Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Croissant French Toast Casserole is a buttery and custardy recipe, which is made with flaky croissants and fresh blueberries. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch, ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Croissant French Toast Casserole Ingredients
A decadent combination for an impressive and easy breakfast bake.
- 5-6 large croissants, fresh or a few days old
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 cups blueberries or mixed berries, plus more for garnish
How To Make Pioneer Woman Croissant French Toast Casserole
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly rich and delicious breakfast.
- Prep Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch casserole baking dish.
- Prepare the Croissants: Cut the croissants into small, 1 to 1.5-inch cubes and place them in the prepared dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, warm milk, heavy cream, melted butter, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble and Soak: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant pieces in the dish. Use a spatula to gently press the croissants down to help them absorb the custard. Scatter the blueberries over the top, pushing some down in between the croissant layers. Let the casserole sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake for 45 minutes, or until the custard is set, the center doesn’t jiggle, and the top is puffed and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Recipe Tips
For the most decadent and perfectly textured French toast casserole.
- What are the best croissants to use? Either fresh or slightly stale croissants work wonderfully. Stale croissants are a bit drier and will soak up the custard beautifully without becoming too dense, but the buttery flavor of fresh croissants is also fantastic.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This is the perfect overnight breakfast casserole. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just bake it straight from the fridge; you may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
- How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is fully cooked when the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, with no liquid egg on it. The top will be beautifully golden and puffed.
- Can I use different fruits? Yes. As the recipe notes suggest, blueberries and blackberries are great for baking into the casserole as they become jam-like. Use more delicate berries like strawberries and raspberries as a fresh garnish after the casserole has baked.
What To Serve With Croissant French Toast Casserole
Classic breakfast toppings to complete your meal.
This rich and satisfying casserole is a wonderful breakfast or brunch centerpiece. It’s delicious served with:
- A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- A dollop of whipped cream and more fresh berries
- A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
How To Store Croissant French Toast Casserole
Keeping your delicious leftovers fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For the best texture, reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven or an air fryer for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the edges are crisp again. You can also use the microwave for a quicker, softer result.
Pioneer Woman Croissant French Toast Casserole Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 22 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why is my casserole soggy on the bottom?
A soggy casserole can happen if the croissant-to-custard ratio is off. Ensure you have a good amount of croissants (5-6 large ones) to soak up all the liquid. Using slightly stale croissants can also help prevent sogginess.
Can I use a different kind of bread?
While croissants make this dish extra rich and buttery, you can substitute them with a similar amount of cubed, stale brioche or challah bread for a delicious result.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
For the richest, most decadent custard, the heavy cream is recommended. However, you can substitute it with an equal amount of whole milk for a slightly lighter, but still delicious, version.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Turkey Dressing Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe
Description
A decadent, make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring buttery croissants soaked in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard and baked with fresh blueberries until golden and puffed.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place the croissant cubes in the prepared dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, warm milk, cream, melted butter, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, pressing down to help them absorb the liquid.
- Scatter the blueberries over the top, pushing some between the croissants. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Bake for 45 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThis is the perfect overnight breakfast! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge in the morning.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eBlueberries and blackberries are best for baking inside the casserole. Garnish with fresh strawberries or raspberries after baking.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best results, reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer to re-crisp the croissant edges.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing day-old croissants works wonderfully as they soak up the custard without becoming too dense.u003c/liu003e
