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Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 22 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips is a decadent and comforting baked custard casserole that transforms day-old croissants into a luscious morning treat. Layers of buttery croissant pieces and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips are soaked in a rich custard made from whole milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, then baked until golden and puffed. Perfect for a special brunch or cozy weekend breakfast, it offers a delightful combination of flaky pastry and sweet chocolate in every bite.


Ingredients

Croissant Layer

  • 5 large day-old croissants, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Custard Mixture

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
  2. Layer croissants and chocolate chips: Evenly distribute the croissant pieces in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the croissants to create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bake.
  3. Mix custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, forming a rich custard base.
  4. Pour custard over croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish. Gently press the croissants down to ensure they soak up the custard thoroughly, maximizing flavor and moisture absorption.
  5. Let soak: Allow the croissant and custard mixture to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This soaking period lets the croissants absorb the custard fully, resulting in a tender and custardy texture after baking.
  6. Bake: Place the uncovered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  7. Cool and serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh berries for an elegant presentation and an added layer of flavor.

Notes

  • Using day-old croissants helps them absorb the custard better without becoming overly soggy.
  • You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of coffee liqueur to the custard mixture.
  • If you want a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Make-ahead tip: Assemble the bake and refrigerate overnight before baking for convenience.