Name: Croissant French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large croissants (preferably day-old), cut into chunks; 6 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half; 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tbsp butter (for greasing); Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream

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Croissant French Toast Casserole is a rich, custardy breakfast bake made with buttery croissants soaked in a sweet vanilla egg mixture and baked until golden and puffed. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want something cozy and indulgent without standing over the stove flipping slices of French toast. Perfect for weekends, holidays, or any morning that calls for a little luxury.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns simple croissants into something incredibly comforting. The croissants absorb the custard beautifully, creating a soft, almost bread pudding-like center with crisp golden tops. It’s easy to assemble ahead of time and bake fresh in the morning, making it perfect for guests or lazy brunches. I serve it with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even a dusting of powdered sugar—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Croissant French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Croissants (day-old or fresh, cut into large pieces)
Eggs
Whole milk or half-and-half
Heavy cream (optional, for a richer custard)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar (for depth)
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream

Directions

I grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
I cut the croissants into chunks and layer them evenly in the dish.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
I pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants, pressing gently so they soak it up.
I cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a deeper flavor and softer texture.
When ready to bake, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
I uncover the casserole and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set in the center.
I let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving with my favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes to overnight
Bake time: 45 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes (or overnight prep + bake time)

Variations

I add chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate between the croissant layers.
I mix in fresh berries or sliced bananas for extra fruitiness.
I use flavored croissants (like almond or chocolate) for more depth.
I drizzle caramel sauce or add a pecan streusel topping before baking for dessert vibes.
I substitute some of the milk with eggnog or flavored creamers during the holidays.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. It also freezes well—I wrap individual portions tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Croissant French Toast Casserole

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning. It gives the croissants time to fully absorb the custard and makes breakfast a breeze.

Do I need stale croissants?

Not necessarily. Day-old croissants work great because they absorb more custard, but fresh ones also work—especially if I lightly toast them first.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use plant-based milk and cream, and swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. The texture will still be delicious.

Can I freeze this before baking?

I don’t usually freeze it raw, but I bake it first, then freeze individual slices. That way, I can reheat and enjoy anytime.

What’s the best way to serve this?

I serve it warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries. For a dessert version, I add whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Croissant French Toast Casserole is my favorite kind of comfort food—soft, buttery, sweet, and effortlessly impressive. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a group, and customizable to suit any craving or season. Whether I’m hosting brunch or treating myself on a quiet morning, this dish always feels like a warm hug straight from the oven.