If you love a cozy, hearty breakfast that practically makes itself overnight, you’re going to be obsessed with this Croissant Breakfast Bake with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but actually comes together with minimal fuss, making your mornings so much easier and tastier. Imagine buttery croissants soaking up an herby, cheesy custard studded with earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach – yup, total comfort food goals. Keep reading and I’ll share all my insider tips so you nail it every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it the night before and wake up to a breakfast that basically cooks itself.
- Buttery, Cheesy Goodness: The croissants soak up a creamy, cheesy custard for richness that melts in your mouth.
- Fresh Veggie Boost: Spinach and mushrooms add earthiness and nutrients without overpowering the flavors.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunches, family breakfasts, or when you want a special weekend treat everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe shines with simple yet flavorful ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Pro tip: Use fresh croissants—day-old works perfectly, and fresh baby spinach for that tender leafy bite.
- Croissants: Day-old or fresh, sliced lengthwise and toasted so they soak up all the custard without getting soggy.
- Unsalted Butter: For sautéing veggies and greasing the dish, controlling the saltiness.
- Sweet Onion: Adds a mild, slightly sweet base flavor that pairs wonderfully with mushrooms.
- Garlic Cloves: Just a couple, minced for that subtle savory punch.
- Cremini Mushrooms: Earthy and juicy, they give body and a meaty texture—feel free to use baby bellas too.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh bite that balances the richness.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper: Season well to bring all the flavors together.
- Large Eggs: The backbone of the custard, making it rich, creamy, and satisfying.
- Milk: Helps create the custard base, keep it silky and smooth.
- Heavy Cream: For extra creaminess, making the bake luscious.
- Gruyere Cheese: Freshly grated for that nutty, melty goodness — I’ve found it’s the perfect cheese for this bake.
- Fresh Chopped Parsley: For topping, adding a burst of freshness and color.
- Parmesan Cheese: A final sprinkle on top for flavorful, savory crispiness when baked.
Variations
I love mixing this bake up depending on what’s in the fridge—feel free to swap or add ingredients to make it your own. It’s super flexible!
- Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: I’ve tried swapping mushrooms for roasted bell peppers and zucchini when I wanted something different; for vegan, a tofu scramble custard can work, though the texture changes a bit.
- Add Protein: Sometimes I throw in cooked sausage or bacon pieces for a meatier dish that my family goes crazy for.
- Cheese Swap: Gruyere is my favorite, but sharp cheddar or fontina also melt beautifully if that’s what you have on hand.
- Seasonal Veggies: You can swap spinach for kale, or mushrooms for sautéed asparagus tips during spring—the bake holds up wonderfully.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Bake with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Toast and Prep Your Croissants
First things first, preheat your oven to 450°F. Slice the croissants lengthwise and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Toast for 5 to 8 minutes until they’re gloriously toasty and golden. This step is crucial because it prevents sogginess later, and that crispness adds texture that I absolutely love. Once toasted, let them cool enough to handle, then chop or tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces. Your bake’s foundation is set!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies Just Right
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat—low and slow is the secret to tender, flavor-packed veggies. Add diced sweet onion and minced garlic, cooking gently for about 5 minutes until softened and aromatic. Then stir in the chopped mushrooms, cooking another 5 minutes until they release their juices and become tender. Lastly, toss in your fresh baby spinach and stir until just wilted. Season generously with kosher salt and pepper—you’ll want the flavors bright and balanced here.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake Like a Pro
Butter your 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks—this little step makes cleanup easier, trust me. Combine the toasted croissant pieces with your sautéed veggie mix in the dish, tossing everything together until evenly distributed. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in a cup of freshly grated Gruyere cheese for a melty, nutty touch. I like to add chopped fresh herbs here—parsley and chives are my go-tos—but you can skip or swap based on what you have. Pour this rich egg mixture over the croissant-veggie combo, pressing down gently on the croissants to help them soak in all that custard goodness.
Step 4: Let It Chill Overnight
Cover your dish snugly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. This step is where the magic happens—croissants absorb that custard perfectly, locking in creaminess and flavor. I used to rush this part and always noticed the texture wasn’t quite right, so please don’t skip the chill!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the bake out of the fridge and let it sit for 30 minutes to take off the chill—this helps it heat evenly. Remove the plastic wrap, sprinkle the remaining grated Gruyere cheese on top, then bake uncovered for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is bubbling and golden, and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Before serving, add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for that beautiful finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Making Croissant Breakfast Bake with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe
- Toast the Croissants First: Toasting croissants beforehand prevents sogginess and adds crunch – trust me, skipping this is a rookie mistake I’ve learned.
- Low and Slow Veggies: Cooking onions, garlic, and mushrooms over medium-low heat brings out their sweetness and depth without burning or drying them out.
- Don’t Rush the Soak: Allow the bake to refrigerate overnight so the croissants fully absorb the custard; it totally changes the texture for the better.
- Bring to Room Temp: Letting the bake sit 30 minutes out of the fridge before baking avoids uneven cooking and helps achieve a perfect golden top.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Bake with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
I always top this bake with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and brightness, plus a dusting of parmesan cheese to get that crispy, savory crust. Sometimes I add a few cracks of black pepper for a little extra kick. These simple garnishes really elevate the flavors and look inviting on the table.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I often serve this bake with fresh fruit salad or some lightly dressed arugula for a peppery contrast. A side of crispy breakfast potatoes or roasted cherry tomatoes also pairs wonderfully—these easy sides keep things balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, I like to bake this recipe in individual muffin tins—they come out like mini frittatas that are perfect for grab-and-go. Another fun idea is to sprinkle on some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts before baking for extra crunch and nuttiness that surprises your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always recommend waiting until the bake cools completely before refrigerating to keep the texture spot-on. Reheating is easy and delicious—just a few minutes in the oven or toaster oven brings it back to life.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully! I portion it into airtight containers, freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I found freezing doesn’t impact the creamy texture much, making it perfect for meal prep or quick breakfasts on busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you want to keep the top crispy, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes. I try to avoid microwaving this bake because the texture can get a bit rubbery, and that crispy top disappears.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought croissants for the bake?
Absolutely! Day-old or day-fresh croissants both work well. Toasting them before assembling the bake helps prevent sogginess and ensures they soak up the custard perfectly.
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Can I prepare this bake the same day instead of overnight?
While you can bake it right after assembling, the texture is best when allowed to soak overnight. If you’re short on time, let it sit at least 1-2 hours to help the croissants absorb the custard.
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What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese?
You can substitute with other melty cheeses like sharp cheddar, fontina, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that Gruyere gives the bake its signature nutty richness.
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How do I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
For a dairy-free or vegan version, you can swap croissants for a plant-based bread, use non-dairy milk and cream alternatives, and try a tofu-based custard. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be quite different from the original.
Final Thoughts
This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe truly holds a special spot in my breakfast rotation. It’s the ultimate combination of easy prep, hands-off cooking, and incredible flavor that feels just a little bit special. Once you try it, you’ll see why my family asks for it again and again. So, grab some croissants and fresh veggies, and make tomorrow morning a breeze—your taste buds and schedule will thank you!
Print
Croissant Breakfast Bake with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delicious make-ahead dish featuring toasted buttery croissants layered with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and a rich custard of eggs, milk, and cream, all topped with melted Gruyere and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch, this casserole is prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning for a comforting and flavorful start to your day.
Ingredients
Bakery
- 5 to 7 large croissants, sliced in half lengthwise
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
- 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Fresh chopped parsley, for topping
Dairy & Eggs
Herbs
Instructions
- Preheat and toast croissants: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the croissants cut-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 8 minutes until toasty. Remove and let cool slightly, then chop or tear into pieces.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add chopped mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until juicy. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with kosher salt and pepper.
- Prepare baking dish and combine ingredients: Brush a 9×13 baking dish with melted butter. Combine the toasted croissant pieces with the sautéed vegetable mixture in the dish and toss until well mixed.
- Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Gruyere cheese and optionally add fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Assemble bake: Pour the egg mixture over the croissant and vegetable mixture in the baking dish. Press the croissants gently to ensure they absorb the custard evenly.
- Chill overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the croissants to soak up the custard.
- Preheat and bake: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the dish from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. Remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese evenly on top.
- Bake and garnish: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. Once baked, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm as a delicious and filling breakfast or brunch dish.
Notes
- This overnight breakfast bake is made with toasted buttery croissants, spinach, mushrooms, eggs and freshly grated Gruyere cheese.
- Prepare it the night before and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley and chives to the egg mixture to enhance flavor.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese for Gruyere if desired.
- Make sure to press the croissants well into the custard to absorb maximum flavor and moisture.
- Letting the bake rest outside the fridge briefly before baking helps even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg