Croissant French Toast

Croissant French toast is a luxurious twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Imagine flaky, buttery croissants soaked in a rich custard, cooked to golden perfection, and then topped with your favorite fresh berries or a drizzle of warm maple syrup.

A Delightful Twist on a Breakfast Classic

Croissant French toast is the ultimate breakfast food, combining the flaky, buttery goodness of croissants with the rich custard of classic French toast.

Perfect for special occasions like Christmas morning or Mother’s Day, this dish is a splurge breakfast that transforms stale croissants into a golden brown masterpiece. Whether you’re making an easy breakfast dish for a holiday brunch or just indulging on a lazy weekend, this recipe deserves a spot in your lineup of breakfast recipes.

Why Choose Croissants for French Toast?

Croissants, with their flaky layers and buttery flavor, take your ordinary French toast to a whole new level.

Unlike regular French toast made with brioche bread or stale bread, croissants create a rich custard texture that cooks up beautifully. Using leftover croissants ensures every bite is infused with flavor, making it one of the best things you can serve for breakfast.

What will I need to complete this recipe?

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You will need the following ingredients:

Croissants- Use day-old croissants for the best texture and flavor, as they absorb custard well without falling apart. You can find croissants in the bakery of your grocery store.

Eggs- Allow eggs to come to room temperature. Lay eggs out on the counter for about 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can place them in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for 5–10 minutes to speed up the process.

Heavy Cream- Heavy Whipping Cream has a high fat content and helps create a smooth, velvety consistency.

Half and Half- If you don’t have half and half, milk will work. The custard mixture just won’t be as thick.

Sugar- White granulated sugar. Brown sugar could also be used in place of the granulated sugar.

Vanilla- Use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation vanilla, for best results.

Cinnamon

Butter- Unsalted butter is what the recipe calls for, but salted butter works just fine as well.

You will need the following supplies: 

Mixing Bowl- You will need a large mixing bowl to mix the custard in.

Whisk

Shallow Dish– A shallow dish works best to dip the croissants into the custard mixture. I like to use a pie dish or casserole dish for this.

Skillet- You’ll want a heavy skillet, like cast iron, to evenly brown the croissant French toast. 

​How to Make Croissant French Toast

Step 1

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the room temperature eggs, sugar, and cinnamon. Whisk vigorously, so that the cinnamon mixes well.

Mixing the room temperature eggs together with the cinnamon really helps to incorporate the cinnamon. Often times, cinnamon will clump together when it’s mixed with cold ingredients.

Next, add half and half, heavy cream, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined. Transfer mixture to a shallow dish.

Step 2

In a heavy-duty skillet, melt the butter over medium low heat.

Step 3

Place 1 -2 croissants into the custard mixture and allow it to soak for 30 seconds. Flip, and soak for another 30 seconds. Using a fork, hold the soaked croissant over the dish for a few seconds to let the custard drain any excess before placing it in the skillet.

Step 4

Place the croissant halves into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. Flip, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Remove from skillet and place on a baking sheet in the preheated oven, to keep warm while you repeat the process and cook the remaining croissants. Add additional butter while cooking, if needed.

Serving Suggestions

There’s no right or wrong way to top your croissant French toast. In fact, it’s absolutely delicious just by itself. 

But what fun is that?!

Try topping your Croissant French toast with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, fresh strawberries,  fresh blueberries, and warm syrup for a decadent start to your day. 

Storage Instructions 

To store leftover croissant French toast, let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat to maintain its crisp edges. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the croissants soggy.

FAQ’s

Do I really need room temperature eggs?

While it’s not strictly necessary, using room temperature eggs helps them blend more easily into the custard, creating a smoother texture and ensuring ingredients like cinnamon mix in evenly without clumping.

How do I prevent the croissants from getting soggy?

 Don’t over-soak the croissants; a quick dip in the custard is usually enough. Cook them over medium heat until golden and crisp.

What toppings work well with croissant French toast?

 Popular options include fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey or caramel.

Can I use fresh croissants?

 Yes, but fresh croissants may be too soft. To firm them up, leave them out overnight or lightly toast them before soaking.

What’s the best pan to cook croissant French Toast?

 A non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan works best for even cooking and easy flipping.

Can I freeze Croissant French Toast?

 Yes, you can freeze cooked croissant French toast. Let it cool completely, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

There’s no right or wrong way to top your croissant French toast. In fact, it’s absolutely delicious just by itself. 

But what fun is that?!

Try topping your Croissant French toast with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, fresh strawberries,  fresh blueberries, and warm syrup for a decadent start to your day.