Mexican Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Author: Tiffany | Frosting and Confetti

This Mexican Croissant Breakfast Casserole layers buttery, flaky croissants with savory chorizo, melty quesadilla cheese, green chiles, and a creamy, boldly seasoned egg custard.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Mexican

Servings

Equipment

9x13-inch baking dish

Ingredients

20 small croissants
7 ounces chorizo I use beef
2 cups shredded quesadilla cheese divided

Sauce

2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
4 ounces fire-roasted diced green chiles about ¼ cup
1 large jalapeño ribs and seeds removed, diced
4 large eggs
2 Tbsp butter melted
1¾ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp chipotle powder
¼ tsp chili powder
1 tsp Mexican oregano

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cilantro, green chiles, jalapeño, eggs, melted butter, milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, cumin, chipotle powder, chili powder, and Mexican oregano. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
Slice 8 of the croissants in half horizontally, as you would for a sandwich. Set the top halves aside. Tear the remaining croissants, along with the bottom halves of the sliced croissants, into medium-sized pieces.
Arrange half of the torn croissant pieces evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Reserve ½ cup of the cheese for topping. Sprinkle half of the cooked chorizo and about half of the remaining cheese over the croissants. Pour enough of the egg mixture over the layer to moisten the croissants.
Repeat with the remaining torn croissants, chorizo, and cheese, reserving a small amount of the egg mixture for the top.
Arrange the reserved croissant tops over the casserole. Gently press them down so they absorb some of the egg mixture, then pour the remaining mixture evenly over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is golden, bubbly, and the egg mixture is set.
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheese in between and around the croissant tops. Return to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes more, or until the cheese is melted.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

FAQ and TIPS

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. It may need a few additional minutes in the oven when baked straight from the refrigerator.
How do I know when the casserole is done? The top should be golden and the egg mixture in the center should be set rather than wet or runny. If the croissants are browning too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil while it finishes baking.
Can I make it less spicy? Yes. Use mild green chiles, omit the chipotle powder, and reduce or leave out the jalapeño. The chorizo you choose will also affect the overall heat level.
Can I make it spicier? Leave some of the jalapeño ribs and seeds intact, use spicy chorizo, or add a little extra chipotle or chili powder.
What can I serve with it? Serve with salsa, pico de gallo, sliced avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. For a larger brunch spread, pair it with fresh fruit, breakfast potatoes, or a simple green salad.
How should leftovers be stored? Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container or tightly cover the baking dish. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or cover and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. The oven is a good choice when you want to restore some of the croissants' crisp texture.
Cooking tip: Croissants are naturally light and airy, so gently pressing them into the egg mixture helps them absorb the custard without completely flattening their flaky layers.

Keyword Casserole