Indulge in the buttery, flaky goodness of a Croissant French Toast Casserole—a decadent and make-ahead breakfast bake perfect for any occasion. This dish combines flaky croissants with a rich, creamy custard, all layered with sweet berries that turn jammy in the oven. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating your family to something special, this casserole will surely impress. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy the deliciousness for days!
Why You’ll Love This Croissant French Toast Casserole
This Croissant French Toast Casserole is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, yet the end result feels like a gourmet treat. The buttery croissants soak up the custard beautifully, while the berries offer bursts of juicy sweetness in each bite. With the option to prepare it ahead of time, this dish is perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. It’s simple, indulgent, and guaranteed to make everyone’s morning extra special!
Ingredients for Croissant French Toast Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible casserole:
-
Croissants: 5-6 fresh croissants, or use day-old croissants for the best results. The croissants need to be flaky enough to soak up the custard.
-
Eggs: Essential for creating the custard base.
-
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: These make the custard rich and creamy. You can substitute with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk, but the texture may be runnier.
-
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the custard and the casserole as a whole.
-
Sugar: Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering the dish.
-
Vanilla Extract & Cinnamon: For added warmth and depth of flavor.
-
Berries: A combination of blueberries and blackberries for the inside, and strawberries, raspberries, and more berries for garnishing the finished dish.
-
Optional: Ground coriander or other spices for additional flavor.
Tip for Adding Fruit:
For the best results, add fresh berries like strawberries and raspberries on top after baking. These fresh fruits retain their texture better than baking them in the casserole. You can also try other fruits like peaches, plums, or almonds for a seasonal twist.
How to Make Croissant French Toast Casserole
This simple recipe comes together quickly. Here’s how you can make this delicious Croissant French Toast Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13 casserole dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Croissants
Cut the croissants into 1-inch pieces using a serrated knife or your hands. Spread the croissant pieces evenly in the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the custard mixture over the croissant pieces, pressing them down gently to ensure they soak up the liquid. Sprinkle most of the blueberries and blackberries over the top of the casserole. For jammy berries in each bite, tuck some of the berries between the croissant chunks.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Let the casserole sit for 15 minutes to allow the croissants to soak up the custard. For make-ahead convenience, cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake directly from the fridge the next day.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the custard has set. The casserole will be slightly puffed and lightly browned on top.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Garnish with additional fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also serve it with whipped cream, honey butter, or blueberry sauce for extra indulgence.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Croissant French Toast Casserole is perfect for preparing ahead of time, making your morning easier and stress-free.
-
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Simply bake it the next morning when you’re ready to serve.
-
Storage: Store leftover casserole in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F for the best results.
-
Freezing: You can freeze an unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Serving Suggestions
-
Maple Syrup: The classic choice for drizzling over the casserole.
-
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra creaminess.
-
Fruit Sauce: Top the casserole with blueberry sauce or raspberry maple syrup for more fruity goodness.
Conclusion
This Croissant French Toast Casserole is a delightful and indulgent breakfast dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating your family to something special, this casserole will be a hit. With the buttery layers of croissants, rich custard, and sweet berries, every bite is a comfort-filled experience. Make it ahead for a hassle-free breakfast or brunch, and enjoy a dish that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Print
Croissant French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1hour hr 15minutes mins
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Croissant French Toast Casserole is an easy and decadent make-ahead breakfast or brunch option. Made with buttery croissants, a creamy custard base, and jammy berries, this casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a great choice for baby showers, brunch dates, or any special occasion. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a convenient choice for meal prepping!
Ingredients
For the Croissant French Toast Casserole:
5–6 croissants (fresh or day-old)
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk (or non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version)
1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup blueberries (or mixed berries)
Additional berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries) for garnish.
Instructions
Prepare the Dish:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter.
Cut the Croissants:
Slice the croissants into 1-inch pieces using a serrated knife or your hands. Arrange the pieces evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
Make the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces, pressing them down gently to help the croissants soak up the liquid.
Sprinkle blueberries (and/or blackberries) evenly over the top, pushing some of the berries between the croissant pieces for a jammy effect.
Rest:
Let the casserole sit for 15 minutes to allow the custard to soak in. If you’re making this ahead, cover the casserole and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy and the custard is set in the middle.
Garnish and Serve:
Serve the casserole warm, garnished with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup or powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Notes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it in the morning, straight from the fridge.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It reheats well in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave.
Freezing: To freeze, cover the casserole tightly and freeze either before or after baking. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions:
Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
For a fun twist, try serving with blueberry sauce, raspberry maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream or honey butter for added richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time:: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: BREAKFAST
- Cuisine: American
