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
Scale
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.
