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French Toast Casserole with Croissants Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 52 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 0h 15m
  • Cook Time: 0h 50m
  • Total Time: 1h 5m
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This French Toast Casserole with Croissants is a decadent and comforting breakfast dish featuring buttery croissants soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, and vanilla. Baked until golden and crispy on top, it’s finished with a luscious maple syrup glaze and a dusting of powdered sugar for the perfect balance of sweet and cinnamon-spiced flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Croissant Base

  • 4 large croissants

Custard Mixture

  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
  3. Prepare croissants: Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the greased baking dish to create the base layer.
  4. Make custard base: In a large mixing bowl, crack all six eggs and beat them until well combined.
  5. Combine custard ingredients: To the beaten eggs, add milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt, then whisk thoroughly until smooth and fully incorporated.
  6. Soak croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is well soaked.
  7. Press croissants: Gently press the croissants down with a spoon so they fully absorb the custard.
  8. Cover and bake first phase: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  9. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crisp.
  10. Prepare maple syrup glaze: While the casserole bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
  11. Combine syrup and butter: Stir the maple syrup into the melted butter and heat gently until warmed through, then remove from heat.
  12. Cool casserole: Once baking is complete, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes.
  13. Add syrup topping: Drizzle the warm maple syrup and butter mixture evenly over the casserole to add sweetness and moisture.
  14. Dust with powdered sugar: Sift powdered sugar evenly over the top of the casserole for a delicate finish and slight sweetness.
  15. Serve: Serve the casserole warm to enjoy the crisp edges and custardy interior infused with cinnamon and vanilla flavors.

Notes

  • For best results, use day-old croissants as they absorb the custard better and hold their shape during baking.
  • You can prepare the casserole the night before; cover and refrigerate it cold overnight before baking the next morning.
  • Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or any flavored syrup depending on preference.
  • For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
  • This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added freshness.