Buttery Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound croissants
split in half lengthwise, about 5 to 7
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
more for baking dish
- 1 bunch scallions
white and light green parts thinly sliced, greens reserved, 6 to 7
- 3/4 pound sweet Italian sausage
casings removed
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces Gruyère
grated, 2 cups
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- 1
Heat oven to 500 degrees. Spread croissants on a large baking sheet and toast, cut side up, until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes (watch carefully to see that they do not burn). Let cool, then tear into large bite-size pieces.
- 2
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add sliced scallions and sausage meat; cook, breaking up meat with a fork, until mixture is well browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in sage, and remove from heat.
- 3
In a large bowl, toss together croissants and sausage mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, 1 1/2 cups cheese, salt and pepper.
- 4
Lightly oil a 9- x 13-inch baking dish. Turn croissant mixture into pan, spreading it out evenly over the bottom. Pour custard into pan, pressing croissants down gently to help absorb the liquid. Cover pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- 5
When you’re ready to bake the casserole, heat oven to 350 degrees. Scatter the remaining grated cheese over the top of the casserole. Transfer to oven and bake until casserole is golden brown and firm to the touch, 45 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Garnish with sliced scallion tops before serving.
Buttery Breakfast Casserole
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving a truly special breakfast or brunch that feels effortlessly gourmet? This Buttery Breakfast Casserole takes the classic baked dish to new heights, delivering a golden-topped, savory experience perfect for entertaining or a decadent morning at home. You'll love how simple it is to prepare, especially since much of the work can be done ahead.
The secret to this standout casserole lies in its foundation: toasted croissants. This ingenious step prevents the bread from becoming soggy and infuses the dish with wonderful caramelized, nutty notes. Paired with savory browned sweet Italian sausage, fragrant fresh sage, and rich melted Gruyère, every bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and deeply satisfying flavors.
Prepare to indulge in a truly luxurious breakfast. This casserole boasts a gorgeously golden-brown top with a custardy, rich interior. The generous layers of buttery croissants absorb the creamy egg mixture beautifully, while the bits of sausage, aromatic sage, and abundant Gruyère create a wonderfully savory profile. It’s hearty enough to be the star of your meal but refined enough for any special occasion.
While this casserole shines with sweet Italian sausage and Gruyère, you can easily adapt it to your taste. Consider using spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick, or substitute the Gruyère with another excellent melting cheese like sharp cheddar or fontina for a different flavor profile. Remember, the quality of your main ingredients will truly elevate this dish.
This Buttery Breakfast Casserole is ideal for a leisurely weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or any time you want to impress with minimal morning effort. Serve it simply with a side of fresh fruit for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.