There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of a warm, cheesy, savory breakfast that’s already waiting for you. I discovered the idea for this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake. one winter morning when hosting my in-laws for the holidays. With the fridge full and time tight, I threw together some buttery croissants, leftover veggies, eggs, and cheese—and the result was a rich, satisfying dish that earned applause before anyone even had coffee. What I love most is how beginner-friendly this is: minimal morning work, flexible ingredients, and foolproof results.
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake. easy sheet pan dinner-style breakfast (yes, you can bake it all in one dish!) has since become my go-to for brunches, holiday mornings, and meal prep. It’s rich but balanced, indulgent yet practical, and it even sneaks in some greens. Whether you’re just learning to cook or looking for quick and healthy meals to streamline your mornings, this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake, veggie-focused croissant bake is a winner.

Why This Recipe is Special
Unlike most Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake. that rely heavily on processed meats or overly starchy bread, this version uses flaky croissants for texture and flavor, along with fresh vegetables that lend color and nutrition. Inspired by a popular holiday brunch dish, this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake. removes the fuss by prepping everything the night before. It’s ideal for beginners because it’s hard to mess up and easy to customize. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch or need a reliable make-ahead dish for guests, this overnight breakfast bake delivers comfort with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients and Preparation
Croissants
Croissants are the base of this recipe. Their buttery layers crisp up beautifully when toasted and add a light, flaky contrast to the custard filling. You can use fresh or slightly stale croissants. In a pinch, sturdy sourdough or brioche also works.
Unsalted Butter
Used to sauté the vegetables and coat the baking dish, butter adds richness and depth of flavor. Olive oil is an acceptable alternative for a lighter touch.
Sweet Onion
Adds sweetness and mild acidity that balance the richness of the eggs and cheese. Shallots or leeks can also be used for a milder or more gourmet flavor.
Garlic
Enhances aroma and adds a savory kick. One to two cloves are plenty, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Cremini Mushrooms
These bring earthiness and a meaty texture without actual meat. You could swap in white mushrooms or even zucchini for a different twist.
Fresh Spinach
A great way to add color, fiber, and nutrients. Kale or arugula are also good options if sautéed well beforehand.
Eggs
The backbone of the dish, eggs create a custardy filling that holds everything together. For a vegan version, you might try a tofu or chickpea flour base, though texture will vary.
Milk and Heavy Cream
These two together form a rich custard. Whole milk gives the best result, but you can use half-and-half or a plant-based milk for a lighter option.
Gruyère Cheese
A nutty, melty cheese that elevates the dish. Don’t have Gruyère? Use Swiss, cheddar, or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan.
Fresh Parsley and Parmesan (Topping)
A fresh finish that brightens the dish and adds texture. Other herbs like chives or thyme work well too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Slice croissants in half lengthwise and place them cut-side-up on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5–8 minutes until lightly golden. Let them cool, then tear into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté diced onions and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add chopped mushrooms and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until they’re juicy and browned. Add the spinach last, stirring until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3
Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix the toasted croissant pieces and sautéed vegetables in the dish until evenly combined.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and half the shredded cheese. Optional: Stir in chopped herbs like parsley or chives for extra freshness.
Step 5
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant-veggie mixture. Gently press down with a spoon to help the croissants soak up the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight.
Step 6
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F. Let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Uncover, top with the remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden.
Step 7
Let the casserole cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and grated parmesan just before serving.

Beginner Tips and Notes
If your vegetables release too much moisture, just let them cook a bit longer to evaporate the liquid—this prevents sogginess. If your bake looks too wet after 45 minutes in the oven, loosely cover with foil and continue baking in 10-minute increments until the center firms up.
To save time, chop all your vegetables and shred cheese the night before. You can also use store-bought pre-sliced mushrooms and bagged spinach. Don’t skip toasting the croissants—it adds a subtle crunch that makes this dish shine.
A deep ceramic or glass baking dish works best for even cooking. If you don’t have one, divide into two smaller pans and reduce baking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake. pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted breakfast potatoes. For a more festive spread, serve with mimosas or a spiced chai latte.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat individual slices in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave for a quicker option. To freeze, bake fully, cool, then wrap slices tightly before freezing. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to cooking or just need an easy brunch idea, this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake. is your new best friend. It’s flexible, flavorful, and beginner-proof—just prep it the night before and enjoy a stress-free morning meal. Try it out and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments. I’d love to hear your twist on this easy sheet pan dinner-style breakfast and how it fits into your collection of quick and healthy meals.
FAQ About Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake.
Q1: Can I use a different type of bread instead of croissants?
Yes, croissants add a rich and buttery texture, but you can substitute with brioche, challah, or sturdy sourdough for a similar result. Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it may turn soggy.
Q2: How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q3: Can I add meat like sausage or bacon to this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake.?
Absolutely. Cook and crumble sausage or bacon ahead of time and mix it in with the sautéed vegetables before layering everything in the baking dish.
More Relevant Recipes
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Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake.
- Total Time: 9 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This overnight croissant breakfast bake is a rich, savory make-ahead dish made with buttery croissants, fresh vegetables, eggs, and Gruyère cheese. Ideal for beginner cooks, it’s perfect for holiday mornings, brunches, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 5 to 7 large croissants, sliced in half lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
- 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
- Fresh chopped parsley, for topping
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Slice croissants in half and place them cut-side-up on a baking sheet. Toast for 5–8 minutes until golden, then tear into pieces.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté onions and garlic for 5 minutes until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the toasted croissants and sautéed vegetables in the dish and toss evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and half the grated cheese. Optionally stir in chopped herbs.
- Pour the egg mixture over the croissant mixture in the baking dish. Gently press down to help absorb the liquid. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
- The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F. Let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then uncover and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the center is set and top is golden. Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Top with parsley and parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Toasting the croissants is essential for best texture—don’t skip this step.
- Substitute with brioche, sourdough, or gluten-free bread if needed.
- Feel free to add cooked sausage or bacon for a meatier version.
- If the center is still wet after baking, cover with foil and continue baking in 10-minute increments.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 210mg