Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

The Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a heavenly morning treat that combines flaky, buttery croissants with rich cream cheese and melty chocolate chips for the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy weekend breakfast, this dish brings together simple ingredients into an elegant casserole that’s both comforting and impressive. The melding of sweet cream cheese custard with soft croissant pieces and pockets of chocolate creates a texture and flavor explosion you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping things straightforward, this recipe calls for classic ingredients that each play a crucial role in making this dish absolutely delicious. From the buttery croissants to the creamy custard, each component adds a unique touch of texture, flavor, or sweetness to the Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe.

• Croissants (12 ounces): Use mini or regular bakery croissants, chopped into 1-inch pieces for the perfect flaky base.
• Cream cheese (16 ounces): Softened cream cheese provides a luscious, creamy layer that balances the chocolate.
• Granulated sugar (1⅓ cups): Sweetens the custard and enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
• Eggs (4 large): Essential for binding the custard and giving it structure while keeping it light.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth to the sweet custard.
• Milk (2 cups): Creates the silky custard that soaks into the croissants perfectly.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): For bursts of melty, rich chocolate throughout the casserole.

How to Make Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Croissants

Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ and lightly spraying a 9X13 baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup. Then, evenly spread the chopped croissant pieces across the dish to create a flaky, buttery foundation that will soak up all the creamy goodness.

Step 2: Add the Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the croissant pieces. These little pockets of chocolate will melt during baking, adding delightful bursts of sweetness and richness throughout the casserole.

Step 3: Beat the Cream Cheese Until Smooth

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium-sized bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy. Scraping the sides of the bowl ensures no lumps remain, which guarantees a velvety custard texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Sugar and Eggs

Add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese and beat until fully combined and creamy. Then include the eggs followed by the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to build the flavor base and the perfect custard structure for the casserole.

Step 5: Mix in the Milk

Pour in the milk and continue beating the mixture until it’s well combined, creating a smooth custard that will soak into the croissants and meld all the flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Pour Custard Over Croissants and Let Sit

Carefully pour the custard evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish. Allow the casserole to stand for 20 minutes at room temperature so the croissants absorb the custard. For a longer prep, cover and refrigerate overnight for even better soaking.

Step 7: Bake Until Set

Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes until the center is set and the top is slightly golden. This results in a custard that’s rich yet tender and croissants with a slight crisp edge.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Serve your Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe warm, ideally with a dollop of whipped cream to add an extra touch of creaminess and a hint of indulgence.

How to Serve Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

While the casserole is delicious on its own, adding whipped cream offers a luxurious, light texture that complements the rich custard. Fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries can also provide a pop of color and a fresh tartness that balances sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a simple green salad for contrast or some crispy bacon or sausage for those who want a savory counterpart. Freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa also make a perfect beverage pairing to elevate your breakfast experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch, serve the casserole in a beautiful ceramic or glass baking dish on the table, letting guests help themselves. Alternatively, portion it individually in ramekins for an elegant, personalized touch that makes everyone feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and it remains moist and tasty when properly stored.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the casserole in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to enjoy later without losing any of its charm.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325℉ for about 15 minutes or microwave single servings until just warm. Avoid overheating to keep the custard from drying out and to maintain that beautiful creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use day-old croissants?

Absolutely! Slightly stale croissants actually absorb the custard better, making the casserole extra flavorful and custardy.

Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, you can use almond, oat, or soy milk in the same quantity, though it may slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.

What type of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended to balance the sweetness, but feel free to experiment with dark or milk chocolate based on your preference.

Can I add nuts or fruit into the casserole?

Definitely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a great crunch, and dried fruits like cranberries complement the chocolate wonderfully.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe vegan?

With some ingredient swaps like vegan cream cheese, plant-based milk, and egg replacers, you can make a vegan version, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping breakfast that’s both easy and incredibly delicious, the Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe is your go-to. It transforms everyday ingredients into a decadent morning feast that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, chocolatey, custardy goodness that only a croissant casserole can deliver!

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 5 reviews

A decadent Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Casserole combining flaky croissant pieces, creamy cream cheese, rich chocolate chips, and a custard-like filling. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, this make-ahead casserole bakes to a warm, indulgent treat that’s both easy to prepare and delightfully comforting.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Croissant Base

• 12 ounces Croissants – mini or regular from bakery, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Custard Mixture

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (2 – 8-ounce packages)
• 1⅓ cups Granulated sugar
• 4 Large Eggs
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 2 cups Milk (16 ounces)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange Croissants and Chocolate Chips: Evenly spread the chopped croissant pieces in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the croissants to ensure every bite has some sweet chocolate.
3. Beat Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps.
4. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese and continue beating until the mixture is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the cream cheese evenly.
5. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
6. Mix in Milk: Slowly beat in the milk until the custard mixture is smooth and well blended.
7. Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces and chocolate chips in the baking dish. Allow the casserole to stand for 20 minutes at room temperature for the croissants to soak up the custard. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate overnight for a deeper soak.
8. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
9. Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Optionally, add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.

Notes

• You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate to save time on the day of serving.
• Mini croissants or regular-sized croissants both work well; adjust the chopping size accordingly.
• Use full-fat milk for the best creamy texture in the custard mixture.
• For a dairy-free variation, substitute cream cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.