If you’re searching for a brunch dish that’s both stunningly simple and impressively elegant, look no further. This recipe transforms day-old croissants into a savory, golden-baked croissant breakfast pie. This guide will walk you through the simple ingredients and steps, including my best tips to ensure it comes out perfectly.
What makes this dish so irresistible is its incredible combination of textures. The tops of the croissants bake into a golden, flaky crust, giving way to a soft, savory custard underneath. Each bite is a perfect blend of buttery pastry, rich eggs, melted cheese, and savory bacon. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels special enough for a holiday, yet is simple enough for any lazy weekend.
Ingredients
- 4 day-old croissants, torn into bite-sized chunks
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup chopped chives or green onions (optional)
- 4 strips cooked beef bacon or turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
How to Make the Best Croissant Breakfast Pie
Step 1: Prep the Dish and Croissants
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter. Tear the croissants into bite-sized chunks and arrange them evenly in the dish.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, gently whisk the eggs. Then, mix in the milk or cream, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and optional chives until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Scatter the chopped, cooked bacon over the croissants. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, gently pressing the croissants down to help them soak it all in. Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheese over everything.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is puffy and golden. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
This is a key step! Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the custard to set, ensuring clean, perfect slices.
My Best Croissant Breakfast Pie Tips
Use Day-Old Croissants
Stale croissants are a must. They are drier and absorb the custard perfectly without becoming mushy, creating the ideal texture.
Press for Flavor
Gently push the croissants into the egg mixture. This ensures every piece is saturated with flavor and prevents any dry spots in the final bake.
Let It Rest
Don’t skip the 10-minute rest after baking. It’s crucial for letting the custard firm up so the pie doesn’t fall apart when you slice it.
Variations on the Croissant Breakfast Pie
Mushroom and Spinach
Swap the bacon for 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach.
Expert Tip: Cook the vegetables first to remove excess water and prevent a soggy pie.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
For an elegant twist, omit the bacon and cheese. Instead, dot the pie with 4 ounces of smoked salmon and 4 ounces of cubed cream cheese.
Sweet Berry and Cream Cheese
For a sweet version, omit the savory ingredients from the custard and whisk in ¼ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Dot with fresh berries and cream cheese before baking.
If you enjoy other custardy bakes, you might also like this Sourdough French Toast Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to put on croissants for breakfast?
They’re great with butter and jam, savory fillings like turkey and cheese, or as the base for this breakfast pie.
Is croissant a healthy breakfast?
Croissants are an indulgent treat, high in fat and calories. They are best enjoyed in moderation.
How do the French eat croissants for breakfast?
Typically, they enjoy them plain, often dipping pieces into their morning coffee.
Is a croissant a breakfast pastry?
Yes, it’s a classic breakfast pastry known as a viennoiserie.
Are croissants very unhealthy?
They are calorie-dense, so while not a health food, they can be part of a balanced diet on occasion.
Which country is croissant from?
The croissant originated in Vienna, Austria, as the kipferl and was later perfected by French bakers.
Print
Savory Croissant Breakfast Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
Elevate your brunch game with this stunningly simple yet incredibly elegant Savory Croissant Breakfast Pie. This recipe masterfully transforms day-old croissants into a golden-baked masterpiece. Imagine flaky, buttery croissant tops giving way to a rich, savory custard center, all loaded with melted cheese and smoky bacon. It’s the perfect, crowd-pleasing dish that feels special enough for a holiday but is easy enough for any lazy weekend. Get ready for a symphony of textures and flavors in every single bite!
Ingredients
4 day-old croissants, torn into bite-sized chunks
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk or heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
¼ cup chopped chives or green onions (optional)
4 strips cooked beef bacon or turkey bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, for greasing
Instructions
Prep the Dish and Croissants
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter. Tear the croissants into bite-sized chunks and arrange them evenly in the prepared dish.
Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, gently whisk the eggs. Then, mix in the milk or cream, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and optional chives until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Pie
Scatter the chopped, cooked bacon evenly over the croissants in the pie dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top, gently pressing the croissants down with a spatula to help them soak in the custard. Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheese over everything.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is puffy and golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
Rest and Serve
This is a crucial step! Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to fully set, ensuring you get clean, perfect slices.
Notes
Use Day-Old Croissants: Stale croissants are essential for the best texture. They are drier and will absorb the custard perfectly without becoming soggy.
Press for Flavor: Gently push the croissants into the egg mixture to ensure every piece is saturated with the savory custard, preventing any dry spots.
Veggie Variation: For a vegetarian option, swap the bacon for 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms and a handful of fresh spinach. Be sure to cook the vegetables first to remove excess water.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble this pie the night before. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. The next morning, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of pie)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 230
Keywords: croissant breakfast pie, savory breakfast casserole, bacon and egg croissant bake, brunch recipe, breakfast pie, leftover croissants, easy breakfast recipe
