French Toast Croissant Casserole is the perfect combination of buttery croissants soaked in a rich, almond-flavored custard and baked to golden perfection. Topped with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar, this dish is a delightful twist on classic French toast, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and decadent – The combination of croissants, heavy cream, and maple syrup makes for a luxurious breakfast treat.
Easy to prepare – Just assemble the ingredients, let them soak, and bake.
Great for entertaining – Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or weekend family breakfasts.
Customizable – Easily adjust the flavors or toppings to suit your taste.
Make-ahead option – Prepare it the night before and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup blueberries
1 cup strawberries
7 eggs
1 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon almond extract
½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 large croissants (cut in half lengthwise) or 16 mini croissants
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups whole milk

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
Prepare the croissants by cutting them in half and arranging them in the baking dish.
Whisk the custard – In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, maple syrup, almond extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, vanilla, heavy cream, and milk until smooth.
Assemble – Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants, pressing them down slightly to ensure they absorb the liquid.
Add the berries – Sprinkle blueberries and sliced strawberries over the top.
Soak – Let the casserole sit for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for a deeper flavor).
Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20-30 minutes until golden brown and set.
Serve – Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy with extra maple syrup or whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Nutty twist – Add chopped pecans or slivered almonds for extra crunch.
Chocolate lover’s version – Sprinkle chocolate chips between the croissants before baking.
Citrus zest – Add orange or lemon zest to the custard for a refreshing touch.
Savory option – Skip the berries and maple syrup, and add ham and cheese for a savory breakfast casserole.
Dairy-free version – Use almond milk and coconut cream in place of dairy.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating – Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

Can I use day-old croissants?

Absolutely! Slightly stale croissants work well because they absorb the custard better.

What other fruits can I use?

Raspberries, blackberries, bananas, or apples are great alternatives.

Do I have to use almond extract?

No, you can skip it or replace it with more vanilla extract.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Make sure the croissants are well-soaked but not overly saturated, and bake until fully set.

Can I use regular bread instead of croissants?

Yes, but croissants give the dish a richer, buttery flavor. Brioche or challah are good substitutes.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free croissants or bread to make a gluten-free version.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and milk?

Yes, you can substitute 3 cups of half-and-half for the cream and milk.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

It should be golden brown, slightly firm, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

What toppings go well with this casserole?

Whipped cream, extra berries, maple syrup, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce work great!

Conclusion

French Toast Croissant Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, holiday morning, or just to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Try different variations and toppings to make it your own, and enjoy a warm, comforting bite every time!