Croissant Breakfast Pie Recipe

Name: Croissant Breakfast Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1/2 (14.1 ounce) pkg. refrigerated pie crusts (such as Pillsbury); 3 thick-cut bacon slices, chopped (about 3/4 cup); 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup whole milk or half-and-half; 1 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls (such as Pillsbury); 4 ounce smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (about 1 cup); Thinly sliced fresh chives

Cook Time: 55 minutes

When you need a comforting breakfast that also wows a crowd, this Croissant Breakfast Pie has you covered. Its like a quiche with a little extra flair swapping traditional pie dough for buttery, golden crescent rolls. The flaky crust perfectly hugs the creamy egg custard, creating a dish thats both cozy and impressive. Just like a classic quiche, the eggs bake up light and fluffy, with a boost of flavor from garlic and mustard that makes every bite satisfying. The crescent roll crust adds an extra layer of buttery goodness, creating the perfect balance of textures: flaky on the outside, creamy and rich on the inside.

This idea really is great. What makes this pie even better is how customizable it is. Prefer sausage over bacon? Go for it. Love sharp cheddar or Swiss? Easy swap. Want to sneak in some spinach or roasted veggies? Theyll fit right in. However you make it, this dish is guaranteed to earn rave reviews at breakfast, brunch, or even as a next-day snack. One recipe tester summed it up best: I dont know which version I enjoyed more freshly baked or cold from the fridge the next day.

Ingredients

1/2 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts (such as Pillsbury)
3 thick-cut bacon slices, chopped
3 large eggs
3/4 cup whole milk or half and half
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls (such as Pillsbury)
1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
Thinly sliced fresh chives

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) with racks positioned in the middle and lowest positions.

Step 2: Unfurl the pie crust, and using a paring knife, trace the bottom of a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Discard any trimmings. Fit the trimmed pie crust into the skillet and dock it all over with a fork. Bake in the preheated oven on the lowest rack until the crust just begins to brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350F (180C).

Step 3: While the crust cools, place the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 4: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, pepper, garlic powder, and salt until fully combined. Set aside.

Step 5: Roll up the crescent rolls according to package instructions. Arrange the rolls around the outer edge of the pie crust, along the side of the skillet.

Step 6: Sprinkle the bottom of the crust with 1/2 cup of cheese and top with half of the cooked bacon. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, being careful not to get it on top of the crescent rolls (some egg mixture may flow behind the croissants, but it will bake into the center). Sprinkle the egg mixture with 6 tablespoons of cheese.

Step 7: Bake at 350F (180C) on the middle rack for about 20 minutes, until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the egg mixture is just starting to set.

Step 8: Sprinkle the pie evenly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of bacon and cheese. Loosely tent with aluminum foil and return it to the oven. Continue baking until the sides are golden and the center jiggles slightly, about 20 minutes.

Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the pie sit for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer the pie to a cutting board (or serve it directly in the skillet). Slice into 8 servings and sprinkle with fresh chives before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 452
Total Fat: 29g (37% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 13g (63% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 131mg (44% Daily Value)
Sodium: 838mg (36% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 30g (11% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 18g (35% Daily Value)
Calcium: 149mg (11% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (11% Daily Value)
Potassium: 247mg (5% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Croissant Breakfast Pie Recipe

History of Croissant Breakfast Pie

The Croissant Breakfast Pie is a modern take on the classic quiche, which has French roots and is known for its creamy, egg-based filling and savory flavor profile. This dish merges traditional breakfast elementseggs, bacon, cheesewith a buttery croissant crust that elevates the texture and richness. Its origin is often credited to a blend of French culinary influences combined with American breakfast traditions, resulting in a dish thats both familiar and unique. While the quiche has been around for centuries, the Croissant Breakfast Pie is a more recent innovation, adding a creative twist to brunch menus around the world.

Regional Variations

The Croissant Breakfast Pie is particularly popular in the United States, where breakfast dishes often emphasize convenience and rich flavors. In some regions, particularly in the South, it is common to find variations that include ingredients like sausage, jalapeos, or local cheeses, adapting to regional tastes. In contrast, in more cosmopolitan areas, the dish might be seen with gourmet ingredients such as smoked salmon, spinach, or even truffle oil. The flexibility of the pie allows it to be customized to suit various palates, making it a favorite for brunch gatherings across the country.

What Makes It Different from Similar Dishes

While similar to a quiche, the Croissant Breakfast Pie stands out because of its unique crust made from crescent rolls or croissants, which gives it a flakier, more indulgent texture compared to the traditional pie crust or pastry typically used in quiche. Additionally, the buttery, slightly sweet flavor of the croissant dough contrasts beautifully with the savory filling of eggs, bacon, and cheese. This slight sweetness sets the Croissant Breakfast Pie apart from its quiche cousins, which usually have a more neutral or savory crust.

Where Is It Usually Served?

The Croissant Breakfast Pie is most commonly served at breakfast or brunch, making it a popular choice for weekend gatherings, holidays, or special occasions. It pairs well with fresh fruit, salads, or even a simple cup of coffee. Its versatility also means that it can be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner, especially when paired with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. The dishs satisfying combination of flaky crust and creamy filling makes it an ideal choice for any meal that calls for comfort food with a touch of elegance.

Fun Facts

The idea of using croissants in savory dishes is a growing trend, with chefs around the world incorporating the buttery pastry into everything from sandwiches to casseroles.
While crescent rolls are a common shortcut in this recipe, traditional French croissants can also be used to enhance the dishs richness and authenticity.
In some regions, this pie is known to be a crowd-pleaser, often made in large batches for family gatherings, as its easy to prepare and serves many people.
Many variations of this pie include different cheeses like smoked Gouda, sharp cheddar, or Swiss, offering a range of flavors that cater to different tastes.

FAQ about Croissant Breakfast Pie Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the pie ahead of time. After assembling it, cover and refrigerate the pie before baking. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave it for 1-2 minutes.

Yes, you can substitute bacon with sausage, ham, or turkey bacon. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some meats may require different preparation methods.

Absolutely! You can swap the smoked Gouda with cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or any cheese you prefer. Each cheese will give the pie a slightly different flavor profile.

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Be sure to sauté any vegetables that release a lot of moisture to avoid making the pie soggy.

If the croissants are undercooked after the first round of baking, tent the pie with aluminum foil and return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. You can also broil the top for a couple of minutes to help them brown, but be careful not to burn them.

To make the recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust and gluten-free crescent rolls. Ensure that all other ingredients, like cheese and bacon, are gluten-free as well.

To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, bake the pie crust for a few minutes before adding the filling. This helps set the crust and prevents it from absorbing too much moisture from the egg mixture.

Yes, you can use a regular pie pan. However, a cast-iron skillet helps to evenly distribute the heat and can give the crust a crispier texture. If using a pie pan, make sure it's oven-safe and adjust the cooking time slightly, as it may bake faster.

You can freeze the pie both before and after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and foil, then freeze. When you're ready to bake, cook directly from the freezer, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Comments

Mama81

01/25/2025 02:29:33 PM

I’m kicking myself that I didn’t take a picture of it before my teenage daughter‘s friends demolished it! It was definitely a hit in our house. I had to make some modifications since I had a 12 inch cast-iron skillet. First modification I had to make, I had to use an extra croissant from another packet so I had full coverage of the skillet. Second, I almost doubled the bacon and cheese.😜 At least, 1.5 portion. Third, when the skillet came out of the oven from the second round of baking with the aluminum foil, I noticed the croissants were a little undercooked. Instead of baking it longer, I kept the skillet on the same rack and broiled it for a few minutes. This browned the top of my croissants beautifully. Just watch it so you don’t burn it. Since I used a larger skillet, I have some suggestion. Add an extra egg or two to the mixture so you have more egg and height in the pie. I will definitely make this again. Enjoy!

Emmie Hayes

01/24/2025 11:03:05 PM

The recipe was really easy to follow. I did not have any pie crust so I used crescent rolls four of them and flatten them out to make the piecrust when they baked. They rose a little bit and I just matched them down again. One thing I will say about this recipe is it’s a lot of bread. You definitely don’t need to have extra crescent rolls or biscuits. But it was delicious. My family loved it.

LivelyYam7066

08/03/2025 01:01:58 PM

It was salty. I do not know if it was the cheese or not. Family did not like all of the bread and stated the pie crust on the bottom was not necessary.

Jeri Ferguson Jones

01/05/2025 06:51:10 PM

I added Pepper Jack instead of the smoked gouda and spiced it up a bit. I am going to try sausage instead of bacon next time. It is super simple and oh so good!!

Michelle Anderson

01/22/2025 03:26:15 AM

Made it after work and it totally hit the spot.

Sarah J Anderson

01/21/2025 10:40:19 PM

None, I just didn’t add the mustard, didn’t have any, my toddler was so excited about the smell he couldn’t wait to eat it.

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Croissant Breakfast Pie Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

History of Croissant Breakfast Pie

Regional Variations

What Makes It Different from Similar Dishes

Where Is It Usually Served?

Fun Facts

FAQ about Croissant Breakfast Pie Recipe