Description
This decadent Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese is a rich and comforting morning treat. Fluffy mini croissant pieces are soaked in a creamy custard made with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and milk, then generously studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Baked to a golden perfection, this dish offers a perfect balance of buttery croissants, smooth cream cheese custard, and melty chocolate bites, making it an irresistible brunch or breakfast centerpiece.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (10 to 13-oz) package mini croissants, chopped
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Custard
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1⅓ cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure the bake doesn’t stick.
- Assemble Base: Evenly spread the chopped mini croissant pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips uniformly over the croissants for consistent chocolate bursts in every bite.
- Mix Custard: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the mixture is well blended. Finally, pour in the milk and beat until fully combined, forming a rich custard.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant and chocolate chip layer in the baking pan, making sure all the croissant pieces are well coated and starting to absorb the custard.
- Rest and Refrigerate: Allow the dish to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes so the croissants can soak up the custard properly. For a more thorough soak and enhanced flavor, cover the pan and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
- Bake: Place the uncovered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Bake until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown, indicating it’s perfectly cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. This bake tastes best fresh and warm, with its creamy custard and melty chocolate chips creating a delightful breakfast experience.
Notes
- For a deeper custard flavor and softer texture, refrigerate the assembled bake overnight before baking.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest custard.
- You can substitute mini croissants with regular croissants cut into bite-sized pieces if mini ones are not available.
- Serve with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
- This bake keeps well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American