Irresistible Croissant Bake Recipe | Cheesy Comfort Food Casserole
Make this irresistible croissant bake for the ultimate comfort food. Buttery croissants layered with eggs and cheese, baked to golden perfection — a cozy casserole perfect for brunch, holidays, or family gatherings.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish (ceramic or glass)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Serrated knife (for slicing croissants)
- Aluminum foil (for covering during baking)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 6–8 large croissants (day-old preferred), sliced or torn
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richer custard)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella for savory)
- 1 cup cooked ham or bacon, chopped (optional for savory)
- ½ cup sugar (for sweet version)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for sweet version)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper (savory version)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional for sweet version)
- Fresh herbs or powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer: Arrange half of the croissant pieces in the dish. Add fillings (savory: ham, cheese; sweet: chocolate chips, berries). Top with remaining croissants.
- Custard: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and seasonings (savory: salt, pepper, nutmeg; sweet: sugar, vanilla, cinnamon).
- Pour: Slowly pour custard over croissants, pressing gently to help absorption.
- Rest: Chill for 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Bake (covered): Cover with foil and bake 25–30 minutes.
- Bake (uncovered): Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden and custard is set.
- Serve: Rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with herbs (savory) or powdered sugar (sweet).
Notes
- Make-ahead: Assemble the bake the night before; refrigerate and bake in the morning.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole up to 1 month; thaw overnight before baking.
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Variations:
- Savory: Ham & Gruyère, spinach & feta, bacon & cheddar.
- Sweet: Chocolate & berry, almond & raspberry, pumpkin spice.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 325°F for best texture.
- Serving ideas: Pair with fruit salad, coffee, or mimosas for brunch.