French Toast Casserole with Croissants

This French Toast Casserole with Croissants is a decadent and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for special occasions or lazy weekends. Made with buttery, flaky croissants soaked in a rich custard and baked to golden perfection, this casserole is topped with a sweet, crunchy streusel for an extra layer of deliciousness. Serve it warm with maple syrup or fresh berries for a truly indulgent treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and decadent – Buttery croissants and a creamy custard make this casserole irresistible.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Perfect for a crowd – Great for holidays, brunch parties, or family gatherings.
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the casserole:

• Croissants (day-old works best), torn into pieces
• Eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

For the streusel topping:

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For serving:

• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the casserole:
   Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the torn croissant pieces evenly in the dish.
2. Make the custard:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, pressing down gently to ensure they soak up the liquid.
3. Make the streusel topping:
   In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble and chill (optional):
   Sprinkle the streusel topping over the casserole. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or bake immediately.
5. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Bake the casserole:
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve and enjoy:
   Let the casserole cool slightly, then serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate twist: Add chocolate chips to the custard or sprinkle them on top.
• Nutty crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.
• Fruity version: Layer sliced bananas, apples, or berries with the croissants.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free croissants or bread.
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk, cream, and butter.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

FAQs

• Can I use regular bread instead of croissants?
  Yes, but croissants add a richer, flakier texture.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes, assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning.
• What can I use instead of heavy cream?
  Use half-and-half or additional milk for a lighter version.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  Use gluten-free croissants to make it gluten-free.
• Can I make this dairy-free?
  Use plant-based milk, cream, and butter.
• What can I serve with this casserole?
  Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a side of bacon or sausage.

Conclusion
This French Toast Casserole with Croissants is a rich, indulgent, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. With its buttery croissants, creamy custard, and sweet streusel topping, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just treating your family to a cozy weekend meal, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy!

Print