Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a Croissant Breakfast Casserole, a delightful dish that transforms flaky croissants into a creamy, custard-filled bake. This easy and crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday celebrations. The rich combination of cream cheese and fresh mixed berries, topped with a zesty lemon glaze, creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Prepare it the night before for a hassle-free morning, and enjoy the flexibility to customize it with your favorite fruits or nuts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 large croissants (sliced into 1-inch cubes)
- 4 cups mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
- 14 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 cups half and half (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces cream cheese (for the glaze, softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (for the glaze)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for the glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spread cubed croissants on a baking sheet and toast for about 7–10 minutes until golden brown.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in half and half, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the toasted croissants, half of the berries, and pour half of the custard mixture. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Press down gently to submerge.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake covered for about 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until set.
- For the glaze, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm casserole before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (180g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 140mg