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Blueberry Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch recipe that’s both cozy and a little bit fancy, you’ve got to try my Blueberry Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe. Imagine buttery croissants soaking up a rich custard, bursting with fresh blueberries, all baked to perfection with a golden crust – it’s honestly one of my favorite ways to start the day or impress guests without stress. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make this fan-freaking-tastic dish that my family goes crazy for!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy Prep: You can assemble it the night before, so mornings are stress-free and delicious.
  • Decadent Flavor: Buttery croissants, cinnamon-spiced custard, and juicy blueberries make every bite fancy and comforting.
  • Crowd Pleaser: It’s perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunch parties, or any time you want to wow friends and family.
  • Versatile: You can swap berries or add toppings to customize it exactly how you like.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Blueberry Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe are simple but come together in such a delicious way. The croissants soak up the custard perfectly, while the blueberries add a pop of juicy freshness that keeps it from being overly rich. Here’s what I’ve found works best when shopping and prepping.

Flat lay of fresh large croissants torn into chunks, five whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl with melted butter, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white bowl with golden vanilla extract, a small white bowl containing ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with fine sea salt, a white ceramic plate piled with fresh mixed berries including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Blueberry Croissant French Toast Casserole, blueberry breakfast casserole, easy French toast bake, baked blueberry croissant dish, brunch breakfast casserole
  • Croissants: Fresh or a few days old work best – slightly stale croissants soak up the custard better without turning mushy.
  • Eggs: They’re the backbone of the custard, so use large eggs for richness.
  • Whole Milk: Warm it slightly so it mixes better with eggs and cream for a silky custard.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds the perfect indulgent creaminess that makes this casserole extra luscious.
  • Melted Butter: Butter melts into the custard giving it that signature rich flavor and helps the croissants crisp nicely.
  • Sugar: Just enough to sweeten but not overpower – I stick to granulated for even sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: A must-have for that warm, comforting note.
  • Ground Cinnamon: It brings a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with the blueberries.
  • Fine Sea Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and helps all the flavors shine.
  • Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, these jewels add bursts of natural sweetness and gorgeous color. You can also mix berries if you like.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible the Blueberry Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few tweaks and would encourage you to make it your own! It’s the perfect base to try different berries, spices, or even add-ins.

  • Mixed Berry Medley: Swapping in raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries adds complexity and extra color, which I did for a Fourth of July brunch – stunning and delicious!
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free croissants if you want to keep this indulgent while avoiding gluten. Just make sure the croissants are sturdy enough to hold the custard.
  • Less Sweet: You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer to drizzle maple syrup or honey on top instead – gives you more control over sweetness.
  • Nutty Touch: Adding chopped toasted almonds or pecans on top before baking gives a wonderful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft custard.

How to Make Blueberry Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Croissants

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9″x13″ casserole dish. Butter is key here—it prevents sticking and adds flavor to the edges of your casserole. Then, take your croissants and cut them into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. I find that cutting them into medium chunks lets you get that perfect mix of crunchy edges and custardy centers. Toss the croissant pieces into your prepared dish and spread them out evenly.

Step 2: Whisk together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, warm whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Warming the milk just a little warms up the mixture and helps everything combine smoothly without scrambling the eggs. Whisk until the custard is fully blended, and you get a nice cinnamon-speckled mixture.

Step 3: Build the Casserole with Blueberries

Pour the custard over the croissant pieces, gently pressing down with a spatula to help them absorb the liquid. This part is fun—see how the croissants soak up the custard like little sponges! Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the top and push some gently between layers of croissant so the fruit is baked right in. Let the whole dish sit for about 15 minutes to let the custard soak in fully; if you have more time, cover and refrigerate overnight. Overnight soaking makes the custard even richer and the croissants delightfully tender.

Step 4: Bake It to Golden Perfection

Bake your casserole at 350°F for about 45 minutes. You’re looking for the custard to set completely—no jiggle in the center—and the top to turn a beautiful golden brown. I like to peek around the 40-minute mark because ovens vary, but don’t open the oven too often or the temperature will drop. Once done, let it cool a few minutes before serving so it holds its shape when you cut into it.

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Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe

  • Use Slightly Stale Croissants: Fresh croissants absorb less custard and can get soggy fast—day-old croissants give you that perfect custardy texture without mush.
  • Warm Your Milk: I discovered warming the milk before mixing prevents scrambling eggs and helps the custard come out silky smooth every time.
  • Don’t Skip the Soaking Time: Even just 15 minutes works, but I love to prepare it the night before so flavors deepen and the croissants soak all the way through.
  • Press Down Gently: Pressing the croissants lightly into the custard lets them absorb liquid evenly without crushing their flaky layers.

How to Serve Blueberry Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe

A slice of golden brown baked pastry sits on a white plate, topped with scattered fresh blueberries, halved strawberries, and whole raspberries. The pastry layer is flaky and crisp on the outside, with a soft, custard-like yellow center visible through the broken edge. More mixed berries are placed both on and around the pastry, dusted lightly with powdered sugar. The plate rests on a light wooden surface next to a silver fork with a single raspberry beside it. In the background, a white baking dish filled with more of the same pastry and berries sits on a beige and white textured cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Blueberry Croissant French Toast Casserole, blueberry breakfast casserole, easy French toast bake, baked blueberry croissant dish, brunch breakfast casserole

Garnishes

I always top mine with a handful of fresh blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Sometimes I add sliced strawberries or a few mint leaves for color and freshness. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to brunch-level deliciousness.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like pairing this casserole with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage. A light side salad or fresh fruit bowl is also a nice balance to the richness of the casserole. For a crowd, coffee and orange juice make a perfect pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or baby showers, I’ve served this casserole in a beautiful ceramic dish topped with a mix of fresh berries and edible flowers for a show-stopping centerpiece. You can also cut it into smaller squares to create elegant finger food bites at brunch gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Blueberry Croissant French Toast Casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to cover it tightly with foil if I’m leaving it in the casserole dish itself to preserve moisture and prevent the croissants from drying out.

Freezing

If you make a big batch, you can freeze portions individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing before baking—just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. This trick has saved me more than once when I’m prepping ahead for holidays!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until warm and crisp again. The microwave works in a pinch but can make the croissants a bit soggy. Using the oven helps bring back that freshly baked texture and flavor.

FAQs

  1. Can I use bread instead of croissants for this casserole?

    Absolutely! While croissants give the casserole a flaky, buttery texture, sturdy bread like brioche or challah works well too. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different—croissants provide extra richness and flakiness that bread doesn’t.

  2. Can I prepare this casserole completely the night before?

    Yes! I highly recommend it. Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Baking it the next morning brings out even deeper flavors and a perfect custard texture.

  3. What’s the best way to avoid soggy casserole edges?

    Using slightly stale croissants and pressing the custard gently helps. Also, ensure you butter the dish well, which helps the edges crisp up beautifully. Baking uncovered allows the top and edges to brown and firm up while the inside stays custardy.

  4. Can I add other fruits or nuts to the recipe?

    Definitely! Blueberries are my favorite, but feel free to add raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. I sometimes sprinkle toasted pecans or sliced almonds on top before baking for a lovely crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe truly feels like a little morning hug—it’s warm, comforting, and just the right amount of special. I love knowing I can prep it ahead and still serve a meal that looks and tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a holiday, brunch with friends, or a weekend treat, I promise this casserole will become one of your go-to favorites. So grab those croissants, fresh blueberries, and get ready to wow your breakfast crowd!

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Blueberry Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 97 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Croissant French Toast Casserole is a luscious and comforting breakfast or brunch dish featuring buttery croissants soaked in a spiced custard mixture, layered with fresh berries, and baked to golden perfection. It’s ideal for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or any occasion where you want an indulgent yet easy-to-make treat. The combination of crisp croissant edges and a creamy center creates a delightful texture contrast, especially when topped with extra fresh berries and maple syrup.


Ingredients

Croissant Base

  • 5-6 large croissants (fresh or a few days old)

Custard Mixture

  • 5 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

Fruit

  • 2 cups blueberries or mixed berries (plus more for garnish: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)


Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9″x13″ casserole baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
  2. Prepare the Croissants: Cut the croissants into small cubes approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size, then evenly spread these pieces in the buttered casserole dish.
  3. Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, warm whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt until fully combined to create a rich custard mixture.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant cubes, pressing gently with a spatula to help the croissants absorb the custard. Scatter the blueberries or mixed berries on top and tuck some berries down between the croissant layers for bursts of fruit flavor throughout.
  5. Soak the Mixture: Let the assembled casserole sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the custard to soak in properly. For an even better texture and flavor, cover and refrigerate overnight before baking.
  6. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. The casserole should be cooked through but still moist in the center.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with additional fresh berries if desired, and serve warm. It pairs beautifully with maple syrup for added sweetness and richness.

Notes

  • The casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it a convenient and time-saving option for busy mornings or entertaining.
  • This dish is lightly sweet, so serving it with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar can enhance the flavors according to preference.
  • Using croissants that are a few days old is preferable, as they absorb the custard better than very fresh croissants, but fresh croissants work well too.
  • Feel free to vary the berries depending on seasonality and personal taste, including strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 382 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 162 mg

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