Description
This French Toast Casserole with Croissants is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast dish, combining buttery croissants and a rich custard.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large croissants (preferably slightly stale, sliced)
- 4 large eggs (adds richness to the custard)
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for a creamy texture)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (can replace with maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure for the best flavor)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a cozy spice note)
- Pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)
Instructions
- Start by generously greasing a large baking dish with butter. This will prevent the delicious casserole from sticking, ensuring that every slice comes out perfectly. Next, take your croissants and slice them into half or quarters, creating bite-sized pieces. Lay these croissant pieces in the baking dish in a decorative, overlapping pattern to cover the bottom entirely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will create a rich custard that infuses the casserole with incredible flavor. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined, and the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Gently pour the custard mixture over the layered croissants, being sure to cover every piece evenly. To help the croissants soak up the custard, press them down slightly with a spatula or your hand. This step is crucial as it allows all the flavors to meld together and ensures that no piece is left dry.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold, diced unsalted butter and use your fingers to break it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumble topping adds a delightful texture and sweetness to the baked casserole.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the soaked croissants. This layer of crumble is essential as it will provide that lovely, crispy contrast when baked. Once assembled, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This allows the croissants to soak up the custard and enhances the flavor.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A good rule of thumb is to lightly shake the dish—if it jiggles a little in the center, it’s done. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the custard to set further.
Notes
This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerate overnight for best results. Use slightly stale croissants for optimal absorption.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 10 g