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Croissant French Toast Casserole with Blueberries and Fresh Berries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

This Croissant French Toast Casserole is a delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring buttery croissants soaked in a rich custard mixture and baked to golden perfection. It’s ideal for a special breakfast or brunch, offering a creamy, slightly crispy texture topped with fresh blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 Croissants (best if 1-2 days old)
  • 250 g Whole milk (3% fat)
  • 240 g Heavy cream (36% fat)
  • 4 Eggs
  • 60 g Granulated sugar
  • 42 g Unsalted butter (melted but not hot)
  • ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon Nutmeg (best if freshly grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Toppings

  • 150 g Blueberries (fresh – to bake on top)
  • Mix of berries (fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries – to serve with)
  • Powdered sugar (to serve with)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the croissants: Cut the croissants into large, rustic chunks about 2 inches in size. If they are very fresh, let them sit out for a few hours to dry slightly, helping them absorb the custard without becoming too soft.
  2. Grease the baking dish: Generously butter a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
  3. Arrange croissants in dish: Place the croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish, keeping a slightly irregular texture to allow the custard to penetrate all the gaps.
  4. Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, melted but not hot butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg until smooth and fully combined.
  5. Soak croissants: Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, ensuring each piece is well coated. Gently press the croissants down with the back of a spoon so they absorb the custard more evenly.
  6. Rest and soak: Let the casserole sit for at least one hour to allow full absorption of the custard. You may cover and refrigerate overnight if desired.
  7. Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C), without using a fan.
  8. Add blueberries and bake: Arrange fresh blueberries on top of the soaked croissants, then bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
  9. Rest after baking: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to firm up slightly.
  10. Serve: Serve warm with an assortment of fresh berries, dusted with powdered sugar. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup or add a spoonful of whipped chantilly cream or creme anglaise.
  11. Store leftovers: Cool the casserole completely at room temperature. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
  12. Freeze for longer storage: Freeze after baking and cooling by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil or freezing in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F oven. For frozen reheating, cover with foil initially and then uncover toward the end to crisp the top.

Notes

  • Use croissants that are 1-2 days old, or dry fresh croissants slightly, for best custard absorption.
  • Allow the casserole to soak for at least an hour or overnight for deeper flavor and better texture.
  • Fresh blueberries on top add a burst of flavor and beautiful presentation.
  • Resting after baking helps the casserole firm up, making it easier to serve.
  • Optional toppings like maple syrup, whipped chantilly cream, or creme anglaise enhance the rich flavors.
  • Properly stored, the casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and freezes well for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating in the oven preserves texture better than microwaving, which is best for quick warming of individual portions.

Keywords: croissant French toast, breakfast casserole, baked French toast, brunch recipe, croissant casserole, custard soaked bread

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/croissant-french-toast-casserole-with-blueberries-and-fresh-berries-recipe/