If you love breakfast flavors packed with cheesy gooeyness and flaky, buttery croissants, then you’re going to adore this Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe. It’s pure comfort food magic that brings together crispy bacon, rich eggs, and melty cheese in a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a special weekend brunch, this bake offers the perfect balance of savory and satisfying in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping it simple is the secret to this dish’s charm. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the flaky croissants that soak up all those custardy egg flavors, to the crispy bacon adding that perfect crunch and smoky hit. The blend of two cheeses brings creamy texture and color, while the spices subtly elevate the whole dish.
- Bacon (10 ounces): Crisp it up for that irresistible smoky crunch.
- Large croissants (6 to 7): Use already baked croissants torn into pieces—they soak up the eggs beautifully.
- Eggs (8 large): The star of any breakfast; these bind everything together into a delicious custard.
- Milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess and lightness to the egg mixture.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives just a hint of depth without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle savory undertones to the custard.
- Pepper (1 teaspoon): Freshly cracked is best to add a gentle spice.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the other flavors.
- Shredded white cheddar (1 cup, divided): Melts into gooey pockets of flavor.
- Shredded mild cheddar (1 cup, divided): Balances the sharpness with mellow richness.
- Chopped chives (3 tablespoons): The fresh green garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees F and lining a sheet pan with foil. Lay the bacon strips evenly to allow each piece to cook and crisp up perfectly. Baking the bacon strips for about 12 to 14 minutes means less mess and even cooking. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the grease, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. This step sets the foundation with that smoky, crunchy bacon flavor.
Step 2: Toast the Croissants
Lower your oven temperature to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9×13-inch pan by greasing it with nonstick spray. Tear your croissants into small, rustic pieces and spread them in the pan. Toasting them for 10 minutes gives the pieces a bit of crispiness that helps them hold shape and absorb the egg mixture without getting soggy. This step adds a lovely texture contrast in the final bake.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in half of each shredded cheese to infuse richness right into the custard. This creamy mixture will soak into the croissant pieces and create that wonderfully custardy base everyone loves.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the toasted croissant chunks in your pan. Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly on top, then add the remaining shredded cheeses for an irresistibly gooey finish. You can bake this immediately, or if you want to wake up to breakfast ready to go, cover it and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes, or until the eggs have set but remain soft and tender.
How to Serve Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Right before serving, sprinkle the bake generously with fresh chopped chives. The vibrant green not only adds a pop of color but also a mild oniony brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides light and fresh to balance this hearty bake. Crisp fruit salad, fresh berries, or a tangy yogurt parfait work perfectly. For something heartier, a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing brunch, bake your dish in a pretty ceramic or cast-iron pan and serve straight from it at the table. Portion it out with a sharp knife or spatula to show off the layers of fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and golden croissant pieces. You can even cut the bake into squares and serve on small plates with a sprinkle of chives and a side of fruit for an elegant approach.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any uneaten portions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers even better. Just remember to cover well to avoid drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked dish by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or by transferring portions into freezer-safe containers. It’s best consumed within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 325 degree F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to preserve the custardy texture without drying it out. If you’re in a pinch, microwave slices on medium power, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use croissant dough instead of baked croissants?
This recipe calls specifically for already baked croissants, as they provide the perfect flaky texture and ability to absorb the egg custard without becoming soggy. Using raw croissant dough would result in a very different, less stable bake.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and you’ll still have a delicious and cheesy breakfast bake. For added flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Yes! One of the best things about this recipe is that you can assemble it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning. This makes busy mornings so much easier.
What cheese combinations work best?
The recipe’s mix of white cheddar and mild cheddar gives a nice balance of sharpness and creaminess, but feel free to experiment with Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely try adding diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the croissant layer before pouring the eggs. Just sauté them briefly beforehand to reduce excess moisture and keep the bake from becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe is a wonderful way to elevate your brunch game with minimal fuss. It’s comfort food at its finest, a warm, cheesy hug on a plate that you’ll want to make again and again. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become a beloved staple in your breakfast or brunch rotation—just imagine waking up to the aroma of baked croissants, smoky bacon, and melted cheese. You’re going to love it!
Print
Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Croissant Bake is a savory breakfast casserole that combines crispy baked bacon, fluffy eggs, melty cheddar cheeses, and buttery croissant pieces for a hearty and comforting meal. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep, it can be baked immediately or assembled ahead and refrigerated overnight for convenience.
Ingredients
Bacon
- 1 package (10 ounces) bacon
Croissant Base
- 6 to 7 large croissants (already baked, not dough)
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (divided)
Garnish
- 3 tablespoons chopped chives
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large sheet pan with foil and lay bacon strips in a single layer. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, then chop into pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the Croissants: Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Tear the croissants into small bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the baking dish. Toast in the oven for 10 minutes to slightly crisp.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of each shredded white and mild cheddar cheese until fully combined.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the toasted croissant pieces in the baking dish. Evenly distribute the chopped cooked bacon on top, then sprinkle with the remaining cheeses.
- Bake the Casserole: You can bake immediately or cover and refrigerate overnight for convenience. When ready to bake, place uncovered in the oven at 350 degrees F and bake for 45 minutes or until the eggs are fully set.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with chopped chives. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use already baked croissants, not croissant dough, for the best texture.
- The bake can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, making it a great make-ahead breakfast.
- To crisp bacon evenly, bake on foil-lined sheet pans rather than frying.
- Don’t skip toasting the croissants; it prevents them from becoming too soggy.
- Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack or a spicy blend.
- Chopped chives add a fresh touch, but green onions or parsley can be used as alternatives.
