If you have a soft spot for buttery croissants and a sweet tooth that loves chocolate, then this Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe is going to become your new weekend hero. Imagine day-old croissant pieces soaking up a luxuriously rich custard infused with vanilla, studded generously with semi-sweet chocolate chips that melt into gooey pockets of delight. This breakfast bake is a warm hug on a plate—comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to throw together, making mornings feel like a special occasion without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet create a sensational combination of flavors and textures. Each plays a crucial role in making this breakfast bake irresistibly tender, sweet, and beautifully moist.
- 5 large day-old croissants: Using slightly stale croissants allows them to soak up the custard perfectly without turning soggy.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add luscious melty bites of chocolate that balance the richness.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides creaminess to the custard base for a silky texture.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the custard together, giving it a rich, silky body.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the chocolate.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with a warm, inviting note.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing out the sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; this simple step ensures your bake won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze afterward.
Step 2: Layer Croissants and Chocolate Chips
Spread the cubed croissant pieces evenly across the baking dish. Then sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips generously over the croissants. This layering creates those amazing pockets of melty chocolate that make this bake so special.
Step 3: Mix Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined. This custard is the heart of your bake, infusing each croissant piece with luscious flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Pour Custard Over Croissants
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered croissants and chocolate chips. Gently press the croissants down so they soak up the custard thoroughly, ensuring every bite is tender and custardy.
Step 5: Let Soak
Allow the entire dish to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This soaking time is crucial because it lets the croissants absorb the custard fully, resulting in that perfect soft and custardy texture.
Step 6: Bake
Place the uncovered dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. When the top turns golden brown and puffs slightly, your breakfast bake is ready. Keep an eye on it, and if it starts browning too fast, cover loosely with foil to avoid burning.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Take your bake out of the oven and let it cool a little before serving it warm. For an elegant touch, dust with powdered sugar and scatter fresh berries on top to add a dash of color and a burst of freshness.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this bake from comforting to stunning. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and visual appeal, while fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries provide a vibrant contrast both in flavor and color.
Side Dishes
This breakfast bake pairs beautifully with lightly crisp bacon or breakfast sausage to add a savory counterpoint. A side of fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream can also round out the meal with refreshing and creamy touches.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, serve slices of this warm bake in individual ramekins topped with a drizzle of warm caramel or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra texture. Pepper in fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for photo-worthy presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days and remain just as delicious with a quick reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this breakfast bake to enjoy later. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to revive that fresh-baked goodness.
Reheating
To bring your leftover bake back to life, warm it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven helps retain the crispy top and custardy interior better.
FAQs
Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old ones?
While fresh croissants can work, day-old croissants are ideal because they absorb the custard better without becoming too mushy. If using fresh, you might want to dry them out slightly in the oven before assembling.
Is there a substitute for whole milk?
Yes, you can use 2% milk or even half-and-half if you want a creamier custard. Just keep in mind that skim milk will produce a thinner custard texture that might affect the richness.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch. You can also mix in dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for extra flavor contrast alongside the chocolate chips.
Can I prepare this the night before?
Definitely. After assembling, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking all to the bottom?
Toss the chocolate chips in a small amount of flour before sprinkling them over the croissants. This helps distribute them more evenly throughout the bake so each bite has a delightful chocolate surprise.
Final Thoughts
This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe truly turns simple ingredients into a decadent breakfast treat that feels homemade and heartfelt. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or when you want to wow your loved ones with minimal effort. So next time you want a breakfast hug, give this bake a try—it might just become your new favorite dish to start the day with a smile.
Print
Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips is a delightful and indulgent morning treat featuring day-old croissants soaked in a rich custard and studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a wonderfully tender, custardy texture with pockets of melted chocolate, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Croissant Layer
- 5 large day-old croissants, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Custard Mixture
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer croissants and chocolate chips: Evenly distribute the croissant pieces in the baking dish, then sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over them to create pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
- Mix custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming a rich custard base.
- Pour custard over croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces, making sure to gently press the croissants down so they soak up the custard thoroughly for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Let soak: Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes so the croissants absorb the custard fully, resulting in a tender and custardy bake.
- Bake: Place the uncovered dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and puffed. If the bake browns too quickly, cover lightly with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, then serve warm. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries for an elegant presentation and extra flavor.
Notes
- Use day-old croissants for best texture as they absorb custard better.
- If the top browns too quickly during baking, cover loosely with foil.
- Customize the bake by adding nuts or dried fruit along with chocolate chips if desired.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Serve warm for the best experience; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
