French Toast Casserole with Croissants

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Decadent: The use of croissants imparts a buttery, flaky texture that elevates the classic French toast experience.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before and bake in the morning for a stress-free, impressive breakfast.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite fruits, nuts, or flavorings to suit your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for serving a group, ensuring everyone enjoys a warm, comforting meal together.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 8-10 croissants, cut into halves or quarters
• ½ cup of butter, melted
• 1 cup of powdered sugar (for serving)
• Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange Croissants: Place the halved or quartered croissants evenly in the prepared dish.
3. Create Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined.
4. Combine Croissants and Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the croissant pieces, ensuring they are thoroughly soaked.
5. Soak: Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
6. Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake: Remove the foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
8. Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or a splash of maple syrup to the custard mixture for additional depth of flavor.
• Fruit Additions: Incorporate sliced bananas, blueberries, or strawberries between the croissant layers before adding the custard.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate Indulgence: Scatter chocolate chips among the croissant pieces for a sweet surprise.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use day-old croissants for this recipe?

Yes, day-old croissants work well as they absorb the custard mixture better, resulting in a richer texture.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole before baking?

Refrigerating allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard, enhancing the flavor and texture. While a minimum of 2 hours is recommended, overnight refrigeration yields the best results.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something else?

You can use half-and-half or additional milk instead of heavy cream, but the casserole may be less rich and creamy.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. Ensure the croissants are also dairy-free.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating it overnight makes for a convenient and flavorful breakfast option.

What toppings pair well with this casserole?

Powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce complement the flavors nicely.

Can I freeze the baked casserole?

It's possible to freeze the baked casserole, but the texture may change upon reheating. If you choose to freeze it, wrap it tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Ensure the croissants are not overly fresh and allow adequate soaking time for the custard to be absorbed. Baking until the top is golden brown and the center is set will also help achieve the desired texture.

Can I add spices like nutmeg or cloves?

Absolutely! Adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or even cardamom can enhance the warm flavors of the casserole.

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French Toast Casserole with Croissants

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• Author: Ava
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 hour
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This French Toast Casserole with Croissants is a rich, buttery twist on classic French toast, featuring flaky croissants soaked in a sweet cinnamon-vanilla custard. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or meal prep, this make-ahead dish is a crowd-pleaser that bakes up golden and delicious every time!

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Ingredients

• 8-10 croissants (cut in halves or quarters)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for serving)
• Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Arrange the Croissants

   • Evenly place the halved or quartered croissants in the dish.

3. Make the Custard Mixture

   • In a large bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined.

4. Soak the Croissants

   • Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, ensuring they are well-coated.

5. Refrigerate (Optional but Recommended)

   • Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

6. Preheat & Bake

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and set.

7. Serve

   • Let cool slightly, then sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries.

Notes

• Day-old croissants absorb the custard best for a richer texture.
• Add-ins: Try chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit for extra flavor.
• Make-ahead tip: Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French