This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is an indulgent, cozy twist on the classic pastry. Buttery croissants, melty chocolate chips, and a rich custard come together in a warm, crowd-pleasing casserole—perfect for brunch or dessert. Bonus: it’s easy to assemble, making it ideal for mornings when you want a little extra indulgence without the fuss.
Breakfast Bake:
5 large croissants (preferably day-old), cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups whole milk
4 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Fresh berries or whipped cream, for serving
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer Croissants and Chocolate:
Arrange croissant pieces evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips over and between the layers.
Make Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt until fully combined.
Soak the Croissants:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants. Gently press down with a spatula to help them absorb the custard.
Optional Rest:
Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes so the croissants soak up the custard fully.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.
Serve:
Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.
Use day-old croissants: They hold up better and soak up custard without turning mushy.
Chocolate variations: Swap semi-sweet chips for milk or dark chocolate chunks, or even Nutella dollops for extra indulgence.
Make ahead: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a no-fuss brunch.
Keep it gooey: Don’t overbake; the custard should be set but still soft and creamy.