Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a decadent twist on your typical morning treat. Combining buttery croissants, creamy custard, and rich chocolate chips, it’s perfect for a cozy weekend brunch that feels special but is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 to 13-oz) package mini croissants, chopped
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1⅓ cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Place the chopped mini croissants evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the croissants.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until well blended. Then add the milk and mix until combined.
- Step 4: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the croissant pieces and chocolate chips in the pan.
- Step 5: Let the dish stand at room temperature for 20 minutes so the croissants soak up the custard. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate overnight for convenience.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or white chocolate chips for sweetness variation.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cream cheese.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds until warm, or place the whole bake in a 350ºF oven for 10-15 minutes to refresh the texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this bake the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the croissants to soak up the custard fully and makes morning preparation easy.
What type of croissants work best?
Mini plain croissants are ideal for this recipe because they soak up the custard well and bake evenly. Avoid croissants with fillings to keep flavors balanced.
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Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes (including standing time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A decadent and easy-to-make Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake combining flaky croissants with a rich cream cheese custard and melty chocolate chips. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, this bake is indulgent yet simple and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
Croissant and Chocolate
- 1 (10 to 13-oz) package mini croissants, chopped
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Custard
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1⅓ cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange croissants and chocolate chips: Spread the chopped mini croissants evenly in the prepared pan, then sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the croissant pieces.
- Make cream cheese custard: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined. Pour in the milk and mix gently just until the custard is combined.
- Combine and soak: Pour the creamy custard mixture evenly over the croissant and chocolate chips in the pan. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow the croissants to soak up the custard. Alternatively, you can cover and refrigerate it overnight for a more flavorful and well-set bake.
- Bake the breakfast bake: Place the pan uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Remove from oven and serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Allowing the bake to rest overnight in the refrigerator will improve flavor and custard absorption.
- If you don’t have mini croissants, regular croissants chopped into bite-sized pieces will work.
- Serve warm with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake, breakfast casserole, cream cheese breakfast, chocolate chip bake, easy croissant recipes
