Croissant Bake
Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game? This delicious croissant bake is perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy family breakfast. Its flaky layers and creamy filling will leave everyone coming back for seconds!
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 45 min
Ingredients List:
- 4 large croissants, cut into pieces
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Gruyere)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or chives)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an evenly baked croissant bake with a golden top.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. You want all that gooey goodness to come out perfectly.
- Layer the croissants: Place the cut croissant pieces evenly in the baking dish, spreading them out as much as possible.
- Whisk together the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until fully combined.
- Combine the cheese and meat: If using, mix the shredded cheese and cooked sausage or bacon in a separate bowl.
- Add the egg mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Then, sprinkle the cheese and meat mixture on top, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
- Let it soak: Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes so the croissants can absorb the egg mixture. This is key for a creamy texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and garnish: Once baked, let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve and enjoy: Cut into squares and serve warm for a delightful breakfast experience!
Pro Tips Section:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Making it vegetarian: Simply omit the sausage or bacon. Consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Meal prep: Assemble the croissant bake the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake it the next morning for an effortless breakfast!
Nutrition Info Table + Disclaimer:
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|————–|———-|———|——-|—–|——–|——–|
| 1 plate | 420 | 18g | 35g | 22g | 4g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Tips:
- Consider adding different cheeses like Feta or mozzarella for varied flavors.
- For a touch of sweetness, you could incorporate some chocolate chips or fresh berries in the mix, especially if serving it as a dessert.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings:
- Pair with fresh fruit on the side for a refreshing contrast.
- A light salad can complement the richness of the croissant bake, making it a full meal.
- Serve with coffee or fresh juice to round out a lovely brunch experience.
FAQs:
Can I use day-old croissants?
Absolutely! Day-old croissants work perfectly for this recipe as they will absorb the egg mixture well.
Can I freeze the croissant bake?
Yes! You can freeze before baking. Just cover it tightly and it can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
What other ingredients can I add?
Feel free to personalize it! You could add spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even different proteins like ham or turkey.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the croissants. However, gluten-free bread can be used as a substitute for a gluten-free version.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
It’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Croissant Bake
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, with optional meat
Description
Elevate your breakfast game with this delicious croissant bake, perfect for brunch or a cozy family meal. Its flaky layers and creamy filling will leave everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants, cut into pieces
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Gruyere)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or chives)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Place the cut croissant pieces evenly in the baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- If using, mix the shredded cheese and cooked sausage or bacon in a separate bowl.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants and sprinkle the cheese and meat mixture on top.
- Let the mixture soak for about 10-15 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes, sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving, and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage or bacon and consider adding sautéed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 420mg
