1. Home
  2. Dishes
  3. Crack Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Crack Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Category: Morning Meals Worth Getting Out of Bed For

This golden-baked croissant breakfast casserole layers flaky bakery croissants with crisp bacon and sharp cheddar, pulled together by a rich custard of eggs, half-and-half, and ranch seasoning. Perfect for preparing the night before, it gets extra flavor from the overnight soak, ensuring every bite is creamy and satisfying. Simply assemble, chill, and bake in the morning for an impressive brunch centerpiece. Serve warm with fruit or grits for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that covers breakfast cravings and convenient prep.

Pin It Share Send Print Jump to Recipe
Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:27:53 GMT
A white plate with a slice of bacon and cheese casserole. Save
A white plate with a slice of bacon and cheese casserole. | lilicooks.com

Crack Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the overnight bake I pull out for family weekends or when I want to treat overnight guests to something memorable but stress free The buttery croissants soak up a rich egg custard thanks to a quick rest in the fridge and every bite has that irresistible mix of bacon sharp cheddar and a savory ranch tang It is a little decadent and a lot comforting

My family requests this casserole on every holiday morning and it makes my house smell amazing while it bakes This is also my go to recipe to bring when I am hosting a brunch with friends because it is always a hit

Ingredients

  • Bakery croissants: give the casserole a buttery tender bite Choose fresh and fluffy croissants for best results not ones from a tube
  • Bacon: brings the smoky crisp flavor that takes the casserole over the top Use thick cut for extra crunch or sub turkey bacon for a lighter option
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: melts in perfectly for gooey richness I like sharp cheddar for bite but you can use your favorite such as gouda or swiss
  • Large eggs: create a silky custard and bind everything together Fresh eggs with rich yolks really make a difference
  • Half and half: makes the custard creamy and soft You can also use whole milk or even a bit of heavy cream for a richer taste
  • Ranch dressing mix: adds a bold herby punch Look for a blend with fresh spices or use homemade for more control over the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Croissants:
Chop each croissant into bite size pieces about ten to twelve chunks per croissant Place them in a lightly greased deep baking dish so every piece can soak up custard
Cook the Bacon:
Fry bacon in a skillet over medium high heat until it gets crispy and golden brown Drain on paper towels to keep it from getting greasy
Layer Croissants Bacon and Cheese:
Scatter the crispy bacon and shredded cheddar evenly over the croissant pieces in your dish Try to get some cheese in all the nooks so every bite melts just right
Mix the Custard:
Whisk eggs with half and half and ranch dressing mix until well combined and smooth No streaks of egg or clumps of seasoning
Assemble and Chill:
Pour the egg mixture over the croissants pressing down gently with a spatula to submerge every piece Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least eight hours or overnight for maximum flavor
Bake the Casserole:
In the morning preheat your oven to three hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit Keep the casserole covered and bake for thirty five minutes then uncover and return to the oven for another twenty five minutes until everything is set Let it stand for ten minutes before serving
A dish of bacon and cheese. Save
A dish of bacon and cheese. | lilicooks.com

This casserole is my favorite way to bring bakery croissants back to life when I have a few leftover The sharp cheddar is the ingredient my kids always beg for extra of because it makes the casserole so wonderfully gooey

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three days For best texture reheat portions covered in the oven or microwave If freezing the whole casserole let it cool wrap tightly and freeze Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for about thirty minutes

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap turkey bacon for a lighter version or try pancetta for extra flavor Any cheese works well so use your favorites Gruyere or pepper jack give a fun twist Half and half can be replaced with whole milk if you want something a touch lighter or use heavy cream for serious richness

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with a bowl of fresh fruit or a side of cheesy grits If you want something green a crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette works well too This also makes a perfect potluck breakfast because it travels well and can be sliced into squares for easy sharing

A dish of bacon and cheese. Save
A dish of bacon and cheese. | lilicooks.com

A Little History

Breakfast casseroles like this one became popular in the United States as a way to combine leftover bread and eggs for a hearty one dish meal The use of croissants gives this recipe a touch of French bakery flair and the ranch seasoning is a playful and modern American twist

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance and bake fresh in the morning for best flavor and texture.

→ What type of croissants work best?

Bakery croissants are ideal, as they offer a flakier texture and richer taste than packaged crescent rolls.

→ Can I customize the cheese or bacon?

Absolutely! Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version, or swap cheddar for gouda, jack, or swiss as you prefer.

→ Is the dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well either before or after baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

→ How do I know when it’s done?

The casserole should be set in the center and lightly golden. A knife inserted should come out clean, not wet.

→ Can I adjust the richness?

You can use whole milk instead of half-and-half or reduce the amount of cheese to suit your taste.

Crack Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Layers of croissants, bacon, eggs, and cheddar make a savory, comforting dish perfect for morning gatherings.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
60 min
Overall Time
75 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 3 large bakery-style croissants (5-inch each)
02 1 lb bacon
03 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
04 6 large eggs
05 1 cup half-and-half
06 2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix

Steps

Step 01

Chop each croissant into 10 to 12 pieces. Place in a lightly greased 9x9-inch deep dish baking dish.

Step 02

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Drain fat.

Step 03

Sprinkle bacon and cheese over chopped croissants.

Step 04

Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, and ranch dressing mix.

Step 05

Pour egg mixture over croissant mixture. Press croissants down to submerge into the egg mixture. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours.

Step 06

Preheat oven to 325ºF. Bake casserole covered for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes, or until set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

  1. Use bakery-style croissants for best results; avoid refrigerated crescent rolls.
  2. Turkey bacon may be substituted for fewer calories.
  3. You can substitute heavy cream or whole milk for half-and-half.
  4. Choose alternative cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, Swiss, or Gruyere.
  5. Adjust ranch seasoning according to personal taste.
  6. Assemble and refrigerate casserole up to 24 hours in advance before baking.
  7. To double the recipe, use a 9x13-inch baking dish and extend cooking time by 10 to 15 minutes.
  8. For freezing, thaw frozen casserole completely before baking or reheating.

Required Tools

  • 9-inch square baking dish
  • 10-inch skillet
  • Rotary cheese grater

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy in cheese and half-and-half.
  • Contains gluten in croissants.
  • Contains eggs.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fats: 33 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 18 g