When you are in the mood for a hearty breakfast that is sure to please, try this delicious Buttery Breakfast Casserole, this savory dish features yummy ingredients.
But the sweetness of the croissant pairs perfectly with the sausage, cheese, and herbs in this delicious casserole. It’s an easy dish to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Its cheesy, eggy goodness will become one of your favorite breakfast recipes!
What Is Buttery breakfast casserole?
Buttery breakfast casserole is a delicious savory breakfast dish with golden croissants soaked in a creamy egg and cheese mixture and baked until golden brown and bubbly.
The croissant’s sweetness pairs perfectly with the sausage, cheese, and herbs in this delicious casserole. It’s easy to make and sure to please a crowd.
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Where Did I First Try buttery breakfast casserole?
I’ve always been a fan of breakfast food and I love trying new dishes. So when I was invited to brunch at my friend’s house, I was really excited. She had prepared an amazing spread that included bacon, pancakes, and muffins – but what stole the show was her Buttery Breakfast Casserole.
We all dug in and it quickly became a hit among the guests. The warm golden croissants were perfectly cooked and had soaked up all the flavorsome egg, cheese, and sausage mixture.
Moreover, the herbs gave it a delicious extra flavor that made this dish stand out from any other breakfast casserole I’d ever tasted before. Everyone was raving about it, so we asked my friend for the recipe.
She obliged, and I’ve been making it ever since. Every time I serve this Buttery Breakfast Casserole, I’m reminded of that first delicious experience at my friend’s brunch and all our fun.
It’s become a staple in my home cooking repertoire and will surely be a crowd-pleaser whenever I make it. Though I have to admit, the leftovers are even better!
Ingredients
- Croissants: It is a must-have for this dish as it adds a buttery sweetness to the casserole. Try to buy high-quality croissants for the best results.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used to sauté the scallions, it adds a subtle flavor and keeps them from sticking to the pan.
- Scallions: Sautéed in olive oil, they add a lovely onion flavor that goes well with the other ingredients.
- Eggs: They are used to bind the dish together and also add protein.
- Milk: This ingredient adds a creamy texture to the casserole.
- Heavy Cream: Also adding creaminess helps balance out some of the saltiness from the Gruyère cheese.
- Sweet Italian Sausage: It adds a delicious smokiness to the casserole and helps balance out all the flavors.
- Sage: Fresh sage adds a herbaceous flavor to the dish.
- Gruyère Cheese: This is what makes this dish so delicious! The salty, nutty flavor of the cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the croissants.
- Salt & pepper: Used to season the dish, it brings out all the flavors.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Firstly, preheat the oven to 500 F. Place croissants on a dish and toast until golden brown, about 5-10 minutes (careful not to let them burn). After it has cooled down, then tear it into bite-size pieces.
Step 2
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced scallions and sausage meat. Stir frequently with a fork as the mixture browns, taking about five minutes. When done, stir in the sage before removing it from the heat.
Step 3
In a bowl, combine the croissants and sausage blend. Once you’ve done it, take another mixing bowl and whisk together eggs, milk, cream, 1 1/2 cups of cheese, salt and pepper.
Step 4
Oil a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with a small amount of oil. Place the croissant mixture in the dish, and spread it evenly throughout. Pour the custard into the croissant mixture and press down gently to help them absorb the liquid.
Now, cover the pan with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 5
Once the casserole is ready for baking, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the dish and place it in the oven.
Bake until golden brown and firm to the touch, approximately 45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before garnishing with sliced scallion tops and serving.
Baking Tips
- When preheating the oven to 500 F, make sure not to leave it unattended, as croissants can burn easily. It is best to watch them carefully and remove them from the oven once they are golden brown.
- Be sure to sauté the scallions until softened before adding them to the egg mixture, which helps bring out their flavor.
- Make sure to mix the egg mixture until it is combined before pouring it over the croissants. It is best not to rush the baking process, as this will ensure that your casserole comes out perfectly cooked and golden brown.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
- If you don’t have croissants, you can substitute them with similar bread, such as brioche or French bread.
- You can substitute extra-virgin olive oil for butter if desired.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with vegetables like mushrooms and peppers.
- You can also use different types of cheese to substitute Gruyère such as cheddar or mozzarella.
Buttery Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- baking dish
- large skillet
- 2 bowls
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half adding richness and depth to the custard, resulting in a luxurious and decadent texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper adding a subtle spiciness that complements the other flavors and adds depth to the dish.
- 4 ounces of Gruyère grated (1 cup), offering a nutty and creamy flavor that melts beautifully and creates a rich and cheesy layer throughout the dish.
- 1/2 bunch of scallions 3 to 4, with the white and light green parts thinly sliced, offering a mild and onion-like flavor that adds a subtle freshness to the overall taste profile. The greens, reserved, can be used as a garnish to add a pop of color.
- 4 eggs providing richness and binding the ingredients together, resulting in a satisfying and creamy texture.
- 1/2 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil imparting a smooth and fruity essence that enhances the flavors of the dish and adds a touch of richness.
- 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh sage infusing the dish with an earthy and aromatic note that complements the sausage and adds a touch of herbal freshness.
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk or whole milk creating a velvety and smooth base that adds a creamy and luscious texture to the dish.
- 1/2 pound of croissants split in half lengthwise, providing buttery and flaky layers that add a delightful texture to the dish.
- 3/8 pound of sweet Italian sausage with the casings removed, bringing a savory and flavorful element that adds depth and richness to the dish.
- 5/8 teaspoon of salt enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients and bringing balance to the overall taste profile.
Instructions
- Firstly, preheat the oven to 500 F. Place croissants on a dish and toast until golden brown, about 5-10 minutes (careful not to let them burn). After it has cooled down, then tear it into bite-size pieces.
- Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced scallions and sausage meat. Stir frequently with a fork as the mixture browns, taking about five minutes. When done, stir in the sage before removing it from the heat.
- In a bowl, combine the croissants and sausage blend. Once you’ve done it, take another mixing bowl and whisk together eggs, milk, cream, 1 1/2 cups of cheese, salt and pepper.
- Oil a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with a small amount of oil. Place the croissant mixture in the dish, and spread it evenly throughout. Pour the custard into the croissant mixture and press down gently to help them absorb the liquid. Now, cover the pan with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Once the casserole is ready for baking, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the dish and place it in the oven. Bake until golden brown and firm to the touch, approximately 45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before garnishing with sliced scallion tops and serving.
Notes
- When preheating the oven to 500 F, make sure not to leave it unattended, as croissants can burn easily. It is best to watch them carefully and remove them from the oven once they are golden brown.
- Be sure to sauté the scallions until softened before adding them to the egg mixture, which helps bring out their flavor.
- Make sure to mix the egg mixture until it is combined before pouring it over the croissants. It is best not to rush the baking process, as this will ensure that your casserole comes out perfectly cooked and golden brown.
Nutrition Information
A single serving of this Buttery Breakfast Casserole contains:
• Calories: 472
• Fat: 24 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar:3 g
• Sodium: 759 mg
How to Store Leftover buttery breakfast casserole?
If you have any leftovers, it is best to store them in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until warm.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, this dish is safe for pregnant women as long as all ingredients are cooked to the proper temperature and served immediately.
Do I need to precook the sausage?
Yes, it is best practice to precook the sausage before adding it to the casserole. This ensures that it will be cooked through before serving.
Are there any vegan or vegetarian options?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage for vegetables such as mushrooms and peppers to make this dish vegan or vegetarian-friendly.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading this recipe for Buttery Breakfast Casserole. This savory dish is a great way to start your day off right and impress your friends and family with its delicious cheesy, eggy goodness.
Its simple yet flavorful ingredients make it an easy dish to make that will please a crowd. Have fun experimenting with different ingredients and making this yummy casserole! Please, share the recipe and let your friends and family make it too.
Sharing is Caring!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.