Imagine waking up to the smell of buttery croissants soaked in a sweet, creamy custard and baked to golden perfection. That’s what you get with this French Toast Casserole with Croissant! It’s the ultimate breakfast indulgence—soft and custardy on the inside, with a caramelized, crispy topping that’s pure magic. Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This casserole is a level-up version of your classic French toast! Using croissants adds a buttery, flaky texture that makes every bite irresistible. The best part? It’s super simple to make and can even be prepped the night before, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your morning.
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at what you’ll need to make this indulgent dish:
- Day-old croissants
- Eggs
- Whole milk and heavy cream
- Brown sugar and cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Optional toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries
You’ll find the full ingredient list and measurements below, so don’t worry!
Directions
Prep the croissants
Tear your croissants into large bite-sized pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish. You want the pieces to slightly overlap, creating layers of flaky goodness.
Make the custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined, and the mixture looks smooth.
Soak the croissants
Pour the custard evenly over the croissants, making sure each piece gets a good soak. Use the back of a spoon to gently press down on the croissants, helping them absorb the custard.
Chill or bake
If you’re prepping ahead, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. If baking immediately, let the casserole sit for 20-30 minutes to soak up the custard.
Bake to perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. If you like it extra crispy, broil for a minute or two at the end (but keep an eye on it!).
Serve and enjoy
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh berries for a picture-perfect breakfast.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use day-old croissants: Slightly stale croissants soak up the custard better without turning mushy. If yours are fresh, let them sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit.
- Customize the sweetness: Adjust the sugar level in the custard based on your topping choices. If you’re adding a lot of syrup, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly.
- Add texture: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, on top before baking for a bit of crunch.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap croissants for brioche, challah, or even cinnamon rolls for a different twist.
- Add fruit like sliced bananas, blueberries, or chopped apples between the croissant layers for extra flavor.
- For a festive spin, stir in a splash of rum or orange liqueur into the custard during the holidays.
- Make it dairy-free by using almond milk or oat milk and a plant-based cream alternative.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with savory sides like crispy bacon or sausage links to balance the sweetness. Serve it with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a mimosa for a fancy brunch vibe. Fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad also complements the rich, buttery flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This is the perfect make-ahead breakfast. Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just bake and enjoy.
2. What’s the best way to keep the casserole from getting soggy?
Make sure to use day-old croissants and let them soak just long enough to absorb the custard. Avoid using overly fresh or soft croissants.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Bake the casserole, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.
4. Can I use flavored croissants?
Absolutely! Chocolate or almond croissants would add an extra layer of decadence to this dish.
Conclusion
French Toast Casserole with Croissant is the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat. It’s rich, buttery, and full of comforting flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a holiday breakfast or just to treat yourself on a weekend morning, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your croissants and get ready to bake up something truly special!
Print
French Toast Casserole with Croissant
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This French Toast Casserole with buttery croissants is a decadent breakfast or brunch treat. Flaky croissants are soaked in a rich, creamy custard, baked until golden, and topped with powdered sugar or your favorite syrup for a sweet start to the day. Perfect for holidays or lazy weekend mornings!
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants, torn into chunks
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the Croissants:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the croissant pieces evenly in the dish.
- Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Croissants:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces, pressing gently to ensure the croissants soak up the custard.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with powdered sugar, syrup, or fresh berries.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, drizzle the casserole with caramel sauce.
- Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a fun variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg