Savory Sausage Croissant Breakfast Casserole – a tasty overnight casserole made with hearty Italian sausage, buttery toasted croissants, fresh eggs, and sharp cheddar cheese.
Savory Sausage Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Buttery toasted croissants with fresh eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, and Italian sausage make a savory and delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole. The croissants give this casserole a delicious flaky texture that pairs perfectly with the sausage and cheese. It’s perfect for holidays or a special brunch. I love knowing on a busy Easter morning or Christmas morning that there is a delicious breakfast casserole ready to pop in the oven!
Croissant Breakfast Casserole Ingredients
- Croissants – I used 4 of the big buttery good quality croissants from Costco. If using smaller croissants, use 5-6 depending on size. This is a great way to use leftover or stale croissants! Check your grocery store bakery section for large size croissants.
- Olive Oil – or Avocado Oil
- Italian Sausage – use hot or sweet sausage depending on preference. I’ve tested the recipe with both and they are great. Hot Italian Sausage will give the casserole more of a kick. Ham or bacon can be added or used instead.
- Eggs
- Crushed Red Pepper – optional for more heat
- Fresh Sage – fresh sage pairs so well with the sausage and makes the casserole smell so good when baking! To substitute dried sage, use 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage in place of the tablespoon of fresh. Dried herbs are much stronger than fresh.
- Whole Milk – whole milk is preferred to maintain the richness for the egg mixture.
- Cheese – I used a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan but this would be amazing with a variety of cheeses. Gruyere Cheese, Swiss, Monterey Jack Cheese, or Mozzarella would all be great substitutes.
- Seasonings – Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, and Garlic Powder
How to Make a Croissant Breakfast Casserole
- Prepare casserole the day or night before.
- Cut and toast croissants until golden brown.
- In a large sauté pan, cook sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and seasonings. Whisk in cheese.
- In a 9 by 13-inch baking dish, combine toasted croissants with sausage crumbles.
- Pour egg and cheese mixture over croissant and sausage mixture.
- Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Before baking, let set at room temperature for an hour to take off the chill from refrigeration.
Recipes Tips
- If you have leftover ham, that would be a great addition to this casserole and would pair wonderfully with Gruyere cheese or Swiss cheese.
- Baking times can vary. A heavy duty baking pan will take longer to heat and cook through.
- Using fresh herbs in the casserole and for garnishes makes the casserole extra special. Fresh sage works really nicely with the sausage and fresh chives or parsley for the topping.
More Holiday Favorites
- Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham
- Crockpot Ham with Maple Brown Sugar Glaze
- Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- Corn Casserole

- 1 pound croissants 4 large Costco sized croissants
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian Sausage Hot or Sweet
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage minced
- 8 eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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The day before serving, prepare casserole. Start by preheating the oven to 425°. Cut croissants into large 2-inch cubes. Toast on a baking sheet between 5-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown sausage, breaking up sausage as it cooks. Once sausage is cooked through, add crushed red pepper if using and stir in fresh sage.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Spray casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Combine toasted croissants and sausage in baking dish. Then pour egg and cheese mixture evenly over croissants and sausage, pressing down lightly to allow croissants to absorb eggs. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
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Before baking, let casserole sit at room temperature for one hour. Preheat oven to 350° and bake uncovered for 45 minutes until casserole is golden brown. Top with fresh chives.
5 Easy Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights
My five FAVORITE recipes for busy families!
- Quick to make
- Light on your budget
- Easy to clean-up
- and...most important...absolutely DELICIOUS
How many eggs should be used?
8 eggs – I updated the recipe card. Thank you for the comment Michelle!
Loved this breakfast casserole! It was perfect for meal prep!
Loved this, it was so good!
I love a good savory breakfast and this hits the mark! So much flavor!