Croissant French Toast Bake is a delightful twist on the classic French toast, combining the buttery, flaky goodness of croissants with the rich flavors of a traditional custard. This dish is perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast occasion. It’s easy to prepare and bakes up beautifully, making it a go-to recipe for feeding a crowd. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated:
- 4 large eggs
- Baking & Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Bread & Baked Goods:
- 4 large day-old croissants
- Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Croissants
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter the Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the butter. This will help prevent the croissants from sticking and add a delicious buttery flavor.
- Tear the Croissants:
- Tear the day-old croissants into large pieces and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Day-old croissants work best because they soak up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- Beat the Eggs:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs until well beaten.
- Add the Sugar and Spices:
- Add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract to the eggs. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Incorporate the Dairy:
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk until the custard mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Pour the Custard:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the torn croissants in the baking dish. Make sure all the croissant pieces are well soaked in the custard.
- Press Down the Croissants:
- Gently press down on the croissants to ensure they absorb the custard mixture. This will help create a uniform texture once baked.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the French Toast:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool Slightly:
- Remove the French toast bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set further and makes it easier to cut into portions.
Step 5: Serve
- Portion and Serve:
- Cut the Croissant French Toast Bake into squares and serve warm. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy:
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
Tips and Variations
Add-Ins:
- For added flavor and texture, consider mixing in some fresh berries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts with the croissants before pouring the custard over them.
Flavor Enhancements:
- You can add a tablespoon of orange zest or a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard mixture for an extra depth of flavor.
Make-Ahead Option:
- This dish can be prepared the night before. Assemble the bake, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Dairy-Free Option:
- Substitute the milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for greasing the pan
Croissant French Toast Bake is a luxurious and satisfying breakfast option that brings together the best of croissants and French toast. The rich custard seeps into the flaky layers of the croissants, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to a special breakfast. Try this recipe today and experience the delightful flavors and textures that will surely make it a new favorite in your breakfast repertoire.
