If you’re looking for a show-stopping breakfast that combines indulgent comfort with effortless prep, the Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cheddar, and Creamy Gravy Recipe is your new best friend. Fluffy croissants soaked in a seasoned egg custard, savory sausage bursting with flavor, and melty cheddar cheese come together overnight to create a morning masterpiece. Topped off with a luscious homemade creamy gravy, this casserole is pure morning magic that’s perfect for family gatherings or lazy weekend brunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients makes this casserole not only easy to assemble but guarantees each bite delivers a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting this warm and hearty dish.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté onions and sausage, adding a subtle richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Small onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sausage mixture when softened.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound, mild): The star protein, packed with seasoning that makes the casserole irresistibly savory.
- Croissants (4 large or 8 small): Provide a buttery, flaky base that soaks up the custard beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into creamy pockets that perfectly complement the sausage.
- Large eggs (6): Bind all ingredients together creating a rich custard texture.
- Heavy whipping cream (½ cup): Ensures a luscious custard that’s silky and indulgent.
- Whole milk (3 cups, divided): Lightens the custard and forms the base for the creamy gravy.
- Dry mustard powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang and enhances savory notes.
- Salt (½ teaspoon plus more for gravy): Brings all the flavors to life.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon plus more for gravy): Gives a gentle heat and complexity.
- Paprika (¼ teaspoon): Lends a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Infuses a comforting aroma without overpowering.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for making the gravy rich and smooth.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the gravy to a perfect consistency.
How to Make Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cheddar, and Creamy Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Cook the Sausage
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and cook until they soften and turn translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. Then crumble in the breakfast sausage and brown it thoroughly, making sure it’s cooked through without burning. After cooking, pour off the fat into a small container and refrigerate it — this flavorful fat becomes the secret to your rich, creamy gravy later on.
Step 2: Assemble the Base Layers
In a big mixing bowl, combine the fragrant sausage and tender onions with the torn croissant pieces and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently, allowing the buttery croissant chunks to mingle with the savory sausage and cheese. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and spread this delicious mixture evenly across the bottom, setting the stage for the custard soak.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Custard
Whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, half a cup of whole milk, dry mustard powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a separate bowl. This custard mixture is what transforms the dish into the fluffy, rich breakfast treat we’re aiming for. Pour it evenly over the croissant and sausage in the baking dish, making sure all pieces get nicely soaked.
Step 4: Chill Overnight
Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least eight hours, or overnight. This step is pure magic — it lets the croissants absorb the custard thoroughly, resulting in a custardy, melt-in-your-mouth texture come morning.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and preheat your oven to 350°F. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still luscious. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely incredible by this point!
Step 6: Make the Creamy Gravy
While the casserole is baking, prepare the gravy by melting butter and one tablespoon of the reserved sausage fat in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually add the remaining 2 ½ cups of milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer gently until thickened, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is baked and the gravy is ready, slice the casserole into servings and either serve the gravy on the side or ladle it generously over each portion. The creamy gravy perfectly complements the hearty casserole, making every bite richer and more satisfying.
How to Serve Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cheddar, and Creamy Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley bring a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness perfectly. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or a dash of smoked paprika over the top adds visual appeal and an extra lift of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the meal. Fresh fruit like berries or orange segments add a sweet contrast that cuts through the savory richness, creating a balanced and memorable breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a charming personal touch. You could also jazz it up by topping portions with a fried or poached egg for added indulgence and visual wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover casserole completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer bag. For best taste, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through, which keeps the croissant texture buttery and crisp. Microwaving works in a pinch but may cause the casserole to become a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the casserole without croissants?
Absolutely! While croissants add a fantastic buttery flavor and flaky texture, you can substitute with sturdy bread like brioche or French bread if needed. Just expect a slightly different but still delicious result.
Is it necessary to use the sausage drippings for the gravy?
Using the sausage fat enriches the gravy with authentic flavor, but if you prefer, you can substitute with butter or bacon fat. The gravy remains creamy and tasty, though the sausage drippings add that special touch.
Can I prepare the casserole on the morning of serving?
Yes, but soaking the croissants overnight yields the best custard texture. If short on time, let it soak for at least an hour, though the casserole may be less tender and custardy.
How spicy is this casserole?
It’s mild and family-friendly, thanks to the mild sausage and gentle seasonings. You can always add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you crave a little heat.
What milk works best for this recipe?
Whole milk is recommended for creaminess and flavor, but you can use 2% if preferred. Skim milk will work but results will be less rich and the gravy may be thinner.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cheddar, and Creamy Gravy Recipe isn’t just breakfast — it’s a warm hug on a plate. Easy to prepare ahead and wonderfully comforting to eat, it’s destined to become a beloved family favorite. Give it a try and watch everyone’s faces light up with every delicious forkful!
Print
Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cheddar, and Creamy Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 90 minutes (including refrigeration time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a savory, comforting dish perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leisurely mornings. It features tender croissant pieces baked with savory breakfast sausage, sautéed onions, and sharp cheddar cheese soaked in a flavorful custard made with eggs, cream, and milk. The casserole is baked until golden and served with a rich, creamy sausage gravy made from the reserved sausage fat, butter, flour, and milk. Prep it the night before for an easy, impressive breakfast.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, peeled and diced
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild flavor)
- 4 large croissants (or 8 small croissants), torn into large bite-size pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended, divided)
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste for the gravy
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus additional to taste for the gravy
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon reserved sausage fat (from cooked sausage)
Instructions
- Sauté onions and cook sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Crumble in the breakfast sausage and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat, reserving about 1 tablespoon for the gravy, and store it refrigerated overnight.
- Assemble casserole base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage and onions with torn croissant pieces and shredded cheddar cheese. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
- Prepare custard mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy whipping cream, ½ cup milk, dry mustard powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. Pour evenly over the croissant and sausage mixture in the baking dish.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the custard to soak into the croissants.
- Preheat oven: Remove the casserole from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Make sausage gravy: While casserole bakes, melt butter with 1 tablespoon reserved sausage fat in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add milk and thicken gravy: Gradually whisk in the remaining 2½ cups milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Cut the casserole into portions and serve warm, topped or sided with the sausage gravy.
Notes
- For best texture, use day-old croissants or slightly stale for better custard absorption.
- Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The reserved sausage fat is key for flavorful gravy; do not discard it.
- Use whole milk for a richer casserole and gravy, but you can substitute 2% milk if preferred.
- This recipe can be prepared the night before to save morning time.
- Adjust the seasoning of the gravy according to your taste.
