Sausage Croissant French Toast Bake

Sausage Croissant French Toast Casserole is an exquisite dish, featuring buttery, tender croissants infused with savory Italian sausage, aromatic sage, and rich Gruyère cheese. This recipe offers a sublime combination of flavors and textures, making it the ultimate choice for a special breakfast or an impressive brunch gathering.

Elevate your morning with this sensational Sausage Croissant French Toast Casserole! Forget ordinary French toast; this innovative take transforms classic croissants into a decadent, savory bread pudding. It’s perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or simply when you desire a truly memorable meal to share with loved ones. Its effortless make-ahead nature ensures you can enjoy a stress-free morning, allowing you more time to savor the moment and the incredible flavors.

A generous serving of Sausage Croissant French Toast Casserole on a small white plate, showcasing its golden-brown top and savory interior.

Why This Savory Croissant Casserole is a Must-Try

Discovering new ways to create extraordinary breakfast dishes is always a delight, and this Sausage Croissant French Toast Casserole truly stands out. While I’ve experimented with countless French toast casseroles over the years—known by various names such as savory bread pudding, strata, or overnight French toast bake—this recipe marked my first venture into using croissants, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. Here’s why this dish will become your new favorite:

A Game-Changer with Croissants: Unlike traditional French toast, which often uses regular bread, this recipe harnesses the inherent flakiness, richness, and buttery texture of croissants. They soak up the savory custard beautifully, creating an incredibly tender interior with a wonderfully crisp, golden-brown crust.
Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The combination of robust Italian sausage, earthy fresh sage, and nutty Gruyère cheese creates a harmonious blend of savory notes that is truly addictive. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic, offering a depth of flavor that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Rave Reviews from Everyone: This casserole has consistently earned enthusiastic praise from both my family and friends. Its comforting yet refined taste makes it an instant crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering. The ability to send leftovers home with guests, knowing they’ll be thoroughly enjoyed, speaks volumes about its deliciousness.
Effortless Make-Ahead Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of this casserole is its flexibility. You can assemble it the night before and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator, ready to pop into the oven the next morning. This makes it an ideal choice for holidays or busy weekends, allowing you to enjoy your company without the morning rush.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday brunch, a leisurely weekend breakfast, or simply treating your family to something special, this Sausage Croissant French Toast Casserole fits the bill perfectly. It’s a dish that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Worth the Indulgence: With its generous amounts of cheese, buttery croissants, and rich cream, this casserole is undeniably a treat. While it might be a caloric splurge, every bite is worth it, offering a comforting and satisfying experience that will leave everyone feeling happily content.

The Croissant Advantage: Why They Make the Best Casserole Base

What makes this French toast casserole truly exceptional isn’t just the savory additions, but the choice of bread itself: croissants. Their delicate, flaky layers and rich butteriness absorb the creamy egg custard in a way that regular bread simply can’t. As they bake, the outer layers become wonderfully crisp and golden, while the inside remains unbelievably soft and custardy, creating a textural masterpiece. Using slightly stale croissants is actually a secret weapon here, as their drier texture allows them to soak up even more of that delicious liquid, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Notes for Perfection

Crafting this incredible Sausage Croissant French Toast Casserole starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

Kitchen Staples: You’ll need large eggs, high-quality olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. These foundational ingredients contribute to the casserole’s structure, seasoning, and overall flavor.
Croissants: Approximately 5 to 7 large croissants, or about 1 pound, are needed. Ensure they are split in half lengthwise. Day-old or slightly stale croissants work best as they absorb the custard more efficiently without becoming soggy. Freshly baked croissants can be lightly toasted to help dry them out slightly before use.
Bunch of Scallions: Also known as green onions, only the white parts are used, sliced thinly. Scallions add a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the richness of the sausage and cheese without overpowering it.
Mild Italian Sausage: You’ll need ¾ pound of mild Italian sausage, with the casings removed if using links. The mild variety provides a savory, herbaceous base that pairs beautifully with sage and Gruyère. If you prefer a bit of heat, spicy Italian sausage can be substituted for an extra kick.
Fresh Sage: Finely chopped fresh sage is crucial for the distinct, earthy aroma and flavor it imparts. Sage and Italian sausage are a classic pairing, elevating the savory profile of the casserole. If fresh sage is unavailable, you can substitute with ⅓ the amount of dried sage, though fresh is highly recommended for best results.
Whole Milk: Opt for whole milk (3½% milk fat) to create a rich, creamy custard. The higher fat content contributes to the luxurious texture of the finished dish.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream (36% milk fat) is essential for an exceptionally decadent custard. It adds an unparalleled richness and silky mouthfeel, making the casserole truly special occasion-worthy.
Gruyère Cheese: Grated Gruyère cheese brings a wonderful nutty, slightly sweet, and complex flavor to the casserole, and it melts beautifully. While Gruyère is highly recommended, it can be substituted with other favorite Swiss cheeses like Emmental or Jarlsberg for similar nutty notes. For a different flavor profile, sharp cheddar also tastes delicious.

Sausage Croissant French Toast Casserole baking in a pristine white ceramic dish, showcasing its golden edges and bubbly cheese.

Expert Recipe Tips for a Flawless Casserole

This Sausage Croissant French Toast Casserole is surprisingly simple to make, but a few key tips will ensure your dish turns out perfectly tender, flavorful, and golden every time. This particular recipe, adapted from a delightful New York Times creation, truly shines for its cheesy, tempting, and easy preparation. While it’s tempting to make this every week, the rich combination of cheese, croissants, and cream makes it a truly special occasion breakfast – a caloric splurge that is absolutely worth every single bite!

Toast Your Croissants: A critical step to prevent a soggy casserole is to lightly toast the croissants before soaking them in the egg mixture. This process helps to dry out some of their moisture, making them more receptive to absorbing the rich custard without becoming mushy. Think of it like pre-drying your bread for a perfect bread pudding.
Use Stale Bread (or Help it Along): Similar to the toasting tip, using day-old or slightly stale croissants is ideal. Stale bread has less moisture, allowing it to soak up more of the flavorful custard. If your croissants are fresh, giving them a quick toast is a good alternative.
Whisk Custard Thoroughly: Before adding the cheese or other mix-ins, ensure you whisk the eggs, milk, and heavy cream together until they are very well combined and smooth. This step is crucial for achieving a consistent and creamy custard that coats every piece of croissant evenly.
Customize Your Proteins: While Italian sausage offers a wonderful savory depth, feel free to experiment with other proteins. Crispy bacon, crumbled breakfast sausage, or even diced ham can be excellent alternatives, allowing you to tailor the casserole to your personal taste.
Cheese Choices Matter: We love the nutty, complex flavor of Gruyère cheese in this casserole. However, if you prefer, sharp cheddar would also be incredibly delicious, adding a robust and tangy note. Other good melting cheeses like provolone or fontina could also work.
The Power of Overnight Prep: The beauty of this recipe lies in its make-ahead convenience. The goal is to allow the croissant and sausage mixture ample time to soak up the rich custard. Preparing the dish the night before and refrigerating it for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, allows the flavors to fully meld and the croissants to become perfectly saturated.
Shorter Soaking Time is Possible: If you’re short on time, you can shorten the soaking period to a minimum of 4 hours. Just ensure the casserole is covered with plastic wrap and kept refrigerated during this time to maintain freshness and proper texture.
Room Temperature for Even Baking: For best results, take the casserole out of the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. This promotes more even baking and prevents the center from remaining cold while the edges brown.
Don’t Skimp on the Sage: Fresh sage is key to the savory profile. Its earthy, aromatic qualities perfectly complement the Italian sausage and rich dairy. Chop it finely to distribute its flavor throughout the casserole.
Watch for Browning: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes, especially during the last 15 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly before the center is set, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Overhead shot of a Sausage Croissant French Toast Casserole in a white baking dish, showing its golden-brown crust and inviting texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Sausage Croissant French Toast Casserole is a hearty and complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience with a few thoughtful additions. Pair it with a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries to add a touch of sweetness and lightness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also cut through the richness beautifully. For beverages, freshly brewed coffee, orange juice, or even mimosas would complement this elegant brunch dish perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of the best features of this recipe. You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the croissants to thoroughly soak up the custard and the flavors to meld beautifully, making your morning prep a breeze.

Can I use other types of bread instead of croissants?

While croissants are highly recommended for their unique texture and richness, you can certainly experiment with other breads. Challah, brioche, or even a sturdy artisanal white bread would work. Just ensure the bread is day-old or lightly toasted to prevent sogginess and allow for optimal custard absorption.

What if I don’t have fresh sage?

Fresh sage offers the best flavor, but if it’s unavailable, you can substitute dried sage. Use about ⅓ the amount of dried sage compared to fresh (e.g., if the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons fresh, use about ¾ teaspoon dried). Alternatively, other herbs like thyme or rosemary can be used for a different, but equally delicious, aromatic profile.

Can I freeze the Sausage Croissant French Toast Casserole?

It’s generally best enjoyed fresh or after being refrigerated overnight. While you could technically freeze the baked casserole, the texture of the croissants might become a bit soft or crumbly upon reheating. If you choose to freeze, ensure it’s tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven.

How long does this casserole last in the refrigerator?

Leftovers of the baked casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a low oven until warmed through.

More Delicious Brunch and Breakfast Recipes You May Also Like

If you loved this savory croissant casserole, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic breakfast and brunch ideas:

Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole from Wishes and Dishes
Fully Loaded Cheesy Breakfast Casserole from The Slow Roasted Italian
Creme Brulee French Toast
Bacon and Egg Strata
Chiles Rellenos Casserole
Discover even more delightful Brunch Recipes here!

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The Recipe:

Sausage Croissant French Toast Casserole

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
45 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes

Yield
10 servings

A savory French toast casserole made with croissants and sausage. Adapted from the NYT.

This recipe has received 57 ratings with an average of 5 stars.

Ingredients

1 pound croissants (about 5 to 7), split in half lengthwise
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bunch scallions, white part sliced thinly
¾ pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage
8 large eggs
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces Gruyère, grated (2 cups)
1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare Croissants: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the split croissants on a large baking sheet, cut side up, and toast them until they are lightly golden brown, which should take about 5 minutes. Be sure to watch them carefully to prevent burning.
Tear Croissants: Once toasted, allow the croissants to cool completely. Then, tear them into large, bite-sized pieces.
Cook Sausage Mixture: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced white parts of the scallions and the sausage meat. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until the mixture is thoroughly browned and crumbled, about 5 minutes. Stir in the finely chopped fresh sage, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the torn croissant pieces with the cooked sausage mixture. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream until well combined and smooth. Stir 1½ cups of the grated Gruyère cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper into the egg mixture.
Assemble Casserole: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the croissant and sausage mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Pour the creamy custard mixture over the croissants, ensuring every piece is well saturated. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the croissants to fully absorb the liquid.
Bake Casserole: When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole and sprinkle the remaining grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
Serve: Bake the casserole for approximately 45 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top, puffed, and set in the center. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up slightly and cool to a comfortable eating temperature.

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