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Close-up of buttery croissant breakfast bake with layered croissants, baked eggs, and herbs in a round white dish.

Buttery Croissant Breakfast Bake | Easy Make-Ahead Brunch Favorite

Molly
Flaky buttery croissants are layered with creamy eggs and gooey cheese in this indulgent buttery croissant breakfast bake. Perfect as a make-ahead brunch centerpiece or an easy weekend breakfast casserole, it’s endlessly customizable and crowd-pleasing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 large buttery croissants torn into pieces
  • 8 eggs
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend
  • 1 cup diced ham bacon, or crumbled sausage (optional)
  • 1 cup sautéed spinach or roasted veggies optional
  • Salt & pepper
  • Fresh herbs optional

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Croissants — layer torn pieces into a greased baking dish.
  • Whisk the Custard — combine eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Add Cheese & Fillings — sprinkle in cheese and any optional meats or veggies evenly.
  • Pour the Custard — gently press croissants down and cover with egg mixture.
  • Chill (optional) — cover and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld.
  • Bake — preheat oven to 350°F, bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
  • Serve — let rest briefly, garnish with fresh herbs, and slice to serve.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Buttery Croissant Breakfast Bake

1. Use Day-Old Croissants: Slightly stale buttery croissants are ideal for this bake. They soak up the creamy custard better and hold their structure, resulting in a croissant breakfast casserole with crisp edges and tender centers.
2. Layer with Purpose: When arranging the croissants, layer them with some pieces pointing upward and some downward. This creates more crisped surfaces and a satisfying textural contrast in every bite of your buttery croissant breakfast bake.
3. Press Gently Before Baking: After pouring the custard, gently press the croissants into the mixture with a spatula. This ensures even soaking and avoids dry spots, helping your buttery croissant egg and cheese bake recipe bake up perfectly.
4. Let it Rest Before Serving: Once baked, let your savory croissant breakfast bake rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the custard fully set and makes for clean, professional-looking slices—perfect for holiday brunch recipes or entertaining.
5. Customize Boldly: Make this make ahead buttery croissant breakfast bake your own by adding flavorful extras like sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, roasted peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. Try cheeses like Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or creamy brie to elevate your croissant egg and cheese bake recipe.
6. Use an Overnight Soak for Richer Flavor: For the best texture and flavor, assemble your bake the night before and refrigerate. This gives you an overnight croissant breakfast bake with deep flavor and luxurious texture—great for meal prep buttery croissant egg bake success.
7. Bake in a Hot Oven: Always start with a fully preheated oven. The high heat ensures that your buttery croissant breakfast casserole develops a beautifully crisp top while the interior remains creamy and soft.
8. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme) over the top. It adds brightness and color, making your family-friendly buttery croissant breakfast bake even more inviting for brunch guests.
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