Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
Ever looked at a box of day-old croissants and felt a little sad? Don’t throw them out!
We’re about to turn those slightly stale pastries into an amazing breakfast bake.
This recipe is so easy, it feels like cheating. But it tastes like something you’d get at a fancy brunch spot. Let’s get cooking.
Easy Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake
This dish is part bread pudding, part French toast, and all delicious. It’s perfect for a weekend treat or a holiday morning.
What You’ll Need
- 6-8 large, day-old croissants
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Tools for the Job
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 9×13 inch Baking Dish | For baking the casserole |
| Large Bowl | For mixing the custard |
| Whisk | To combine wet ingredients |
| Knife & Cutting Board | To slice the croissants |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. Cut the croissants into 1-inch pieces and spread them evenly in the dish.
Step 2: Sprinkle about three-quarters of the chocolate chips over the croissants.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt until just combined. Don’t overdo it.
Step 4: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants. Gently press down on the croissants to help them soak up the liquid.
Step 5: Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This is key! If you can, let it sit for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 7: Sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips on top.
Step 8: Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes. It’s done when the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Step 9: Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy.
Pro Tips
- Stale is Best: Seriously, use day-old or even two-day-old croissants. Fresh ones are too soft and will turn to mush. Stale ones soak up the custard perfectly.
- Give it a Rest: Don’t skip the resting time. This lets the croissants absorb all that custardy goodness. An overnight soak gives the best results.
- Don’t Overbake: Pull it out of the oven when the center is just barely set. It will continue to cook a little as it rests. This keeps it from getting dry.
- Press Gently: When you pour the custard over, give the croissants a gentle push. This helps make sure every piece gets soaked.
Possible Substitutions and Variations
| Instead Of | Try This |
|---|---|
| Croissants | Brioche or Challah bread |
| Semi-Sweet Chocolate | White chocolate or dark chocolate |
| Whole Milk | Almond or oat milk |
You can also add a cup of fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries. Or try adding a dash of cinnamon to the custard for a warmer flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can assemble the entire bake the night before. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge.
The next morning, just take it out, remove the plastic wrap, and pop it into the preheated oven. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers and Storage
Got leftovers? Lucky you.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can reheat a slice in the microwave for about 45 seconds or in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. My breakfast bake is soggy in the middle. What did I do wrong?
Ans: It probably needed a little more time in the oven. Ovens can vary, so make sure the center doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Also, make sure you let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into it.
Q2. Can I use fresh croissants if I’m in a pinch?
Ans: You can, but the texture will be softer. To help, you can toast the croissant pieces in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out before you add the custard.
Q3. Can I freeze this?
Ans: Yes! You can freeze it baked or unbaked. If baked, let it cool completely, then wrap it well. To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Wrapping Up
This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a surefire hit. It looks impressive, but you know how simple it really is.
Give it a try this weekend.
Come back and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out. I love hearing about your kitchen wins
