Weekends are for leisurely brunches, and what better way to start your day than with a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious breakfast casserole? This recipe elevates the classic breakfast casserole with the flaky, buttery goodness of croissants, creating a truly unforgettable dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet morning at home. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and delivering maximum flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant homemade breakfast masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 croissants, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Begin by cooking your breakfast sausage until fully browned and crumbled. Set aside to cool slightly. While the sausage cooks, thaw your spinach and thoroughly squeeze out any excess water. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy casserole. Cut your croissants into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Gently stir in the cooked sausage, squeezed spinach, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the croissant pieces into the dish, creating an even layer. Pour the egg and sausage mixture over the croissants. Top with the remaining croissant pieces.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the eggs are fully set. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole:
- For extra flavor, sauté some chopped onions and bell peppers with the sausage.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, Swiss, or a blend of your favorites would work wonderfully.
- If you don't have croissants, you can substitute with bread cubes or biscuits.
- For a richer casserole, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole the night before and bake in the morning. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Variations:
- Veggie Lovers: Add diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the mixture.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Meat Lovers: Add diced ham, bacon, or chorizo along with the sausage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This croissant breakfast casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions. It's a delicious, easy recipe that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!