Sausage and Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the kind of cozy, savory bake that makes holiday mornings or weekend brunch feel extra special without extra effort. Brushing garlic butter over the flaky croissant topping adds a rich, golden finish and a depth of flavor that sets this one apart from the usual breakfast casseroles.

Croissant casserole with sausage and eggs topped with green onions in a white baking dish, placed on a striped cloth.

I started making this breakfast casserole recipe when I wanted something with a richer, more grown-up flavor than my usual sausage hashbrown casserole.

The buttery croissants and savory sausage add extra flavor, and the garlic butter brushed on top adds even more. The bottom croissants bake up soft and custardy, while the top stays crisp and golden, giving you the best of both textures in every bite.

One thing you'll love is how incredibly flexible it is. You can bake it right away or prep it the night before. Throw in some veggies, or switch up the spices and cheeses to use what you have on hand and make this casserole your own.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Ingredients for a recipe, including croissants, sausage, eggs, cheeses, cream, and spices, labeled on a gray surface.

Looking for the full recipe? The recipe card at the bottom of this post includes the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions.

Croissants – You'll need 6 large croissants, preferably a day or two old, so they hold their shape better. If you're using mini croissants, aim for about 20 to get the right amount of bread for the custard to soak into.
Pork Sausage – You can use mild or hot, depending on your preference. If you want to lighten it up a bit, turkey or chicken sausage works, too.
Cheese – A mix of Gruyère, white cheddar, and Parmesan gives this casserole depth and a little sharpness. Feel free to replace the Gruyère with more Cheddar or swap in Monterey Jack or Swiss if that's what you have on hand.
Half and Half – This gives the egg mixture a creamy, custard-like consistency. You can substitute milk, but the texture will be slightly less rich.
Cream Cheese – Both full and low-fat cheese work fine. Bring it to room temperature before mixing into the eggs.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is the best option here because it adds a bold, aromatic flavor that is so good when paired with the melted butter on top. If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder instead. It won't have quite the same punch, but it still adds a nice flavor boost.

Keep It Simple 🍃

Stale croissants work best, but if you don't have time to buy them in advance, just place the torn pieces on a large baking sheet and put them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-12 minutes. Cool before adding them to the baking dish.

Tips to Make the Best Sausage Croissant Casserole

Cooked ground sausage in a stainless steel pan on a gray surface.

Brown the Sausage

Use a meat chopper to break up the sausage pieces while cooking in a medium skillet.
Let the sausage cool slightly while you prepare the other steps so the heat doesn't cook the egg mixture.
This step can be done up to a day ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Two bowls: Left shows un-mixed spices; right shows mixed spices and liquid, both on a gray surface.

Prepare the Custard

Blend until the ingredients are well incorporated. It's okay if there are still some small pieces of cream cheese. I love the little creamy bites of unblended cream cheese in the finished casserole.
If you do not want those pockets of cream cheese, beat the cream cheese and half and half for several minutes before adding the eggs.

Four-step process of making a sausage croissant breakfast casserole with bread, meat, cheese, and seasoned eggs in a baking dish.

Layer in Baking Dish

Tearing the croissants into chunks helps them hold more of the custard in their nooks and layers. Avoid cutting them into neat pieces. Rough chunks give better texture.
Ensure the croissants are evenly spread in the dish so the custard soaks through without leaving dry spots.
Pressing the top layer gently into the custard helps everything settle and bake evenly, but don't pack it down too much, or it may turn dense instead of fluffy.

Two casserole dishes with croissant tops; one is being brushed with garlic butter.

Bake and Brush with Garlic Butter

Covering the dish for the first part of the bake helps the casserole cook through without over-browning. Removing the foil at the end gives the top a golden, crisp finish.
A thermometer is the best way to check for doneness without overbaking.

Make Ahead Tips ⏳

This casserole can be assembled and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. In the morning, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes while the oven preheats. This helps it bake more evenly and prevents the center from staying cold while the top browns too quickly. It's a simple step that makes a big difference in the final texture.

Baked breakfast casserole with croissant pieces, melted cheese, and garnished with chopped green onions.

Make it Special✨

Before layering the sausage croissant casserole, stir about ½ cup of caramelized onions (from one medium yellow onion) into the cooked sausage. They add a subtle sweetness and extra depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with casserole flavors. Cooked spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms also make great additions!

Close-up of a savory pastry with a flaky crust, sausage filling, and green garnish on a plate.

More Brunch Recipes

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Ingredients and Substitutions

Keep It Simple 🍃