If you’re searching for a cozy, indulgent breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This delightful dish combines flaky, buttery croissant pieces with luscious cream cheese and bursts of sweet semi-sweet chocolate chips, all brought together in a luscious custard soak. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a slow weekend morning, this bake delivers irresistible flavors and a sensational texture that’s equal parts crunchy on top and creamy inside.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this bake is a breeze, and every component plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and appearance. The croissants provide that signature flaky base, cream cheese adds a rich, velvety creaminess, while chocolate chips deliver sweet pockets of melty goodness throughout.
- Mini croissants (10 to 13 oz), chopped: Use fresh or day-old croissants for a buttery, tender foundation that soaks up the custard perfectly.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): These give sweet, melty bursts of chocolate contrast against the tangy cream cheese.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, room temperature): Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, rich custard base without lumps.
- Sugar (1â…“ cups): Sweetens the custard just enough to balance the tang and chocolate.
- Large eggs (4): Eggs provide structure and help the custard set beautifully around the croissants.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses a lovely aroma and subtle sweetness into the custard.
- Milk (2 cups): The final ingredient that makes the custard luxuriously creamy and pourable.
How to Make Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure your bake doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully after baking.
Step 2: Assemble the Base
Evenly layer the chopped mini croissant pieces in the prepared pan. These croissant bits form the base layer and will soak up the custard, becoming tender and flavorful. Then, sprinkle the chocolate chips uniformly over the croissants for an even distribution of sweet pockets throughout the bake.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Custard
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy—this step is crucial to avoid lumps. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, then continue blending until everything is well combined. Finally, pour in the milk and mix until you have a silky custard mixture ready to pour.
Step 4: Combine and Soak
Pour the custard evenly over the croissant pieces and chocolate chips in the baking pan, making sure every morsel is coated. Letting the bake sit allows the croissants to soak up the custard mixture, transforming into a rich, custardy texture during baking.
Step 5: Rest and Refrigerate
Allow the mixture to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes so that the croissants start absorbing the custard. If you prefer a deeper soak and a more pudding-like result, cover the pan and refrigerate it overnight—the anticipation will be worth it!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dish uncovered in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for the center to be set and the top to turn a gentle golden brown—this is where the magic of custard and croissant melds into a heavenly breakfast treat.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serving warm enhances the creaminess and gooey chocolate pockets, giving you a memorable experience with each bite.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the presentation by dusting powdered sugar over the top just before serving for a pretty touch. Fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup can add a lovely contrast, cutting through the richness with subtle tartness or sweetness.
Side Dishes
Complement this indulgent bake with fresh fruit salad or a light citrusy yogurt parfait to balance the richness. Crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage also makes a fantastic savory side that pairs well with the sweet, creamy bake.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, serve individual portions in ramekins or small baking dishes for a personalized touch. Alternatively, topping with chopped nuts or toasted coconut before baking adds texture and flavor complexity to the Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover bake in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making for an excellent next-day breakfast or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked dish, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through. For the whole dish, cover with foil and warm in a 325ºF oven until heated evenly and the top crisps slightly again.
FAQs
Can I use regular croissants instead of mini croissants?
Absolutely! Just chop regular croissants into bite-sized pieces. Mini croissants are convenient, but regular ones work just as wonderfully in the bake.
Is it possible to use a different type of chocolate?
Yes! You can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference. Each will add its own unique flavor.
Can I prepare the bake completely the night before?
Yes, preparing and refrigerating the assembled bake overnight allows the croissants to absorb more custard, resulting in an even creamier texture and intensified flavor.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for cream cheese?
There are dairy-free cream cheese substitutes available, but keep in mind they may slightly alter the final flavor and texture of the bake.
How do I know when the bake is fully cooked?
The bake is done when the custard is set in the center and no longer jiggly, and the top has a light golden brown color. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your breakfast rotation. It’s easy to prepare, impressively delicious, and perfect for lazy mornings or special gatherings. I’m so excited for you to dive in and experience that perfect blend of buttery croissants, creamy custard, and melting chocolate all in one glorious bake. Go on, treat yourself—you deserve it!
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Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes to 12 hours (including soaking time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese is a rich and indulgent morning treat perfect for brunch or a special occasion. Fluffy croissants are soaked in a creamy custard with cream cheese and vanilla, layered with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, and baked to golden perfection for a gooey, decadent casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Croissants and Chocolate
- 1 (10 to 13-oz) package mini croissants, chopped
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Custard
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1â…“ cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to warm while you assemble the bake.
- Assemble Base: Evenly place the chopped mini croissant pieces into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips uniformly over the croissants.
- Mix Custard: In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Pour in the milk and mix again until fully incorporated to create the custard mixture.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard evenly over the croissants and chocolate chips in the baking pan, making sure every piece is coated with the custard.
- Rest and Refrigerate: Let the bake stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow the croissants to absorb the custard. Alternatively, cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for a deeper soak.
- Bake: Place the uncovered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly chopped mini croissants rather than stale ones for optimal texture.
- Letting the bake soak overnight in the refrigerator enhances custard absorption and flavor melding.
- This dish can be served with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer custard and better texture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the custard mixture.
