If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the buttery, flaky goodness of croissants with the warm, melt-in-your-mouth delight of chocolate chips all baked together into a sumptuous morning treat, then this Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe is exactly what your breakfast table needs. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that takes simple ingredients to heavenly heights, creating a perfect harmony of rich custard-soaked croissant pieces and bursts of chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply want to treat yourself to an indulgent yet easy-to-make breakfast, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe is a breeze because it calls for straightforward, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the croissants provide flaky layers and structure, while the chocolate chips add sweetness and gooey melty pockets, and the custard mixture ensures a soft, creamy texture that brings it all together.
- 5 large day-old croissants: Using day-old croissants helps them absorb the custard better without turning soggy.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add a perfect balance of sweetness and melty texture throughout the bake.
- 2 cups whole milk: Whole milk enriches the custard, making the bake creamy and smooth.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and give the custard its rich flavor and structure.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Just enough sugar to sweeten the custard without overpowering the chocolate.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds warmth and depth to the custard mixture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Salt accents the sweetness and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your delicious creation doesn’t stick when it’s time to dig in.
Step 2: Layer Croissants and Chocolate
Spread the croissant pieces evenly in your prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top so that every bite will have a delightful hit of chocolate goodness.
Step 3: Make Your Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. This rich custard will soak into every croissant piece, infusing them with creamy flavor and helping to bind everything together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Custard and Croissants
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate chips. Gently press down on the croissants with a spatula or your hands so they absorb the custard thoroughly, creating a soft, custardy texture throughout the bake.
Step 5: Let It Soak
Allow the whole mixture to rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This crucial step lets the croissants soak up all that luscious custard, guaranteeing a tender, melt-in-your-mouth result rather than anything dry or crumbly.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place your baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on the top; it should be golden brown and set. If it browns too quickly, loosely cover the bake with foil to prevent burning while the center finishes cooking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once the bake is out of the oven, let it cool slightly—it’s easier to serve and the flavors settle beautifully. For an extra touch of indulgence, dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh berries to brighten the plate.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Simple touches like a light sprinkle of powdered sugar instantly elevate the appearance and add a subtle sweetness. Fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries not only offer color contrast but also a fresh, tart note that pairs wonderfully with the rich custard and chocolate.
Side Dishes
This bake is pretty filling on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream for added decadence. A strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte can also complement the chocolate and buttery croissants perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this bake family-style right out of the dish is cozy and inviting, but you can also cut individual portions into squares and plate each with a garnish of mint leaves or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a brunch that feels truly special and Instagram-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe can be covered with plastic wrap or a lid and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The custard-soaked croissants remain moist, making for delicious cold or reheated bites.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the bake after it has cooled completely. Wrap the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 325°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to keep the bake from drying out during reheating, and you’ll have a fresh-tasting breakfast anytime.
FAQs
Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old?
Fresh croissants can be used, but day-old croissants absorb the custard better, preventing the bake from becoming too soggy while still staying moist and tender.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the flavors delicious and allergy-friendly.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried fruits like cranberries can add an exciting texture and flavor contrast to the bake.
How long does it take to prepare this bake?
This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe takes about 10 to 15 minutes of prep time plus baking and soaking, so plan for around an hour total from start to finish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the bake the night before, cover it, and leave it in the fridge to soak overnight. Then bake it fresh in the morning for a perfectly ready-to-serve breakfast.
Final Thoughts
The Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips Recipe is honestly one of those magical dishes that feels luxurious while being unbelievably simple to make. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special with minimal fuss. Once you try this, it’s bound to become a breakfast favorite that you’ll reach for again and again—so go ahead, gather your ingredients, and fill your kitchen with the tantalizing aroma of buttery croissants and melting chocolate. You won’t regret it!
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, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips is a decadent and comforting morning treat featuring day-old croissants soaked in a rich, vanilla-infused custard and studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a crispy top with a soft, custardy interior making it an ideal make-ahead breakfast or brunch that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Croissant and Chocolate
- 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 Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the bake from sticking.
- Layer Croissants and Chocolate: Evenly spread the croissant pieces in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the croissants to create a delicious chocolate layer.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming the custard base.
- Combine Custard and Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and chocolate chips in the baking dish. Gently press down on the croissants so they absorb the custard evenly.
- Soak: Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the croissants to soak up the flavorful custard, ensuring a moist and tender bake.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. For an extra special touch, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries if desired.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants helps them absorb the custard better without becoming overly soggy.
- The soak time is important to ensure a rich, custardy texture inside the bake.
- Cover with foil during baking if the top is browning too fast to avoid burning.
- Can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for a convenient breakfast.
- For dietary needs, substitute milk for plant-based milk and use vegan chocolate chips to make it dairy-free and vegan.
