Imagine waking up to the smell of buttery, golden French toast made with flaky croissants. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels straight out of a cozy café but made in your own kitchen.
I discovered this method one weekend when I had a few leftover croissants sitting on the counter. They were too dry to enjoy plain but too good to waste. So I soaked them in a quick custard and gave them a golden fry. The result was so delicious it became an instant family favorite.
The secret to getting it just right? Use stale or day-old croissants. Fresh ones are too soft and fall apart. But when they’re a little dry, they soak up the rich custard perfectly without turning soggy. This guide gives you everything you need to know, whether you’re craving a quick pan-fried version or planning a make-ahead casserole for brunch. Get ready to master both styles and discover the best tips for making every bite crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.
Table of Contents
Why Croissants Are Perfect for French Toast
Croissants make an exceptional choice for French toast because of their rich, buttery flavor and delicate layers. These airy folds soak up the custard beautifully, giving you a contrast of textures with a soft, custardy center and a crisp, golden outside. Unlike plain sandwich bread, croissants bring natural richness that makes each bite taste more luxurious. Compared to brioche or challah, which are also popular for French toast, croissants stand out for their flaky texture and lighter structure. Brioche is soft and rich but lacks the crispness. Challah holds up well but doesn’t offer the same buttery depth. Croissants hit the perfect balance, turning a simple breakfast into something special with minimal effort.
Ingredients Needed
To make croissant French toast, you’ll need just a few pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture.
Eggs
These create the custard base. They bind everything together and give the toast its soft, rich texture.
Milk and Heavy Cream
Using both adds a smooth and creamy texture. Whole milk works well, but cream adds extra richness that takes the custard up a notch.
Granulated Sugar
A small amount sweetens the custard without overpowering the buttery flavor of the croissants.
Vanilla Extract
This adds a warm aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
Salt
Just a pinch sharpens the sweetness and balances the richness.
All-Purpose Flour and Baking Powder
These help the batter stick better to the croissants and give a slight crisp edge when cooked. Adding a little flour and baking powder gives the croissants an extra crispy, pancake-like outer layer that many people love for added texture.
Croissants
Use six croissants, sliced in half lengthwise. Stale or day-old ones work best.
Toppings
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and strawberry sauce all pair beautifully with the finished dish.
How to Make Croissant French Toast
Making croissant French toast is simple when you follow each step carefully. Whether you choose the pan-fried version or the casserole, both methods start with the same rich batter and buttery croissants.
Method 1: Classic Pan-Fried Croissant French Toast
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 6 croissants, sliced in half lengthwise
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, strawberries
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, salt, and vanilla until smooth. Add flour and baking powder. Stir until the batter is fully combined and free of lumps.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
- Dip each croissant half into the batter, letting any extra drip back into the bowl. The croissants should be coated but not soaked.
- Place the dipped croissants on the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Look for a crisp edge and a soft center.
- Transfer cooked croissants to a plate and loosely cover them to keep warm while cooking the rest.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings. Try a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of whipped cream with fresh strawberries.
Method 2: Make-Ahead Croissant French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 6 croissants, cut into large chunks
- Butter for greasing the dish
- Toppings for serving
Instructions
- Lightly grease a baking dish with butter. Arrange croissant chunks in an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, salt, and vanilla. Stir in flour and baking powder until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants. Press down gently with a spatula to help the croissants soak up the liquid.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This gives the custard time to fully absorb.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Add your favorite toppings for extra flavor and presentation.
Creative Variations
Adding your own twist to croissant French toast makes the dish even more exciting. Here are some ideas to take your breakfast to the next level.
Sweet Variations
Try using different types of croissants for added flavor. Chocolate croissants bring a rich, gooey surprise in every bite. Almond croissants add a nutty sweetness and extra crunch. You can also mix in citrus zest like orange or lemon to brighten the custard. A dash of nutmeg or almond extract can deepen the flavor and make it feel extra special.
Savory Variation
For a bold change, turn this sweet dish into a savory brunch option. Whisk shredded Gruyère cheese, chopped chives, and a pinch of thyme into the custard. Pour it over chopped croissants and bake until golden. Serve with crispy bacon or thin slices of prosciutto. This version surprises guests and adds variety to your breakfast menu.
Serving, Storing, and Reheating
Serving Suggestions
Croissant French toast shines with the right toppings. Classic choices include warm maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and fresh berries. Whipped cream adds a light and creamy touch. For a full brunch spread, serve it with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fruit smoothie. A hot latte or iced coffee pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery flavor.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating Tips
To bring back the crisp texture, the air fryer works best. Heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes. The oven is another good option. Reheat at 325 degrees for ten to fifteen minutes until warmed through. If you’re short on time, the microwave will do, but expect a softer texture. Use short bursts to avoid drying it out.
Croissant French Toast
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Master croissant French toast with this complete recipe and guide. Discover classic and make-ahead methods. Click to start your brunch plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 6 croissants (sliced in half or cut into chunks, stale or day-old preferred)
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, strawberries
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, salt, and vanilla until smooth. Add flour and baking powder. Stir until fully combined and lump-free.
- For pan-fried method: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and grease with butter or oil. Dip croissant halves into batter, letting excess drip off. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Keep warm while cooking the rest.
- For casserole method: Lightly grease a baking dish and arrange croissant chunks. Pour batter over and press gently. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake casserole uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden and custard is set. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with toppings of your choice such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
Notes
Stale croissants work best as they absorb custard without falling apart. For a twist, try chocolate or almond croissants, or add citrus zest, nutmeg, or even cheese and herbs for a savory version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast or Brunch
- Method: Pan-Fried or Baked
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 412 kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 658mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 101mg
Conclusion
Croissant French toast is a simple way to turn leftover pastries into a rich and satisfying breakfast. Whether you choose the quick pan-fried method or the make-ahead casserole, you’ll get a dish that is golden, buttery, and full of flavor. The flaky croissants soak up the custard beautifully, giving you a texture that is both soft and crisp. It’s perfect for weekend mornings, special brunches, or anytime you want something cozy and impressive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are croissants good for French toast?
Yes, croissants are excellent for French toast. Their buttery layers absorb the custard well without falling apart. When cooked, they develop a crispy outside and a soft, rich center, making them a top choice over regular bread.
How to make French croissants?
French croissants are made by layering butter into a yeast-leavened dough through a process called laminating. The dough is folded and rolled several times to create thin layers. After shaping and proofing, they are baked until golden and flaky. Making them from scratch takes time, but the result is worth the effort.
What are the ingredients of French croissants?
Traditional French croissants use flour, butter, sugar, salt, milk, yeast, and water. The butter is layered into the dough to create the signature flakiness. Some recipes may also include eggs for added richness.
Is croissant a French food?
Yes, croissants are a classic French pastry. Although inspired by Austrian kipferl, the croissant became popular in France and is now a staple in French bakeries and cafés.
What are the types of French croissants?
There are two main types. The plain butter croissant is the most common, known for its light, flaky texture. The second type includes filled croissants, such as almond, chocolate, or ham and cheese, offering both sweet and savory options.
How long do croissants bake in the oven?
Croissants typically bake for 15 to 20 minutes in a preheated oven at around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact time depends on the size of the croissants and your oven. They should be golden brown and puffed up when ready.
