Croissant Strata

Step into the realm of exquisite breakfasts with Croissant Strata – a decadent fusion of buttery croissants, savory fillings, and a velvety custard. This dish transcends traditional breakfast fare, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that will elevate your mornings to a new level of indulgence. Join us on a culinary journey as we unveil the secrets behind creating the perfect Croissant Strata, a delightful marriage of comfort and elegance.

Ingredients:

For the Croissant Base:

• 8 large croissants, preferably a day old, sliced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or a mix)

For the Custard:

• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Croissant Base:
   • In a greased baking dish, arrange the croissant cubes, cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon, shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese, chopped green onions or chives, and diced bell peppers.
2. Whisk Together the Custard:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until well combined.
3. Pour Custard Over Croissants:
   • Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant base, ensuring each piece is coated. Gently press down to help the croissants absorb the custard.
4. Let it Soak:
   • Allow the croissants to soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.
5. Preheat and Add Toppings:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the soaked croissants just before baking.
6. Bake to Perfection:
   • Bake the Croissant Strata for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the custard is set. It should be slightly puffed and firm to the touch.
7. Rest and Serve:
   • Allow the strata to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps set the custard and ensures neat portions.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve warm, appreciating the layers of flaky croissants, savory fillings, and the richness of the custard.

Cook Notes:

• Croissant Quality: The use of slightly stale croissants allows them to absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy. Fresh croissants can be used if left to stale slightly beforehand.
• Savory Fillings: Experiment with different savory fillings such as sautéed mushrooms, diced ham, or even smoked salmon for a gourmet touch.
• Custard Absorption: Ensure the croissants are well-coated with the custard mixture, allowing them to soak for an adequate amount of time for maximum flavor.
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on the strata towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning. A slightly golden top with a firm custard is the ideal outcome.

Variations:

Caprese Infusion:

• Replace the savory fillings with fresh tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, and basil for a Caprese-inspired Croissant Strata.

Spicy Southwestern Twist:

• Incorporate diced green chilies, black beans, and pepper jack cheese for a Southwestern flair.

Mushroom and Spinach Elegance:

• Sauté mushrooms and spinach to add a touch of elegance and earthiness to the strata.

Keto Version:

• Substitute regular croissants with keto-friendly croissants made from almond flour or coconut flour.
• Use a low-carb alternative for the milk and heavy cream in the custard.
• Choose keto-friendly fillings such as cooked and crumbled sausage, bacon, or diced keto-approved vegetables.

Low-Carb Version:

• Opt for a low-carb bread or croissant alternative to reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Replace whole milk and heavy cream with a low-carb milk alternative in the custard.
• Select low-carb fillings such as turkey, chicken, or low-carb vegetables.

 

Croissant Strata invites you to experience breakfast in a way that combines the familiar comfort of croissants with the elegance of a savory custard bake. Whether you embrace the classic version, explore creative variations, or opt for a keto or low-carb adaptation, this dish promises a breakfast that’s both luxurious and satisfying. So, indulge in the layers of flaky croissants, savory fillings, and creamy custard – a culinary masterpiece that makes every morning a celebration of flavor and elegance!