The Perfect Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe for Brunch Lovers

Croissant French toast casserole marries decadent pastry with classic breakfast comfort in a single, magnificent dish.

Breakfast lovers crave something extraordinary that elevates morning meals beyond ordinary expectations.

Layers of buttery, flaky croissants soak luxuriously in a silky custard mixture that promises rich, indulgent flavors.

Weekend brunch reinvents into a celebration when this elegant casserole arrives at the table, turning simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Culinary magic happens when day-old croissants get a second chance to shine, becoming impossibly tender and deeply delicious.

Home cooks appreciate how minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to wow your family and friends with a breakfast that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

All You Need for Croissant French Toast Casserole

• Croissants: Soft, buttery pastry that forms the foundation of the casserole, best when slightly stale for better absorption.
• Eggs: Primary binding agent that creates a custardy texture and provides structure to the dish.
• Milk, Cream: Rich dairy components that contribute to the creamy, smooth consistency of the casserole.

• Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Sweet flavor boosters that add depth and aromatic sweetness to the entire dish.
• Cinnamon, Vanillin Sugar: Warm spices that provide a comforting, fragrant undertone to the breakfast casserole.
• Salt: Subtle seasoning that balances and elevates the overall sweetness of the recipe.

• Maple Syrup: Sweet liquid that adds moisture and rich caramel-like flavor between croissant layers.
• Butter Slices: Adds richness, helps create a golden brown top, and enhances overall buttery flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Light, delicate topping for a sweet finish and elegant presentation.
• Fresh Fruit, Ice Cream: Optional garnishes that complement the warm, rich casserole.

How to Make Croissant French Toast Casserole from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Egg Mixture

• Eggs
• Milk
• Cream
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Blend until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Layer Croissant Bottoms

Slice croissants horizontally and place bottom halves evenly in the greased baking dish.

Step 4: Add First Liquid Layer

Pour half of the egg mixture over croissant bottoms and drizzle maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Step 5: Complete Croissant Layering

Position croissant top halves and cover completely with remaining egg mixture.

Step 6: Refrigerate and Rest

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight, allowing flavors to develop and blend.

Step 7: Bring to Room Temperature

Remove the casserole from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Set oven temperature to 375°F (175°C).

Step 9: Add Final Touches

• Butter slices
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla sugar

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh seasonal fruits

Pro Tips for Croissant French Toast Casserole

• Slice Strategically: Cut croissants cleanly and evenly to ensure uniform layers and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Soak Smartly: Allow sufficient time for croissants to absorb egg mixture, which creates a rich, custardy interior with maximum flavor penetration.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Overnight chilling helps ingredients meld together, developing deeper taste profiles and more tender consistency.
• Butter Brilliance: Distribute butter slices evenly across the top to create golden, crispy edges and enhance overall richness.
• Temperature Timing: Let casserole rest at room temperature before baking to promote even cooking and prevent potential cold-center issues.

Reheat & Store Croissant French Toast Casserole with Ease

• Refrigeration
• Store leftover croissant French toast casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to sealed containers before placing in the refrigerator. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the texture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Freezing
• Freeze the casserole in portion-sized containers for maximum convenience. Seal completely in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen portions will stay delicious for approximately 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, checking midway to ensure even heating.

Croissant French Toast Casserole Pairing Favorites

• Brew the Perfect Morning Coffee: Pair this decadent croissant French toast casserole with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that complements its sweet and buttery flavors. The robust coffee cuts through the richness while enhancing the overall breakfast experience.
• Select Fruity Sidekicks: Serve with a vibrant mixed berry compote or fresh strawberries to add a tangy contrast to the sweet, creamy casserole. The bright fruit helps balance the dish's richness and provides a refreshing counterpoint.
• Enhance with Smooth Accompaniments: Top with a dollop of whipped mascarpone or vanilla bean ice cream to elevate the dessert-like qualities of this breakfast dish. The creamy, cool addition creates a luxurious texture that melts beautifully into the warm casserole.
• Create Sparkling Morning Mimosa: Complement the casserole with a light, citrusy mimosa made from fresh orange juice and chilled champagne. The bubbly, zesty drink cuts through the dish's richness and adds a celebratory touch to your breakfast.

New Ways to Enjoy Croissant French Toast Casserole

• Berry Bliss Variation: Replace maple syrup with mixed berry compote for a fruity twist. Layer fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries between croissant layers to add vibrant color and tangy flavor.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Incorporate chocolate chips and cocoa powder into the egg mixture. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top before baking for an indulgent breakfast experience.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds between croissant layers. Add a caramel sauce drizzle and sprinkle sea salt on top for a rich, complex flavor profile that balances sweet and salty notes.
• Savory Breakfast Option: Transform the recipe by using sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chives instead of sweet ingredients. Replace sugar with a pinch of black pepper and herbs for a hearty morning meal.

What Makes Croissant French Toast Casserole So Irresistible

• Elevate Breakfast Indulgence: Transform ordinary croissants into a decadent, luxurious French toast casserole that feels like a special treat without complicated cooking techniques.
• Make-Ahead Morning Magic: Prepare the entire dish the night before, allowing flavors to mingle and reducing morning stress while guaranteeing a delicious breakfast that impresses family and guests.
• Texture Paradise: Experience a perfect blend of crispy exterior and custardy interior, where buttery croissant layers soak up rich egg mixture creating an incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth sensation that's both comforting and sophisticated.

Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Croissant French Toast Casserole delivers a luxurious breakfast experience with rich layers of buttery croissants soaked in silky custard. Warm cinnamon and vanilla notes mingle deliciously, creating a comforting morning delight you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 medium-sized croissants, one day old preferred
• 8 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Sweeteners and Flavors:

• 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup Canadian maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup butter, thinly sliced
• Ground cinnamon (for dusting)
• Vanillin sugar (for dusting)
• Optional serving suggestions: powdered sugar, ice cream, additional maple syrup, and fresh fruit

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
3. Carefully slice each croissant horizontally, creating top and bottom halves with even thickness.
4. Arrange croissant bottom halves in a single layer across the greased baking dish, ensuring minimal gaps between pieces.
5. Gently pour approximately half of the egg mixture over the croissant bottoms, allowing liquid to seep into the pastry.
6. Drizzle pure maple syrup evenly across the moistened croissant layer for additional sweetness and depth of flavor.
7. Position croissant top halves directly over the bottom layer, creating a sandwich-like structure.
8. Slowly distribute remaining egg mixture, making certain all croissant surfaces are thoroughly saturated.
9. Cover the assembled casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 12 hours for optimal flavor development.
10. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking, allowing it to reach room temperature.
11. Preheat conventional oven to 375°F (190°C) with rack positioned in center position.
12. Dot the casserole surface with unsalted butter cubes, then sprinkle with additional ground cinnamon and vanilla-infused sugar.
13. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, monitoring browning and covering with aluminum foil if edges darken too quickly.
14. Remove from oven when top appears golden brown and center is set with minimal liquid remaining.
15. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving, optionally dusting with powdered sugar and accompanying with vanilla ice cream or fresh seasonal berries.

Notes

• Overnight refrigeration allows egg mixture to deeply penetrate croissant layers, creating a luxurious, custard-like texture.
• Maple syrup drizzle adds unexpected sweetness between croissant layers, transforming traditional breakfast casserole into a decadent morning treat.
• Room temperature resting helps ingredients blend seamlessly, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption throughout the dish.
• Butter and cinnamon sprinkled on top create a caramelized, crispy surface that contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy interior.
• Serving suggestions like powdered sugar or vanilla ice cream elevate this simple casserole into an impressive brunch centerpiece that wows guests.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 421 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 399 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 286 mg