If you love French toast but don't love the effort, it's time to try this Croissant French Toast Bake. The buttery croissants replace the typical bread, making the results extra flaky and crispy on top. I finish it with a cream cheese icing drizzle, and that gives it the edge over any ordinary French toast casserole.
Not only have I prepared this for Sunday breakfast, but it's also great as part of a dinner breakfast. Pair it with some eggs and sausage to create a nourishing meal that also tastes amazing. I promise that even your picky eaters will be impressed with this recipe.
Similar recipes to this sweet croissant breakfast casserole are biscuit breakfast casserole and apple French toast casserole.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's made in a single pan: This entire recipe is made in one casserole dish, saving you time on cleanup later.
- It's easy to customize: You can switch up and add ingredients to make this recipe more your own.
- It's quick to make: It only takes a few minutes to prepare the custard and soak the croissants for this French toast croissant casserole.
Ingredients
The ingredients I use to make this French toast casserole with croissants are listed below. The custard mixture is straightforward, but there are a couple of components that you may not typically use!
- Croissants: I recommend at least day-old croissants, or a little older. When they're a little stale, they become crispier in the oven and
- Eggs: These are the base of the custard. They act as a binder and provide structure for the casserole, so the mixture soaks into the croissants without being runny.
- Milk and cream: A combination of milk and heavy cream provides the best texture and consistency. It adds just the right amount of richness without feeling too heavy. Of course, you can use one or the other if you prefer.
- Sugar: I love a combination of granulated and brown sugar for this recipe. It makes the French toast perfectly sweet while also adding some depth and warm notes that complement the spices.
- Orange zest: This fresh ingredient makes the others pop. You can leave it out, but the hint of brightness lifts and enhances the recipe.
- Cream cheese: I add this to the icing that you drizzle on top. It has a nice tangy flavor and makes it creamy and rich rather than a simple glaze. Make sure it's room temperature to avoid clumps.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Add peaches: Stir in freshly sliced or canned peaches (drained) for a fruity twist.
- Add berries: Add your favorite berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or a combination.
- Add more spices and nuts: Include clove and ginger plus chopped pecans for a stronger spiced flavor and more texture.
How to Make Croissant French Toast Bake
Before you get started on this French toast bake with croissants, cut them into bite-sized pieces. After they soak in the custard mixture, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 1: Prepare the custard. Combine all the wet ingredients for the custard in a mixing bowl until it's smooth.
Step 2: Let the croissants soak. Add your croissant pieces to the baking dish and pour the mixture evenly over the top. Then, cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Bake. Next, bake for 40-45 minutes or until it's golden on top but soft and fully set in the middle.
Step 4: Drizzle icing and serve. Once it has cooled, prepare the cream cheese icing and drizzle it over the top of the French toast. Slice and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Soak overnight for best results: While 30 minutes is enough time to soak the croissants in the custard mixture, longer is better. I love to allow it to sit overnight if possible.
- Don't overbake it: This croissant French toast casserole is meant to be soft in the middle and golden brown on top. So, minimal jiggling is fine. If you overbake it, the texture becomes very dry.
- Let it rest before serving: Allow it at least 10 minutes to rest after it comes out of the oven. This prevents it from falling apart.
If you enjoy this croissant breakfast bake, try blueberry croissant French toast.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Place a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until it's warmed through. If reheating the thawed French toast bake, place it covered in the oven for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy your portion of this French toast bake with a tasty homemade butter, like apple butter or pecan honey butter.
- Use regular breakfast syrup, real maple syrup, pumpkin syrup, or even banana syrup!
- Fresh fruit always makes a spectacular topping! Sliced strawberries, bananas, blackberries, and more are lovely options.
- Serve a side dish if you prepare this for brunch! Go more savory, like sweet glazed bacon or a frittata.
Recipe FAQs
If you find the top cooking too fast, tent it with foil. This will keep the breakfast bake from burning, but allow it to cook longer.
Sure! I like this recipe because the croissants are a unique way to make French toast. However, brioche or challah are classic.
This happens if it hasn't baked long enough or if it isn't baking evenly. Ensure your oven is preheated before you put the casserole in.
More Delicious French Toast Recipes
Do you like French toast recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Croissant French Toast Bake
Ingredients
- 8 Large Croissants, day old croissants work best
- 6 Large Eggs
- 1 ½ cups Whole Milk
- ½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- Zest of 1 Orange
Cream Cheese Drizzle
- 4 ounce Cream Cheese room temperature
- ½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- ½ cup Powdered Sugar
- Splash Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Cut croissants into large bite size pieces and place in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar,
- brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and orange zest.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants. Gently press down to help soak the
- croissants. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for
- best flavor.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and
- the center is set but slightly soft. If center is still uncooked place foil over the top from
- burning.
Cream cheese drizzle
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while mixing. Continue to beat until the drizzle is smooth,
- creamy, and pourable. Add more cream if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Remove casserole from oven. Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Drizzle cream cheese icing over
- casserole. Dust with cinnamon and serve warm with fresh berries.
Notes
- Cover your French toast croissant bake with aluminum foil if you notice that the top is browning faster than the center is cooking, to prevent burning.
- Try this recipe using regular bread, challah, or brioche instead of croissants.
- If possible, soak the croissants overnight for the best results.
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