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If you love breakfast comfort food with a touch of indulgence, then this Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine buttery, flaky croissants soaked in a rich, savory custard loaded with crispy bacon and a blend of melty white and mild cheddar cheeses. It’s like your favorite breakfast sandwich, but taken to a whole new level of cozy goodness that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or savoring as leftovers. Every bite is a celebration of textures and flavors coming together in the most delightful way imaginable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but each plays a crucial role in building the irresistible layers of this dish. From the smoky bacon to the creamy custard and the cheesy goodness, every element contributes to the texture and flavor harmony you’ll love.
- Bacon (10 ounces): Provides smoky, crispy bites that add a hearty punch of flavor.
- Large croissants (6 to 7, pre-baked): These buttery pastries soak up the egg mixture beautifully, giving tender yet textured layers.
- Large eggs (8): The backbone of the custard, binding everything while offering rich, creamy goodness.
- Milk (2 cups): Lightens the eggs and makes the custard silky without weighing it down.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory depth to the custard mix.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a mild sweetness and complexity that complements the bacon.
- Pepper (1 teaspoon): Introduces a gentle spiciness that wakes up the flavors.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor without overpowering.
- Shredded white cheddar (1 cup, divided): Offers sharpness and creaminess to perfect the cheesy layers.
- Shredded mild cheddar (1 cup, divided): Balances the sharp cheddar with mellow, rich cheese flavor.
- Chopped chives (3 tablespoons): For a fresh, oniony finish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F and lining a large sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup. Lay the bacon strips out in a single layer and bake them until perfectly crispy, about 12 to 14 minutes. Once done, transfer the strips to paper towels to soak up excess grease before chopping them into bite-sized pieces. This step ensures every bacon piece packs maximum flavor and crunch.
Step 2: Prep and Toast Croissant Pieces
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Tear each croissant into small chunks and spread them evenly in the pan. Toasting these pieces for 10 minutes will give the croissants a slightly crisp outer layer that holds up well when soaked in the egg mixture, preventing sogginess and adding a lovely texture contrast.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of each kind of shredded cheese. This custard mixture is where the magic begins—infusing the croissants with rich, savory flavors while the cheeses melt into creamy pockets throughout the bake. Pour this mixture evenly over the toasted croissant pieces to ensure every bite absorbs that delicious custard.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the chopped bacon and remaining cheeses over the soaked croissants for an even distribution of savory delight. At this point, you can either bake immediately or refrigerate the whole pan overnight for a no-fuss morning bake. When ready, bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes or until the eggs are set firm but still tender. This bake will puff up slightly and develop a golden, cheesy crust that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped chives sprinkled on top add a beautiful pop of green and a subtle oniony brightness that balances the richness of the bake. If you want to get creative, a dash of hot sauce or some sliced avocado on the side can add refreshing contrast and a hint of spice.
Side Dishes
This croissant bake pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, roasted cherry tomatoes, or seasonal fruit salad. These options keep the meal balanced while complementing the savory, cheesy richness of the dish. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or orange juice rounds out the perfect brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch spread, serve the croissant bake in a beautiful baking dish right at the table so guests can help themselves. You could also portion it into mini ramekins for individual servings that look classy and allow for fun garnishing. Wrapping leftover slices in parchment paper for picnics or brunch parties makes for a charming presentation too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making reheated slices just as delicious as when freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this croissant bake for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil for the best freezer protection. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead dish for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 350-degree F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and cheese is melted. Avoid microwaving if you can, as reheating in the oven keeps the edges crisp and the texture much more enjoyable, just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh croissant dough instead of baked croissants?
This recipe calls for already baked croissants because their flaky texture soaks up the custard without becoming soggy. Using uncooked dough could result in a very different texture and longer bake times, so stick with pre-baked croissants for the best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted peppers to keep the dish flavorful and hearty. You might also include a bit more cheese or some caramelized onions to add depth in place of the bacon.
Can I prepare the croissant bake the night before?
Yes, one of the best parts of this Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe is that you can assemble it the night prior, cover it, and refrigerate. Then bake it fresh in the morning, making busy days so much easier and breakfast truly stress-free.
What cheeses work best for this recipe?
The combination of white cheddar and mild cheddar provides excellent balance between sharpness and creamy meltiness. However, you can substitute with gruyere or Monterey Jack for a milder, nuttier flavor if you prefer.
How do I know when the bake is fully cooked?
The bake is done when the egg custard is set and slightly puffed, with a golden top and melted cheese. A gentle jiggle in the center means it may need a few more minutes. Insert a toothpick or knife in the center; it should come out mostly clean, maybe with just a little moisture but no liquid.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something truly special for breakfast or brunch, you really must try this Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe. It’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting a weekend get-together, or simply treating yourself to a delicious morning, this recipe delivers all the warm, cheesy, savory goodness you could ask for. Once you make it, you’ll be happily coming back to it again and again.
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Print
Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Bacon, Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake is a hearty and delicious breakfast casserole featuring crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, gooey melted cheese, and buttery torn croissants. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s easy to prepare ahead and bake for a comforting morning meal full of rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 package (10 ounces) bacon
Bakery
- 6 to 7 large croissants (already baked, not dough)
Dairy
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (divided)
Spices and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons chopped chives
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with foil and arrange the bacon strips in a single layer. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the Croissants: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Tear each croissant into small pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared dish. Toast the croissant pieces in the oven for 10 minutes to slightly crisp them.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large 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 smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the toasted croissant pieces in the baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly on top, then cover with the remaining shredded cheeses. You may bake immediately or cover and refrigerate overnight for next-day baking.
- Final Bake and Serve: Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes or until the eggs are fully set and the top is bubbly and golden. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped chives, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fully baked croissants, not dough, for best texture.
- To save time, prepare the bake the night before and refrigerate; allow the bake to come slightly to room temperature before baking.
- Adjust cheese types or amounts based on preference; a sharper cheddar can add more flavor.
- If you prefer crispy bacon pieces, bake until very crisp before chopping.
- This dish freezes well; reheat in the oven until warmed through.
