why make this recipe
This dish is warm, simple, and full of flavor. It uses mini croissants and cooked turkey to make a quick, filling meal. You can make it for brunch, a family dinner, or when you want an easy dish that looks special.
introduction
Mini Croissant Hot Brown Casserole mixes soft croissants, turkey, bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce. It is easy to put together and bakes into a golden, bubbly dish. Pair it with a small sweet or salty side like brown sugar bacon little smokies for a nice touch.
how to make Mini Croissant Hot Brown Casserole
Tear the mini croissants and mix them with cooked turkey, bacon, and cherry tomatoes. Make a smooth cheese sauce with cream cheese, milk, bourbon, and shredded cheese. Mix the sauce with the croissant mix, season well, then bake until golden and bubbly. The result is a rich, warm casserole with a crisp top.
Ingredients :
- mini croissants
- turkey
- bacon
- cherry tomatoes
- bourbon
- cream cheese
- milk
- shredded cheese
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, tear the mini croissants into pieces and add the cooked turkey, bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- In another bowl, combine cream cheese, milk, bourbon, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the croissant mixture and stir until well combined.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
how to serve Mini Croissant Hot Brown Casserole
Serve hot from the oven. Cut into squares and place on plates. This casserole goes well with a green salad, fresh fruit, or simple roasted vegetables. Offer ketchup, hot sauce, or extra shredded cheese on the side if you like.
how to store Mini Croissant Hot Brown Casserole
Cool the casserole to room temperature, then cover tightly and place in the fridge. It will keep for 3–4 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or use a microwave for single servings. You can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Mini Croissant Hot Brown Casserole
- Use day-old mini croissants for better texture; they soak up the sauce without getting soggy.
- Cook bacon until crisp so it stays crunchy in the casserole.
- Let the cream cheese soften before mixing so the sauce is smooth.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper before baking.
- Do not overfill the dish; leave a little room so the top can brown.
variation (if any)
- Omit bourbon or replace it with a splash of chicken broth for no alcohol.
- Swap shredded cheese types: cheddar, gruyere, or Swiss all work.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more color and flavor.
- Use ham instead of turkey for a different take on the Hot Brown idea.
FAQs
Q: Can I leave out the bourbon?
A: Yes. You can leave it out or use a small amount of chicken broth instead.
Q: Do I need cooked turkey?
A: Yes. Use cooked turkey or leftover roast turkey. The recipe only heats the meat in the oven.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to one day before baking. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if it is cold from the fridge.
Q: How do I get a crispy top?
A: Use fully shredded cheese on top and bake until the top is golden. You can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Q: Can I use full-size croissants?
A: Yes, but you may need fewer croissants and a larger dish. Adjust the amount so the casserole is not too thick.
Mini Croissant Hot Brown Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A warm and filling casserole made with mini croissants, turkey, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 mini croissants
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (divided)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Tear the mini croissants into pieces and add the cooked turkey, bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine cream cheese, milk, bourbon, and half of the shredded cheese in another bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the croissant mixture and stir until well combined.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use day-old croissants for best texture. You can omit the bourbon or replace it with chicken broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
