Description
This Croissant Breakfast Pie is an elegant yet effortless dish that transforms slightly stale croissants into a luxurious, custardy bake. With a crispy golden top and a soft, luscious center, this recipe is endlessly customizable, allowing you to go sweet with berries and cinnamon or savory with cheese and herbs. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy morning treat without the hassle of rolling dough.
Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients:
- 4 day-old croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk or heavy cream
- ¼ cup sugar (for sweet) or ½ teaspoon salt & pepper (for savory)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sweet)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for sweet)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, gruyère, or feta for savory)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for savory)
- Butter for greasing the dish
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sweet: Fresh berries, chocolate chips, maple syrup
- Savory: Cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the Croissants
Tear day-old croissants into bite-sized pieces and arrange them evenly in a greased baking dish. If using fresh croissants, lightly toast them to prevent sogginess. - Make the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or cream), sugar (or salt and pepper), and desired flavorings (vanilla and cinnamon for sweet; mustard and cheese for savory). - Assemble and Soak
Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, pressing down gently to help them absorb the liquid. Let sit for at least 10–15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor). - Bake Until Golden
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly. If it browns too quickly, tent with foil.
Notes
- Use Day-Old Croissants: They absorb custard better and maintain their structure.
- Let the Custard Soak: Prevents a dry texture and enhances flavor.
- Customize It: Add fruit and cinnamon for a sweet version, or cheese and bacon for a savory one.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the night before and refrigerate to bake fresh in the morning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Croissant breakfast pie