If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. This recipe takes flaky, buttery croissants and cradles them in a rich, savory custard filled with spicy sausage, tangy cream cheese, and fresh green onions. The combination creates layers of flavors and textures that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a decadent morning treat, this casserole delivers comfort and elegance all in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole plays a starring role, keeping things straightforward yet delicious. These simple components come together to build the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors while adding beautiful color and texture to your dish.
- Croissants (8–10 small/medium, stale): Stale croissants soak up the custard perfectly without becoming too soggy, adding flakiness and buttery goodness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the sausage and sauté your veggies to caramelized perfection.
- Breakfast sausage (1 lb): Provides the hearty, savory base that packs the casserole with flavor and protein.
- Yellow onion (1/2, diced): Adds sweetness and depth when cooked alongside the sausage.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Brings a pop of color and a gentle sweetness that brightens the dish.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): Offers a luscious creaminess that makes every bite silky smooth.
- White cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated; divided): Melts into the casserole, creating a gooey, cheesy dream with extra for a bubbly topping.
- Green onions (3, sliced): Deliver a fresh, mild onion flavor and a lovely hint of green throughout.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle smoky warmth and a touch of color.
- Eggs (10): The foundation of the custard that binds all the ingredients together with richness.
- Half and half (1 1/4 cups): Creates a creamy custard that soaks into the croissants perfectly.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Introduces a slight tang that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Hot sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings gentle heat and complexity without overpowering.
- Everything bagel seasoning (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top for a crunch of herbs, seeds, and saltiness that elevates the casserole.
- Kosher salt (about 1 teaspoon divided): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Freshly cracked pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon divided): Adds a little peppery kick to brighten the dish.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Veggies
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add in the breakfast sausage and break it up with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly and deliciously. Once the sausage is nearly cooked through, toss in the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Cook until these veggies soften and become fragrant, which usually takes a few minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool down to room temperature; this step ensures your filling stays creamy when mixed later.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sausage, onion, and red pepper blend with the cream cheese, one and a half cups of grated white cheddar, paprika, and the sliced green onions. Stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and evenly combined—this filling will be the delicious heart of your casserole.
Step 3: Prep the Croissants
Slice your croissants in half lengthwise so that you have a top and bottom piece for each one. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay the bottom halves of your croissants evenly across the baking dish, creating a cozy base. Spread the sausage and cheese filling evenly over each croissant bottom, then place the top halves back on to form little sandwiches. This layering sets up the perfect texture contrast for the casserole.
Step 4: Mix the Eggs
Either in a blender or a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, half a teaspoon of kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper until the custard is silky smooth and uniform. This egg mixture will soak into the croissants, binding the whole dish together with rich flavor and creaminess.
Step 5: Pour and Set
Reserve about two tablespoons of your egg mixture to brush on top later for a beautiful golden finish. Pour the rest evenly over and around the croissant sandwiches in the baking dish. Cover the casserole and allow it to soak up the custard for at least one hour at room temperature, or if you have time, let it rest overnight in the fridge. This soaking step is key for that custardy, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Step 7: Bake
Before sliding your casserole into the oven, brush the tops of the croissants with the reserved egg mixture. Then sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously over the top, followed by a sprinkle of the remaining white cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the custard is fully set, the top is gorgeously golden brown, and the cheese is bubbling and slightly crispy around the edges. Let it rest a few minutes after baking — this step lets all those luscious flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra sliced green onions can add a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor just before serving. For a little zing, consider a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to amp up the excitement.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs brilliantly with crisp fruit salad or a light green salad to balance out the richness. Roasted tomatoes or a side of crispy breakfast potatoes also complement the flavors beautifully and make the meal feel even more complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz things up, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch, or layer your casserole in a clear glass baking dish to show off those gorgeous layers of filling and croissant. For brunch parties, cut the casserole into small squares and serve with toothpicks for an easy finger food option that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftovers in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit (175-degree Celsius) oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the top is crisp again. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will bring back that lovely texture best.
FAQs
Can I use fresh croissants instead of stale ones?
It’s best to use stale croissants because they absorb the egg custard without turning overly soggy. If you only have fresh croissants, consider slightly toasting them first and reducing the soaking time to maintain some structure.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to the sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, crumbled tempeh, or a plant-based sausage substitute to keep the dish flavorful and hearty without meat.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, and it’s highly recommended! Letting the casserole soak overnight in the fridge allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a more tender, cohesive bake.
What type of cheese works best if I don’t have white cheddar?
Mild or sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan can work nicely. Just use a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavors.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free croissants or substitute with gluten-free bread that has a similar texture. Be sure to check your sausage and seasoning labels for hidden gluten sources.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe that makes mornings brighter and brunches unforgettable. The marriage of buttery croissants, savory sausage, creamy cheese, and zingy green onions wrapped in custard creates a comfort food experience you’ll want to revisit again and again. So gather the ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious, soul-satisfying breakfast extravaganza.
Print
Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cream Cheese, and Green Onions is a hearty and flavorful baked dish perfect for a weekend brunch. It features flaky croissants filled with a creamy mixture of breakfast sausage, cream cheese, cheddar, and fresh vegetables, all soaked in a seasoned egg custard and baked until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
Base
- 8–10 small/medium croissants, stale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups white cheddar, grated (divided: 1 1/2 cups for mixture, remainder for topping)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Egg Custard
- 10 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups half and half
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s or Tabasco)
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- Kosher salt (about 1 teaspoon divided)
- Freshly cracked pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon divided)
Instructions
- Brown the meat and veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is mostly cooked through. Then add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper and cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooled sausage mixture with the cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded white cheddar, paprika, and sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated and creamy.
- Prep the croissants: Slice the croissants in half lengthwise. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Arrange the bottom halves of the croissants evenly in the baking dish. Divide the sausage filling evenly over the croissant bottoms, then place the top halves back over the filling to form sandwiches. Set aside.
- Mix the eggs: In a blender or a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper until very smooth and uniform in texture.
- Pour and set: Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the egg mixture for brushing later. Pour the remaining egg mixture evenly around and over the croissant sandwiches in the dish. Cover the casserole and let it soak at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight to allow the croissants to absorb the egg custard fully.
- Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Before placing the casserole in the oven, brush the croissants lightly with the reserved egg mixture. Sprinkle the entire casserole with the everything bagel seasoning and a bit more shredded white cheddar on top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the custard is fully set, the top is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Using stale croissants is recommended to prevent them from becoming too soggy during soaking.
- The casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated for convenience.
- Feel free to substitute breakfast sausage with turkey sausage or a vegetarian alternative.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste preference.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
