Croissant French Toast Casserole with Fresh Berries Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in a delightful twist on a breakfast classic with this Croissant French Toast Casserole. Soft, buttery croissants soak in a rich custard, baked with fresh berries for a sweet and satisfying start to your day. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy holiday morning.

A close-up of a dish showing three main layers: at the bottom, golden brown, crispy croissant pieces with flaky textures; scattered on top are bright red raspberries, sliced strawberries with red and white interiors, deep blue blueberries, and dark purple blackberries; the topmost layer is a fine dusting of white powdered sugar falling gently from a metal sieve above, adding a soft texture and white contrast across the colorful berries and croissants. The dish is presented in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 5-6 large croissants (fresh or a few days old)
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk (warm)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 cups blueberries or mixed berries (plus more to garnish: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9″x13” casserole baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Cut the croissants into small pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches in size and spread them evenly in the prepared dish.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, warm milk, heavy cream, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the custard mixture over the croissant pieces, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure they soak up the custard. Scatter the berries on top and gently push some berries between the croissant layers for bursts of fruit throughout.
  5. Step 5: Let the casserole sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the custard. For best results, cover and refrigerate overnight.
  6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, until the casserole is set and golden brown on top. Serve warm, garnished with extra berries if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Use slightly stale croissants for better custard absorption without the bread falling apart.
  • Add a splash of orange zest to the custard for a citrusy brightness.
  • Swap blueberries for seasonal fruits like peaches or apples to customize the flavor.
  • For extra indulgence, drizzle maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm the whole casserole in a 325°F oven until heated through. This dish can also be prepared the night before baking for convenient, ready-to-go mornings.

How to Serve

A slice of bread pudding sits on a white plate with a silver fork beside it, resting on a light wood surface. The bread pudding shows a golden-brown crispy top layer with a soft, creamy inside layer visible on the side. On top of the pudding, there is a colorful mix of fresh berries: bright red strawberries sliced thin, plump dark blueberries, and vibrant red raspberries, some of which also spill onto the plate. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate white touch over the berries and bread pudding. In the background, a white baking dish filled with more of the bread pudding and berries is partly visible on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of croissants?

Yes, brioche or challah work well as alternatives for a soft, rich texture, though croissants give the best buttery flavor.

Should I soak the casserole overnight or is 15 minutes enough?

While 15 minutes will work, soaking overnight allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a moister and more flavorful casserole.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Croissant French Toast Casserole with Fresh Berries Recipe


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 1 hour (plus optional soaking time overnight)
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

Description

This Croissant French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast or brunch dish combining buttery croissants with a rich, cinnamon-vanilla custard, studded with fresh berries. Baked until golden and set, it’s perfect for a cozy morning or special occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Croissant Mixture

  • 56 large croissants (fresh or a few days old)

Custard

  • 5 eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk (warm)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

Fruit

  • 2 cups blueberries or mixed berries (plus more to garnish: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Prepare Croissants: Cut the croissants into small cubes approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Place these pieces evenly in the prepared casserole dish, forming the base of your casserole.
  3. Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, warm whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces. Use a spatula to press down gently, ensuring the croissants absorb the custard. Scatter the 2 cups of blueberries (or mixed berries) on top and gently push some into the croissant layers for even berry distribution. Let the casserole sit for 15 minutes at room temperature to soak; for best results, refrigerate and let it soak overnight.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. Once baked, serve warm, optionally garnished with extra fresh berries.

Notes

  • Using day-old croissants enhances custard absorption but fresh croissants work well too.
  • Allowing the casserole to soak overnight improves flavor and texture.
  • Feel free to swap blueberries for any berries of choice or a mixture for varied flavor and color.
  • Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar for extra sweetness if desired.
  • Ensure the warm milk is not hot to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely in the custard.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: croissant french toast casserole, baked french toast, croissant breakfast casserole, berry french toast, brunch recipes

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating