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French Toast Casserole with Croissants

French Toast Casserole with Croissants
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This Easy French Toast Casserole with Croissants is a comforting and crowd-pleasing breakfast dish featuring buttery croissants soaked in a creamy egg custard and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family meals or brunch gatherings, it offers a rich blend of flavors with simple prep, customizable options, and make-ahead convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6–8 fresh buttery croissants, roughly torn into bite-sized chunks
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Optional Toppings

  • Sliced almonds
  • Fresh berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
  • Maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Croissants: Roughly tear or cut the croissants into bite-sized chunks to create plenty of surface area for soaking up the custard.
  2. Whisk Custard Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine and Soak: Place the croissant pieces evenly in a greased baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, then gently press them down to help absorb the custard. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
  4. Add Butter and Bake: Before baking, dot the top of the casserole with small pieces of butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, until the top is puffed, golden brown, and the custard is set.
  5. Let It Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Add desired toppings such as powdered sugar, fresh berries, or maple syrup before serving.

Notes

  • Use day-old croissants for better custard absorption without becoming mushy.
  • Refrigerate the assembled casserole overnight for richer flavor and cohesive texture.
  • Use high-quality pure vanilla extract to elevate the flavor.
  • Ensure croissant pieces are spread evenly for consistent soaking and fluffiness.
  • Monitor baking time towards the end to avoid over-browning; use a foil tent if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Toast Casserole, Croissants, Breakfast Casserole, Brunch Recipe, Make-Ahead Breakfast

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/french-toast-casserole-with-croissants/