Looking for an easy recipe to elevate your breakfast game? This croissant French toast combines the buttery, flaky decadence of croissants with the sweet, custardy goodness of French toast.
Perfect for special occasions or just a cozy weekend brunch, this dish is a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe
This croissant French toast is the ultimate twist on a classic breakfast favorite. By using slightly dried-out croissants, you’ll get a texture that soaks up the custard beautifully while maintaining a crisp, golden finish.
Plus, this easy recipe takes a basic French toast to gourmet levels with just a few tweaks, like the optional splash of Grand Marnier or the addition of fresh berries and whipped cream for serving.
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Tips for the Best Croissant French Toast
Achieving the perfect balance of soft custard interior and golden exterior doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some helpful tips:
- Use day-old croissants: Slightly stale croissants are ideal for soaking up the egg mixture without falling apart. Fresh ones may be too soft.
- Patience is key: Cook the croissants over medium-low heat to ensure the custard cooks through before the exterior browns too quickly.
- Don’t skimp on the toppings: A dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of real maple syrup takes this dish to the next level.
Perfect for Any Occasion
What makes this recipe so versatile is its ability to fit seamlessly into any celebration or quiet morning at home. It’s fancy enough for Mother’s Day brunch but simple enough for a quick treat on a Sunday morning.
The rich flavors and comforting textures also make it a great addition to holiday breakfast spreads.
If you’re meal prepping, you can even prepare the custard mixture in advance. When you’re ready to cook, all you’ll need to do is dip, fry, and serve.
This recipe proves that “special occasion” doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen.
Simple Substitutions & Additions
Want to customize this recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences? Here are some easy swaps and additions:
- Dairy-Free: Replace the milk with your favorite plant-based alternative, like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
- Alcohol-Free: Skip the Grand Marnier and use pure vanilla extract instead.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest to the custard for a fresh twist.
For an even more indulgent treat, consider serving this dish with caramelized bananas or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
Pro Tips for Success
- Preheat your oven to keep cooked croissants warm while you finish the batch. This ensures every piece stays perfectly crisp and ready to serve.
- Don’t overcrowd your skillet. Cooking in smaller batches allows for even browning and better control over the heat.
A Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Made Easy
This croissant French toast proves that luxurious recipes don’t have to be complicated. With minimal effort, you’ll have a breakfast that’s rich in flavor, visually stunning, and perfect for sharing.
So, the next time you’re searching for an easy recipe to impress, grab some croissants and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
Easy Croissant French Toast Recipe
Equipment
- Large cast-iron or nonstick skillet
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
Ingredients
- 6 large or 10 small croissants
- 6 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or bourbon or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey warmed or real maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ cup ½ stick unsalted butter, as needed
Optional for Serving:
- Fresh berries
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Real maple syrup
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F to keep the cooked croissants warm as you work in batches.
- Prepare the croissants by slicing them in half horizontally, just as you would for a sandwich.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, milk, Grand Marnier (or vanilla), honey, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish, such as a 9×13-inch casserole dish, for easy dipping.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter to coat the surface evenly.
- Dip the croissants into the egg mixture, ensuring each half is well-soaked on both sides. Let any excess custard drip back into the dish before placing the croissants in the skillet, cut side down.
- Cook each croissant for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring both sides are golden and the custard is cooked through. Adjust the heat if needed to prevent burning.
- Transfer the cooked croissants to a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven to stay warm while you finish the remaining batches.
- Once all croissants are ready, arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh berries, dust with confectioners’ sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup or add a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Pro Tips & Tricks:
- Best Croissants for the Job: Using slightly stale or day-old croissants helps them soak up the custard more effectively.
- Cooking Temperature: Keep the heat at medium-low to cook the croissants evenly and allow the custard to set without burning.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.