Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a decadent and easy way to start your day. Combining flaky croissants, creamy custard, and rich chocolate chips creates a delightful morning treat perfect for sharing.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Spread the chopped croissant pieces evenly in the prepared pan, then sprinkle the chocolate chips over them.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until well blended. Stir in the milk until combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate chips.
5. Step 5: Let the dish stand at room temperature for 20 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight for a more developed flavor and texture.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set. Serve warm for the best taste.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
• You can add a handful of chopped nuts for added crunch and texture.
• Try using white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• If you don’t have mini croissants, cut regular croissants into bite-sized pieces.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm, or serve cold if preferred.

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 bake and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the croissants to soak up the custard, making the dish even more flavorful.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

To make a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk, and replace eggs with an appropriate vegan substitute like flax eggs. Keep in mind this will alter the texture and flavor.

Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 80 reviews

A decadent and easy-to-make Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake featuring layers of buttery croissants, rich cream cheese custard, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for a special morning treat or brunch, this casserole bakes until golden and custardy, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes plus standing or overnight chilling
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 (10 to 13-oz) package mini croissants, chopped
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Custard Mixture

• 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1⅓ cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups milk

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange Croissants and Chocolate: Place the chopped mini croissant pieces evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the croissants to distribute pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bake.
3. Prepare Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing continuously until well combined. Finally, add the milk and continue mixing until the custard mixture is fully combined and smooth.
4. Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate chips in the pan, ensuring all pieces are saturated. Let the mixture stand for 20 minutes at room temperature to allow the croissants to soak up the custard. Alternatively, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for a more thorough soak.
5. Bake the Dish: Place the uncovered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the custard is set in the center and the top is lightly golden. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Serve Warm: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this rich and comforting breakfast bake warm for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Room temperature cream cheese mixes more smoothly and prevents lumps in the custard mixture.
• Allowing the bake to sit overnight helps the croissants absorb the custard completely, enhancing the texture.
• You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or white chocolate depending on your preference.
• For a nutty twist, consider sprinkling chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans on top before baking.
• This dish can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven; cover to prevent drying out.

Keywords: chocolate croissant bake, breakfast casserole, custard bake, chocolate chip breakfast, sweet breakfast casserole