Decadent Savory Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Elevate your morning routine with this indulgent and flavorful Savory Croissant Breakfast Casserole, inspired by Emeril Lagasse's classic recipe. The rich combination of creamy custard and crispy croissants melds beautifully with savory Canadian bacon, spicy sausage, and caramelized onions. Each bite is a heavenly blend of textures and tastes, making it the perfect centerpiece for festive occasions like Christmas morning or brunch gatherings. Adding fresh vegetables or omitting meats allows for customization, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this luscious dish. This comforting casserole is not just a meal; it's an experience to savor with family and friends.
N/A
Servings
506
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (divided)
yellow onions
1 1/4 cups (thinly sliced)
Canadian bacon
6 ounces (roughly chopped)
hot sausage
6 ounces (removed from casings and crumbled)
large eggs
8 (beaten)
whole milk
3 cups (none)
heavy cream
1 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
stale croissants
8 (torn into 1/2-inch pieces (about 7 cups))
grated fontina or gouda cheese
2 cups (none)
breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (none)
paprika
2 1/2 tablespoons (for Essence seasoning)
salt
2 tablespoons (for Essence seasoning)
garlic powder
2 tablespoons (for Essence seasoning)
black pepper
1 tablespoon (for Essence seasoning)
onion powder
1 tablespoon (for Essence seasoning)
cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon (for Essence seasoning)
dried oregano
1 tablespoon (for Essence seasoning)
dried thyme
1 tablespoon (for Essence seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 3-quart casserole dish and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, melt 1.5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, reduce the heat to medium, and sauté until they are soft and lightly caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
3
Meanwhile, in another skillet, melt 0.5 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped Canadian bacon and cook for 3 minutes until slightly crispy, then drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, add the crumbled hot sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain the sausage on paper towels as well.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, Emeril's Essence blend, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
5
Add in the torn croissant pieces to the egg mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soak up the liquid. After that, fold in the cooked sausage, bacon, caramelized onions, and grated Fontina (or Gouda) cheese gently. Allow the mixture to sit for another 5-10 minutes.
6
Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is almost set, about 35-45 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
7
In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Combine the melted butter with the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. After the casserole has baked, remove it from the oven and uncover it. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top.
8
Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and return the casserole to the oven, baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the center is completely set and the top is golden brown and crispy.
9
Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious breakfast!
Nutrition Information
31g
Fat
21g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Savory Croissant Breakfast Casserole?
It is an indulgent morning dish inspired by Emeril Lagasse, featuring a blend of buttery croissants, savory Canadian bacon, spicy sausage, caramelized onions, and a rich custard made with Fontina or Gouda cheese.
Why does the recipe call for stale croissants?
Stale croissants are preferred because they absorb the egg and cream custard better than fresh ones without becoming overly soggy, maintaining a better texture in the final casserole.
Can I use a different type of cheese than Fontina or Gouda?
Yes, while Fontina or Gouda provide a beautiful melt and flavor, you can substitute them with other melting cheeses like Gruyere or a sharp white cheddar.
How many calories are in one serving of this casserole?
Each serving of this breakfast casserole contains approximately 506 calories.
What is 'Emeril's Essence' mentioned in the ingredients?
Emeril's Essence is a signature spice blend included in this recipe, consisting of paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The thinly sliced yellow onions should be sautéed over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and lightly caramelized.
Is the hot sausage very spicy?
The hot sausage adds a spicy kick to the casserole. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute it with mild Italian sausage or breakfast sausage.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily customize this dish by omitting the Canadian bacon and hot sausage and adding extra fresh vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
How long do the croissant pieces need to soak in the liquid?
The croissants should first soak in the egg mixture for 5 minutes, then sit for an additional 5-10 minutes after the meat, onions, and cheese have been folded in.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 3-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe. Be sure to lightly grease it before adding the mixture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The casserole starts baking at 350°F (175°C). For the final 15 minutes after adding the topping, the temperature is increased to 375°F (190°C).
What should I do if the top is browning too quickly?
If the top begins to brown too fast during the initial baking phase, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to protect it.
How do I make the crispy topping?
The topping is made by combining 2 tablespoons of melted butter with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, which is then sprinkled over the casserole for the final bake.
How much fat and protein are in this dish?
The recipe contains 31g of fat and 21g of protein per serving.
Can I use something other than Canadian bacon?
Yes, you can use regular thick-cut bacon, diced ham, or even pancetta as a substitute for the Canadian bacon.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
The heavy cream provides the 'decadent' richness of the custard. While you could use more whole milk, the texture will be less creamy and indulgent.
How many croissants do I need?
You will need 8 large croissants, which should yield about 7 cups when torn into 1/2-inch pieces.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is done when the center is completely set and the top is golden brown and crispy, usually after the final 15-minute bake at 375°F.
Can this be served for a holiday brunch?
Absolutely! Its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it a perfect centerpiece for festive occasions like Christmas morning or brunch gatherings.
What kind of milk is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 cups of whole milk to ensure a rich and creamy base.
Can I prepare the meat ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and drain the Canadian bacon and hot sausage in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the casserole.
Do I need to peel the onions?
Yes, the yellow onions should be peeled and then thinly sliced before sautéing.
Is the butter used all at once?
No, the butter is divided: 1.5 tablespoons for the onions, 0.5 tablespoon for the meats, and the remaining 2 tablespoons for the breadcrumb topping.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, allowing the casserole to cool slightly after removing it from the oven helps it set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 21 total ingredients, including the individual components of the Essence seasoning blend.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 21g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
While fresh-grated Parmesan melts better and has more flavor, pre-grated Parmesan can be used for the breadcrumb topping.
Should the croissants be toasted?
The recipe doesn't require toasting them separately; using stale croissants or letting them sit out to dry is sufficient to prevent sogginess.
How many eggs are used in the custard?
The recipe uses 8 large eggs, which should be beaten before being mixed with the milk and cream.
What are the specific spices in the Essence blend?
The blend contains paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne, dried oregano, and dried thyme.