Croissants are the star in this incredibly mouthwatering croissant french toast bake. Simple to prep, easy to bake, and will make everyone at your brunch table stop and take photos. Top with fresh berries and it's the best breakfast in a casserole dish!
I know this recipe is going to quickly become a favorite in your home as it has mine. It's the perfect brunch dish, great for Mother's Day, a spring brunch, or gathering of friends. This recipe yields a lot of servings, so you'll have an easy breakfast for quick mornings, too.
This was inspired by my love of french toast, like my tiramisu french toast, and of course my pear and brown sugar version, which is pretty amazing.
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What are the ingredients in this recipe?
This recipe calls on simply french toast ingredients, but with the swap of croissants instead of brioche. Here's what you will need:
- Croissants (it does not need to be fresh, you can buy from a store like Trader Joe's or your local bakery)
- Eggs - all french toast recipes require egg, especially in casseroles or bakes to help the bind together and get that decadent texture we aim for.
- Milk - more liquid to help bind the croissants together as they bake.
- Cinnamon - cinnamon added to the egg and milk mixture gives the entire recipe a warm, cinnamon flavor.
- Vanilla extract - more flavor added to the recipe as it bakes.
- Berries (I used blue, black, and raspberries to throw on top after it baked)
- Honey - this is done on top of the bake when it's done for a little added tart and sweet flavor.
- Brown sugar - the brown sugar can be optional for on top, added right before we bake the casserole.
See the recipe card below for specific information about quantities.
How do I make this french toast bake?
Making a french toast casserole or bake really doesn't take very long, especially if you assemble it the night before and then bake the next morning. Specifically, here's how it's made:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350º and prep an oven-safe baking dish. Rip the croissants into large chunks and place into a casserole dish.
Step 2: Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon well. Pour over the top of the croissants, making sure to coat each piece.
Step 3: Top with a little brown sugar and bake for 30 minutes at 350°. Let cool slightly before adding the honey and berries.
HINT: Add a dusting of cinnamon on top before baking to give the french toast a warm aroma and an add added flavor profile.
Recipe Swaps and Substitutions
This recipe is based on using croissants, so I would suggest sticking to that. However, if you can't use croissants or can't find an alternative that is gluten free, here are some swaps and substitutions I would recommend:
- Gluten Free - As I mentioned, if you can't find a GF croissant, swap the croissants out for some gluten free brioche.
- Milk - Swap out the whole milk for almond milk.
- Fruit - swap in any fruit that you'd like if berries aren't your thing.
Ways to serve this croissant french toast bake
There are a few different ways to serve this dish, with each of them tasting just a delicious as the next.
- Add Nutella - if you want to ladle a little nutella on top of the croissant dish after it bakes, or even drizzle on top, it will be a fabulously decadent treat.
- Caramelized banana - swap out berries for bananas and it's almost like a stuffed banana french toast.
- Mini- croissants - swap out the large croissants for mini ones if you can't find the larger versions, or if you want to make it easier to serve
How do I store this recipe? Can I freeze it?
This french toast bake will do well in the fridge for up to 4 days in a tightly sealed tupperware container. If you would like to place this in the freezer, I highly recommend you do so in the dish it was baked in, wrapped with plastic wrap with a label on it, indicating the date the dish was baked. Consume within one month.
PRO TIP
The more liquid the better, so if you feel that there is not enough milk, add more! The more soaked and wet the croissants are, the better the baked, final result will taste.
Hungry for More?
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Croissant French Toast
Equipment
- 1 oven safe baking dish
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 5 large croissants roughly ripped
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 cups mixed berries
- 2 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° and prep a large oven-safe baking dish.
- Rip the croissants into large chunks and place into a casserole dish.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon well. Pour over the top of the croissants, making sure to coat each piece.
- Top with a little brown sugar and bake for 30 minutes at 350°.
- Let cool slightly before adding the honey and berries.
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