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Buttery Breakfast Casserole

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Buttery Breakfast Casserole is a rich and savory make-ahead dish featuring toasted croissants, browned Italian sausage, fresh sage, and melted Gruyère cheese, all soaked in a creamy egg custard. Perfect for brunch or special breakfast gatherings, it offers comforting flavors with a golden, cheesy crust.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: About 5 hours
  • Yield: Serves 8–10
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Casserole
  • Method: Toasting, sautéing, baking, chilling
  • Cuisine: American, Brunch

Ingredients

1 pound croissants (5–7), split lengthwise

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing

1 bunch scallions (6–7), white and light green parts thinly sliced, greens reserved

¾ pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage

8 large eggs

3 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

8 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (about 2 cups)

1¼ teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Arrange croissants cut side up on a baking sheet and toast until golden, 5–10 minutes. Let cool, then tear into bite-sized pieces.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallions and sausage, cooking and breaking up sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in sage and remove from heat.

Toss toasted croissants with sausage mixture in a large bowl.

In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, 1½ cups Gruyère, salt, and pepper.

Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread croissant mixture evenly. Pour custard over, pressing croissants down gently. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle remaining ½ cup Gruyère on top. Bake uncovered about 45 minutes until golden and set. Let stand 10 minutes. Garnish with scallion greens.

Notes

Use spicy Italian sausage for heat.

Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for veggies.

Substitute sharp cheddar or fontina for Gruyère.

Mix in thyme or rosemary with sage.

For dairy-free, use plant-based milk/cream and omit cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/buttery-breakfast-casserole/