If you are on the hunt for a comforting brunch dish that brings together flaky, buttery croissants with classic breakfast flavors, this Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe is the answer. Each bite delivers crispy bacon, creamy eggs, and melty cheese all nestled in torn croissant pieces that soak up all those wonderful flavors perfectly. It’s the ultimate way to upgrade your morning meal with minimal fuss and maximum heartwarming satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, yet each plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of texture, taste, and richness for this dish. From smoky bacon to gooey cheddar, every component adds its unique magic.
- Bacon (10 ounces): Provides smoky crunch and savory depth essential for flavor contrast.
- Large croissants (6 to 7): Using pre-baked croissants adds buttery flakiness and soaks up the custard beautifully.
- Large eggs (8): The protein base that forms a creamy, custardy filling binding everything together.
- Milk (2 cups): Adds moisture and helps create the custard texture that sets during baking.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle warmth and depth pushing the savory notes forward.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild, aromatic background flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): A bit of spice to brighten and balance the richness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors without making it too salty.
- Shredded white cheddar (1 cup): Sharpness and creamy texture that melt beautifully throughout the bake.
- Shredded mild cheddar (1 cup): Adds smooth, mild cheesiness complementing the white cheddar.
- Chopped chives (3 tablespoons): Fresh herbaceous finish to sprinkle on top for brightness and color.
How to Make Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Bacon to Crispy Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F and lining a large sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup. Lay out the bacon strips evenly so they bake uniformly and cook for 12 to 14 minutes until delightfully crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease—this ensures your bake won’t be greasy but just perfectly savory. Chop the crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside for later assembly.
Step 2: Toast the Croissant Pieces
Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with nonstick spray. Tear your croissants into small pieces that will soak up the egg mixture but still retain some texture. Spread the croissant pieces evenly in the pan and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes. This step is key for a lovely slightly crispy texture in the final dish and prevents sogginess.
Step 3: Prepare the Savory Egg Mixture
While the croissants toast, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful base. Fold in half a cup each of the shredded white and mild cheddar cheeses to introduce creamy, melty chunks of cheese throughout the mixture. This seasoned custard will soak into your croissants and bake into tender, cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Croissant Casserole
Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the toasted croissant chunks in the prepared pan, making sure every piece gets coated for ultimate flavor. Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the top, then finish with the remaining shredded cheeses for a luscious cheesy crust. You can bake this dish immediately or cover it and refrigerate overnight—either way, bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until the eggs are fully set and golden on top.
How to Serve Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
Garnishes
The simple addition of freshly chopped chives on top adds a fresh, grassy note that balances the richness and a vibrant pop of green that makes this dish as pretty as it is tasty. Sprinkle just before serving for the best effect.
Side Dishes
Pair your Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe with a crisp, refreshing fruit salad or a light mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted breakfast potatoes also make a cozy, complementary side for a full brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole straight from the pan family-style for a casual meal or cut into neat squares for a brunch buffet or potluck. You can also place individual servings in ramekins before baking for personalized portions that look extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious and safe to eat up to four days, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish well in advance, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or place them in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes until heated through. This helps re-melt the cheese and refresh the textures for that just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar adds great flavor and meltiness, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra gooeyness or Swiss for a nuttier taste. Mixing cheeses can add complexity to the dish.
Do I have to use croissants or can I substitute bread?
Croissants are key to the buttery, flaky texture unique to this bake, but if unavailable, sturdy bread like brioche or challah can work. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different from the classic croissant version.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to keep it hearty and flavorful. You might also add some smoked paprika to mimic a smoky flavor that complements the cheese and eggs.
Is it okay to bake this dish the night before and reheat in the morning?
Definitely a convenient option! You can bake it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. To serve, simply reheat in a 350-degree oven until warm throughout, about 20 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is fully cooked?
The eggs should be set and no longer jiggly in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean or with just a bit of cooked custard clinging to it. The top should be golden and the cheese melted and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but is so easy to whip up, you’ll want to make it all the time. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or anytime you crave a satisfying, cheesy breakfast with a touch of elegant comfort. Give it a try—you won’t regret adding this to your recipe collection!
Print
Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and hearty Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake perfect for brunch or a comforting breakfast. Crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, creamy cheese, and buttery croissants come together in this savory casserole that’s easy to prepare and can be baked fresh or refrigerated overnight for convenience.
Ingredients
Bacon
- 1 package (10 ounces) bacon
Croissant Base
- 6 to 7 large baked croissants, torn into small pieces
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
Garnish
- 3 tablespoons chopped chives
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with foil and arrange bacon strips in a single layer. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain grease. Once cooled, chop bacon into pieces and set aside.
- Prepare Croissants: Lower oven temperature to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Tear croissants into small pieces and distribute evenly in the pan. Toast croissant pieces in the oven for 10 minutes to slightly crisp them.
- Mix Eggs and Cheese: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half (1/2 cup each) of the shredded white and mild cheddar cheeses until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the toasted croissant pieces in the baking pan. Sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces evenly on top. Finish by topping the casserole with the remaining shredded cheeses.
- Bake or Refrigerate: You may bake immediately or cover the pan and refrigerate overnight. To bake, place uncovered in the 350°F oven and cook for 45 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped chives before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use baked croissants, not raw dough, for best texture.
- The bake can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, making it great for busy mornings or entertaining.
- Cheese varieties can be substituted with similar aged or flavors to suit your preference.
- To make the dish lower in fat, consider using turkey bacon and low-fat milk.
- Ensure eggs are fully set before serving to avoid a runny center.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
