Crack Croissant Breakfast Casserole

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Flaky, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon — this make-ahead croissant breakfast bake is perfect for holidays, brunch parties, and lazy weekend mornings.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Chill Time: 8–24 hours
Total Time: 9–25 hours (including chilling)
Occasion: Breakfast, Brunch, Make-Ahead Meals

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 large bakery-style croissants (about 5 inches each), chopped into 10–12 pieces

  • 1 lb bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice — see tips)

  • 6 large eggs

  • 1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream/whole milk)

  • 2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix

Instructions

  1. Prep the Croissants
    Chop each croissant into bite-sized pieces. Arrange evenly in a lightly greased 9×9-inch deep baking dish.

  2. Cook the Bacon
    In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Drain excess fat and crumble into small pieces.

  3. Layer the Base
    Sprinkle cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chopped croissants.

  4. Make the Egg Mixture
    In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, and ranch dressing mix until smooth.

  5. Combine & Chill
    Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant mixture. Gently press down on the croissants so they’re fully submerged. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (up to 24 hours) to allow flavors to meld.

  6. Bake
    Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake covered for 35 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes, or until set and lightly golden on top.

  7. Rest & Serve
    Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Best Croissants: Use large, buttery bakery croissants — avoid refrigerated crescent rolls for best texture.

  • Cheese Swaps: Gouda, Swiss, Gruyere, or pepper jack all work well.

  • Lighter Option: Use turkey bacon for fewer calories.

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.

  • Freezer Option: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking.

  • Double It: For larger gatherings, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch dish, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

Tools You’ll Need

  • 9×9-inch deep baking dish

  • 10-inch skillet

  • Rotary cheese grater or box grater

  • Whisk

  • Aluminum foil

If you’d like, I can also create a Holiday Brunch Casserole Collection post where this recipe is featured alongside your Hissy Fit Hash Brown Casserole and Crack Chicken Tater Tot Casserole so readers can pick from multiple crowd-pleasers in one article. That could make a strong seasonal blog entry. Would you like me to prepare that next?

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