Don’t cut the croissants too small. Larger, irregular pieces create a much better texture and give you those gorgeous crispy pieces on top.
Also, don’t drown every piece underneath the custard. Some croissant edges should remain exposed. That’s where you get the contrast between creamy underneath and flaky-crisp on top.
I also recommend shredding your cheese from a block when you can. It tends to melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
And remember that bacon, sausage, and cheddar already contain salt. Taste your ingredients and adjust the additional salt accordingly.

What to Serve With Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Because this casserole is rich and satisfying, I like pairing it with something fresh and simple.

Fresh berries, citrus, sliced melon, a simple fruit salad, or lightly dressed greens balance it beautifully.
For a holiday breakfast table, add coffee, tea, juice, fresh fruit, and maybe something sweet alongside it, and breakfast is pretty much done.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.

Individual portions reheat wonderfully in the microwave for a quick breakfast, but for the best texture, I prefer reheating them in the oven or air fryer so the croissant edges crisp back up.

The baked casserole can also be frozen. Cool it completely, divide it into portions, wrap well, and freeze for up to about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use day-old croissants?

No. Fresh croissants work, too. Slightly stale croissants simply absorb the egg mixture particularly well. If yours are very fresh and soft, tear them into pieces and leave them uncovered for a little while before assembling the casserole.

Can I leave out the bacon?

Absolutely. Add a little extra chicken sausage, use smoked turkey or turkey bacon, or leave it out entirely.

Can I make croissant breakfast casserole vegetarian?

Yes. Replace the meat with well-browned mushrooms and your favorite vegetables. A vegetarian breakfast sausage is another good option if you want something heartier.

Can I prepare it the night before?

Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the following morning, allowing a few additional minutes if the casserole is very cold.

How do I know when an egg casserole is done?

The middle should no longer look wet or liquid when the dish is gently moved. The top should be puffed and golden. For an egg dish, the center should reach 160°F.

Can I use only sausage instead of sausage and bacon?

Definitely. The two slices of bacon are mainly there to add another layer of smoky flavor. Extra chicken sausage works perfectly.

If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and rate it below… I’d love to hear what you think!

Also, please tag me on Instagram @sandraseasycooking because I would love to see it and share it with my audience, and it is awesome feedback, too.

The bakeware that I LOVE making Croissant Breakfast Casserole in is the STAUB Ceramics Rectangular Baking Dish

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Breakfast Croissant Egg Cups

Freezer-Friendly Bagel Breakfast Sandwiches

Mini Breakfast Quiche

SERVES 6 to 8