Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful way to start your day with a rich, chocolatey twist on a classic breakfast casserole. Using buttery croissants and melted chocolate chips, it’s both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for weekend brunch or a special occasion!

Ingredients

• 6 large croissants, preferably day-old
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and evenly distribute them in the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the croissant pieces.
4. Step 4: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant and chocolate layers in the baking dish.
6. Step 6: Gently press down on the croissant pieces to ensure they soak up the egg mixture.
7. Step 7: Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
9. Step 9: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old croissants to prevent the bake from becoming too soggy and to enhance texture.
• Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
• Add chopped nuts or fresh berries for extra flavor and crunch.
• For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk alternative and check chocolate chips for dairy content.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This bake is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old?

Yes, but fresh croissants might absorb the liquid differently, potentially making the bake softer. Day-old croissants hold texture better and prevent sogginess.

Can I prepare the bake the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble the bake, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking to allow even cooking.

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 119 reviews

A decadent and easy-to-make Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake combining buttery croissants and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips soaked in a sweet vanilla-egg custard, baked until golden and perfect for a delightful morning treat or brunch.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bakery

• 6 large croissants, preferably day-old

Chocolate

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Custard Mixture

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Finishing

• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Croissants: Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and evenly spread them in the prepared baking dish to create a base layer.
3. Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the croissant pieces, ensuring a good distribution for chocolatey bursts.
4. Mix Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
5. Pour Custard Over Croissants: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the croissants and chocolate chips in the baking dish, soaking all pieces thoroughly.
6. Press and Soak: Gently press down on the croissant pieces to help them absorb the custard liquid fully; allow the dish to sit for 10 minutes to ensure the croissants soak up the custard nicely.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is set but still moist inside.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly for a few minutes, then optionally dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Notes

• For best results, use day-old croissants as they absorb the custard better and hold their structure during baking.
• You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on your taste preference.
• This bake can be prepared the night before by assembling and refrigerating, then baking fresh in the morning.
• Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
• Use whole milk for a richer custard; you can substitute with 2% or plant-based milk, but it may change richness.

Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast casserole, chocolate breakfast bake, croissant bread pudding, baked breakfast dish