Are you ready to start your day with a burst of citrusy goodness? Look no further than our delightful Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake recipe! This indulgent dish combines the buttery richness of croissants with the bright, zesty flavor of orange marmalade for a breakfast treat that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 4 croissants, roughly chopped
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- Zest from one orange
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Croissants:
- Roughly chop the croissants into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Prepare the Orange Marmalade Mixture:
- In a small saucepan, heat the orange marmalade over low heat until it becomes pourable. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the whole milk, orange zest, and almond extract until well combined.
4. Assemble the Breakfast Bake:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the chopped croissants evenly in the bottom.
- Pour the warmed orange marmalade over the croissants, spreading it out evenly.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the croissants and marmalade, ensuring that it covers the surface evenly.
5. Bake and Serve:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the breakfast bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Slice into squares and serve warm, garnished with additional orange zest if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Fresh vs. Store-Bought Croissants: While store-bought croissants work perfectly fine for this recipe, you can elevate the dish even further by using homemade croissants for added freshness and flavor.
- Customize the Flavor: Experiment with different flavors of marmalade or jam to create unique variations of this breakfast bake. Apricot, peach, or raspberry preserves would all work well in place of the orange marmalade.
- Add Some Texture: For added texture and crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the cream cheese filling before baking.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the breakfast bake the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
To make this recipe keto-friendly and low in carbs, you can make a few simple substitutions:
- Low-Carb Croissants: Use almond flour or coconut flour-based croissants instead of traditional croissants to reduce the carb content.
- Sugar-Free Marmalade: Look for sugar-free orange marmalade or make your own using a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Sweetener Substitute: Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb content of the cream cheese filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use other types of bread instead of croissants? A: Yes, you can use other types of bread such as brioche, challah, or French bread for this breakfast bake. However, the buttery richness of croissants adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Q: Can I use homemade orange marmalade? A: Absolutely! Homemade orange marmalade can add a deliciously fresh and vibrant flavor to this breakfast bake. Feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe or store-bought version.
Q: Can I substitute almond extract with vanilla extract? A: Yes, if you prefer a more subtle almond flavor or don’t have almond extract on hand, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or omit it altogether.
Q: Can I serve this breakfast bake with a glaze or syrup? A: While this breakfast bake is delicious on its own, you can certainly drizzle it with a glaze or syrup for added sweetness. A simple powdered sugar glaze or maple syrup would complement the flavors nicely.
In conclusion, our Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast casserole, featuring the perfect combination of buttery croissants, tangy orange marmalade, and creamy cheesecake filling. Whether you’re hosting a brunch with friends or looking for a special treat to enjoy with your family, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress. Plus, with its make-ahead convenience and customizable flavors, it’s a versatile option for any occasion. So, why wait? Treat yourself to a slice of sunshine with our delicious Orange Croissant Breakfast Bake today!
