croissant breakfast pie recipe

Are you looking for a breakfast dish that will wow your family and friends without requiring hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this croissant breakfast pie recipe! Imagine biting into layers of buttery, flaky croissants soaked in a savory egg custard, studded with melted cheese and your favorite breakfast meats. This croissant breakfast pie combines the best parts of a breakfast casserole with the indulgent texture of croissants for a dish that’s sure to become a weekend favorite.

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s practical too. Perfect for brunches, holiday mornings, or when you need to feed a crowd, this breakfast pie can be prepared ahead of time and customized to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to breakfast casseroles, our foolproof instructions will guide you to perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to assemble – Just layer and bake, no complicated techniques required
• Uses simple ingredients – Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen
• Perfect for make-ahead – Prepare the night before for a stress-free morning
• Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses
• Absolutely delicious – Flaky croissants soaked in savory custard create an irresistible texture

Ingredients

For this easy croissant breakfast pie recipe, you’ll need:

• 6-8 croissants (slightly stale works best)
• 8 large eggs
• 1½ cups (360ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning)
• 2 cups (8oz/226g) shredded cheese (gruyère, cheddar, or Swiss work beautifully)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board and knife
• Skillet (for cooking bacon and vegetables)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the best croissant breakfast pie recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain, then crumble when cool enough to handle.
3. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper in 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat (or butter) until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Tear the croissants into 2-inch pieces and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
5. Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and dried herbs in a large bowl until well combined.
6. Sprinkle half of the cheese, the crumbled bacon, and the sautéed vegetable mixture evenly over the croissant pieces.
7. Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the croissants, making sure all pieces get soaked. Press down gently with a spatula to help the croissants absorb the liquid.
8. Top with the remaining cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
9. Cover with aluminum foil and let sit for 15 minutes to allow the croissants to absorb the liquid (or refrigerate overnight if making ahead).
10. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
11. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into portions. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions before serving.]

Tips for Success

Use Stale Croissants

Day-old or slightly stale croissants work best because they absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh croissants, tear them up and let them sit out for an hour, or toast them lightly in the oven for 5 minutes.

Don’t Overmix the Eggs

Whisk the eggs just until combined. Overbeating can lead to a tough texture in the final dish.

Let it Rest Before Baking

Allowing the croissants to soak in the egg mixture for at least 15 minutes (or overnight) ensures they absorb all that delicious flavor and create a cohesive casserole.

Avoid a Soggy Bottom

If making ahead and refrigerating overnight, take the dish out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly.

Ensure Even Browning

Position your rack in the middle of the oven. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Option

Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and extra bell peppers. Use smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor without the meat.

Different Cheeses

While gruyère offers a classic rich flavor, feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar for tanginess, mozzarella for stretch, or a combination of cheeses like fontina and parmesan.

Add Sausage or Ham

Replace the bacon with cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham for a different flavor profile. Italian sausage works wonderfully too, adding a hint of fennel and spice.

Sweet Version

For a sweet twist, omit the savory ingredients and add cinnamon, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and fresh berries or sliced apples. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

Gluten-Free Alternative

While traditional croissants contain gluten, you can use gluten-free croissants if available. The structure and taste of the dish will be slightly different but still delicious.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare the entire dish as directed through step 9, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The texture may change slightly but the flavor will still be delicious.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. While microwave reheating works in a pinch (1-2 minutes per slice), the oven method helps maintain the crispy top.

Serving Suggestions

This croissant breakfast pie recipe pairs perfectly with:

• Fresh fruit salad or berries
• Simple green salad with light vinaigrette
• Crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes
• Yogurt with honey
• Fresh-squeezed orange juice
• Hot coffee or tea

For a complete brunch spread, serve alongside a selection of pastries, smoked salmon, or avocado toast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh croissants?

Yes, but they may become softer in the final dish. For best results with fresh croissants, tear them up and let them dry out on the counter for about an hour, or toast them lightly in the oven for 5 minutes before using.

Can I freeze this breakfast pie?

Yes! After baking, cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, the edges are pulling away slightly from the sides of the dish, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The center should be set but still moist, not runny.

Can I halve this recipe?

Absolutely! Use a smaller baking dish (8×8 or 9×9 inch) and reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes.

Is this recipe suitable for a holiday breakfast?

This croissant breakfast pie is perfect for holiday mornings! It’s festive, feeds a crowd, and can be prepared the night before so you can enjoy time with family instead of cooking.

Recipe Card

The Ultimate Croissant Breakfast Pie

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Rest Time: 15 minutes (or overnight)
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 portions

Description:
This easy croissant breakfast pie recipe combines buttery croissants with a savory egg custard, cheese, bacon, and vegetables for a delicious and impressive breakfast or brunch dish.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 croissants (slightly stale works best)
• 8 large eggs
• 1½ cups (360ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning)
• 2 cups (8oz/226g) shredded cheese (gruyère, cheddar, or Swiss)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook bacon until crisp, drain and crumble.
3. Sauté onion and bell pepper in 1 tablespoon bacon fat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
4. Tear croissants into 2-inch pieces and arrange in baking dish.
5. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and herbs in a large bowl.
6. Sprinkle half the cheese, all bacon, and vegetables over croissants.
7. Pour egg mixture evenly over croissants. Press down gently to help absorption.
8. Top with remaining cheese.
9. Cover with foil and let sit 15 minutes (or refrigerate overnight).
10. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 20-25 minutes more until golden and set.
11. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chives.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 270mg
• Sodium: 830mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

Share Your Creation!

I’d love to see how your croissant breakfast pie recipe turns out! If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. You can also share your creation by tagging me on pinterest @bake_iteasy with the hashtag #croissant breakfast pie recipe.