Introduction
Begin your day on a delicious note with this Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake. Combining layers of buttery croissants, sautéed vegetables, and creamy, cheesy goodness, this dish is perfect for a brunch gathering or a cozy family breakfast. With minimal prep time and the convenience of overnight chilling, it’s a dish that aligns perfectly with modern busy lifestyles.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1. 1 sweet onion, diced
2. 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
3. 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
4. 5 to 7 large croissants, sliced in half lengthwise
5. 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
6. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
7. 8 large eggs
8. 2½ cups milk
9. 1 cup heavy cream
10. 2 garlic cloves, minced
11. Fresh chopped parsley, for topping
12. Parmesan cheese, for topping
13. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Prep Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 75 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: Serves approximately 8-10
Directions
1. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced sweet onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped cremini mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, approximately 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. **Toast the Croissants:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliced croissants on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven until lightly golden and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
3. **Assemble the Casserole:**
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the toasted croissant halves in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom. Evenly distribute the sautéed vegetable mixture over the croissants. Sprinkle the freshly grated Gruyère cheese over the vegetables.
4. **Prepare the Egg Mixture:**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, and heavy cream until well combined. Season the mixture with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. **Combine and Refrigerate:**
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled croissants, vegetables, and cheese in the baking dish. Gently press down on the croissants to ensure they absorb the egg mixture. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
6. **Bake the Casserole:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Uncover the dish and bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown, approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
7. **Garnish and Serve:**
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
Enjoy your Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced sweet onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped cremini mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, approximately 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Toast the Croissants:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliced croissants on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven until lightly golden and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the toasted croissant halves in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom. Evenly distribute the sautéed vegetable mixture over the croissants. Sprinkle the freshly grated Gruyère cheese over the vegetables.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, and heavy cream until well combined. Season the mixture with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Combine and Refrigerate:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled croissants, vegetables, and cheese in the baking dish. Gently press down on the croissants to ensure they absorb the egg mixture. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Bake the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Uncover the dish and bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown, approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
Notes
Vegetable Variations:
Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or kale for added flavor and nutrition.
Croissant Selection:
Using buttery, flaky croissants will enhance the richness of the casserole.
Make-Ahead Option:
This dish is perfect for preparing ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld overnight for a delicious brunch option.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Cook techniques
Preparing Vegetables
In this technique, you’re sautéing onions, mushrooms, and spinach to develop flavors. Start by melting butter and cooking the onions until they’re translucent. Then, add mushrooms and garlic, cooking until the mushrooms brown and release moisture. Finally, add spinach until wilted, and season with salt and pepper.
Toasting Croissants
Toasting croissants enhances their texture and flavor. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange croissant halves on a baking sheet. Bake until they are lightly golden and crisp, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Assembling the Casserole
This step involves layering croissants, vegetables, and cheese in a baking dish. After greasing the dish, place the toasted croissants at the bottom, followed by the vegetable mixture and a generous sprinkle of Gruyère cheese.
Preparing the Egg Mixture
Whisk together eggs, milk, and heavy cream to create a creamy custard. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Combining and Refrigerating
Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Make sure to gently press the croissants down to absorb the liquid. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.
Baking the Casserole
After refrigeration, allow the casserole to reach room temperature and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until set and golden brown. This generally takes around 45 to 50 minutes.
Garnishing and Serving
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. This final touch adds a burst of color and flavor, making the dish visually appealing.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Gruyère?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella, depending on your flavor preference.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for make-ahead meals. Just ensure to refrigerate it overnight to allow the croissants to absorb the egg mixture properly.
What can I serve alongside the casserole?
A fresh fruit salad, yogurt, or a light green salad would complement this casserole beautifully for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to customize the casserole to your taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for brunch or a hearty breakfast. The sweet onion, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach complement the buttery croissants and creamy cheese, creating a satisfying meal that is sure to impress. Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the result is a comforting, indulgent dish that everyone will enjoy.
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