Croissant French Toast is the luxurious twist on a breakfast classic that brings buttery croissants together with a rich custard base. Instead of using plain sandwich bread, this recipe elevates your breakfast or brunch experience with the flaky, soft, and golden layers of croissants. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a special occasion breakfast, or simply indulging in a cozy morning treat, Croissant French Toast is an irresistible option.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Decadent and buttery texture – Croissants soak up the custard mixture beautifully and fry up with a crispy outside and pillowy inside.
Perfect for weekend brunch – It’s impressive-looking and easy to make ahead for entertaining.
Customizable toppings – Works well with berries, syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or even savory elements.
Repurposes day-old croissants – A smart and delicious way to use stale croissants and reduce waste.
Ingredients List
For the Croissant French Toast:
4 large croissants (preferably a day old)
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking)
For Serving:
Maple syrup
Fresh berries
Powdered sugar
Whipped cream
Timing & Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions for Croissant French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is fully combined.
Step 2: Slice the Croissants
Slice the croissants in half lengthwise. If they are very large, you can also cut them into thirds to make them more manageable.
Step 3: Soak the Croissants
Dip each croissant half into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 15–20 seconds per side. Make sure the croissants absorb the mixture but don’t get too soggy.
Step 4: Cook the Croissants
Heat a skillet or nonstick griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook the soaked croissants for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Transfer the French toast to plates and serve immediately with your choice of toppings like syrup, berries, or powdered sugar.
Best Croissants to Use
The best croissants for this recipe are slightly stale, as they absorb the custard without falling apart. You can use:
Store-bought butter croissants
Homemade croissants (if available)
Mini croissants for a bite-sized option
Avoid using filled croissants, as fillings like chocolate or almond paste can burn during cooking.
Variations to Try
Sweet Variations:
Berry-stuffed croissants: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries between croissant layers before soaking.
Cream cheese swirl: Mix cream cheese with a bit of powdered sugar and spread inside each croissant.
Nutella twist: Spread a thin layer of Nutella inside for a chocolatey flavor.
Savory Variations:
Ham and cheese: Add ham and Swiss cheese inside the croissant before soaking for a savory breakfast version.
Herb and garlic: Skip sugar and vanilla in the custard and use garlic powder and herbs for a brunch-savory option.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can easily make Croissant French Toast ahead of time for a stress-free morning:
Prep the custard the night before and keep it refrigerated.
Slice and store croissants in an airtight container overnight.
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to keep the texture crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Croissant French Toast is delicious on its own, but even better when paired with:
A side of bacon or sausage
Scrambled or poached eggs
Fruit salad
Mimosas or freshly brewed coffee
This dish works beautifully on a brunch spread or for a sweet breakfast-for-dinner treat.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 380
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 22g
Sugar: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on toppings and exact ingredients used.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-soaking croissants – Too much liquid makes them mushy and difficult to flip.
Using fresh croissants – They can fall apart during soaking and cooking.
Cooking on high heat – This can cause the outside to burn before the inside is cooked.
Not greasing the pan – Always use butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes
Toaster oven: Ideal for restoring crisp edges
Microwave: Quick option, but may soften the texture
Can You Freeze Croissant French Toast?
Yes, you can freeze it. To freeze:
Let cooked French toast cool completely.
Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil.
Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes directly from frozen.
Kids-Friendly Croissant French Toast
Children love the sweet, soft texture of Croissant French Toast. Make it fun by:
Cutting into sticks for dipping
Using cookie cutters to shape the croissants before soaking
Letting them top it with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or fruit
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use almond or oat milk, and a dairy-free butter substitute.
What if I only have mini croissants?
That works perfectly—just reduce the soaking time slightly to prevent sogginess.
Can I use flavored croissants?
Plain croissants work best, but lightly flavored ones (like vanilla or honey) can be used. Avoid overly sweet or filled versions.
Is this the same as baked croissant French toast?
No, baked versions are typically arranged in a casserole dish and baked together. This recipe is cooked on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Croissant French Toast is a rich, buttery, and absolutely satisfying upgrade to the traditional French toast. It’s easy to make yet feels special enough for brunch gatherings, holidays, or weekend indulgence. With its flaky texture, custard flavor, and endless topping options, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again.