If you’re searching for a breakfast dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to whip up, the Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe is your new go-to. This cozy, sweet bake features day-old croissants soaking in a luscious custard, studded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips that create little pockets of pure joy in every bite. It’s the perfect combination of flaky, buttery croissants and rich chocolate, all baked to golden perfection. Whether for a weekend brunch or a special occasion morning, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied sighs all around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each plays a crucial role in building the texture, flavor, and overall magic of this breakfast bake. From the buttery croissants to the sweet vanilla-spiked custard, every element adds a distinct layer of deliciousness.
- 5 large day-old croissants: Using day-old croissants helps them absorb the custard perfectly without falling apart.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt down into gooey pockets that complement the buttery croissants beautifully.
- 2 cups whole milk: Whole milk provides richness and creaminess to the custard base.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs give the custard structure and a silky texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the chocolate and croissants.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with a warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps everything balanced.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your bake won’t stick and cleanup afterward is much easier, setting you up for a smooth cooking experience.
Step 2: Layer Croissants and Chocolate Chips
Next, evenly spread the croissant pieces in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the croissants. The chocolate will melt into the croissant layers, creating delightful surprise bites of sweetness throughout the dish.
Step 3: Mix Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the custard mixture is completely smooth and well combined. This rich custard is what brings the bake’s luscious consistency and flavor together.
Step 4: Pour Custard Over Croissants
Pour the custard evenly over the croissant pieces, doing your best to cover all the nooks and crannies. Gently press the croissants down so they soak up the custard thoroughly, ensuring every bite has that perfect moistness and richness.
Step 5: Let Soak
Allow the croissant and custard mixture to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This soaking time is essential—it lets the croissants fully absorb the custard, resulting in a tender, custardy texture that makes this Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the oven uncovered and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the custard is puffed and set. If it starts browning too fast, tent it lightly with foil to keep it from burning.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm for the best taste and texture. For an extra special touch, dust the top with powdered sugar and add fresh berries for brightness and color.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance and a slight crunch to the warm, soft custard. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet chocolate and buttery croissants. You could also sprinkle chopped nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Serve this bake alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory balance, or fresh fruit salad to bring a refreshing note to the meal. A cup of strong coffee or hot tea pairs wonderfully, rounding out the cozy morning vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual portions in ramekins for a personalized touch at brunch. Alternatively, serve the bake in a beautiful baking dish straight from the oven, letting guests help themselves—that’s the heart of comfort food sharing. For a festive twist, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its moist and flavorful texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the bake before or after baking. To freeze raw, assemble as directed and cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, freezing for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Baked leftovers freeze well too—just wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. Adding a light foil cover can prevent the top from over-browning during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old?
While fresh croissants can be used, day-old croissants work best because they soak up the custard without falling apart, creating the perfect texture for the bake.
Is it possible to substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or soy milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened version to control the sweetness of the dish.
Can I add nuts to this Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate and custard.
How long can I let the croissants soak in the custard?
Soaking for 10 to 15 minutes is ideal. Letting it soak longer may cause the croissants to become too soggy and lose their structure.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bake the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Then pop it in the oven the next morning for a fresh, warm breakfast with minimal morning effort.
Final Thoughts
This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe is truly a breakfast lover’s dream come true. Its combination of buttery croissants, rich custard, and melty chocolate chips makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Warm, comforting, and effortless to prepare, it has all the makings of a new classic in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite for family and friends to gather around!
Print
Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips is a decadent and comforting morning treat perfect for brunch or a special breakfast. Stale croissants soak up a rich custard infused with vanilla and sugar, dotted with semi-sweet chocolate chips that melt into gooey pockets throughout the bake. Baked until golden and puffed, this dish offers a warm, tender texture and sweet indulgence that’s easy to prepare and serves 8.
Ingredients
Breakfast Bake Ingredients
- 5 large day-old croissants, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 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
- Using day-old croissants allows them to better absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- If the top browns too quickly while baking, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk.
- Can be prepared the night before and refrigerated to bake fresh in the morning.
- Adding fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving enhances presentation and flavor.
