Overnight Cheesy Bacon Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 1 pound (454 g) croissants, halved lengthwise, torn into large bite-size pieces (approximately 5-7 small/medium croissants or 4 large croissants)

→ Meat

02 - 8 to 10 slices thick-sliced bacon, chopped and cooked until crisp

→ Vegetables

03 - ½ cup diced shallot or red onion, cooked until translucent

→ Cheese

04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar, gruyere, or Swiss cheese (grated fresh for optimal melting)

→ Custard

05 - 9 large eggs, whisked until smooth
06 - 2 cups whole milk (avoid skim)
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1 ½ teaspoons salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange halved croissants, cut side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast in the oven until golden, approximately 10-12 minutes. Allow croissants to cool before tearing into large bite-size pieces.
02 - Evenly place torn croissants into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
03 - In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
04 - Return the skillet with reserved bacon grease to medium heat. Add diced shallot or red onion with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
05 - Sprinkle cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and shredded cheese evenly over the torn croissants in the baking dish. Lightly toss, if desired, to distribute evenly.
06 - In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole layers.
07 - Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, up to a maximum of 12 hours. Avoid exceeding 12 hours to prevent croissant disintegration.
08 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover from the casserole and place the baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch possible spillovers. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden, puffy, and firm to the touch.
09 - Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it contains additives that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grate cheese for optimal results.
02 - Ensure croissants are toasted to avoid a soggy texture in the final dish.