Description
This Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Mushroom and Gruyère is a make-ahead masterpiece that combines buttery croissants, creamy Gruyère cheese, and savory mushrooms in one comforting bake. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or slow weekend mornings.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
- 1 pound mixed wild mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, diced and softened
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced crosswise
- 10 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon plus 5 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 10 small plain croissants, halved lengthwise
Instructions
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, garlic, shallot, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until tender and browned.
- Deglaze and Cool: Stir in the sherry vinegar, scraping up any brown bits. Transfer to a bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Mix the Filling: Add the cream cheese, 1 cup Gruyère, and half the scallions to the mushrooms. Stir until combined.
- Make the Custard: Whisk eggs, half-and-half, Dijon, remaining scallions, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread 1/2 teaspoon Dijon on each croissant half. Arrange bottoms in the dish, layer the mushroom mixture, and cover with croissant tops.
- Add Custard and Chill: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants, sprinkle with remaining Gruyère, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Bake and Serve: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 more until golden and set. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use day-old croissants for best texture. Let the casserole rest before slicing for clean layers. Add caramelized onions or spinach for variation. Prepare ahead as an overnight bake for stress-free mornings.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired