Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of freshly baked croissants mingling with the sweet scent of strawberries—sounds dreamy, right? Our Strawberry Croissant Breakfast Bake is not just a breakfast; it's a morning celebration that will have your taste buds dancing! With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes in the oven, you can whip up this indulgent dish that serves eight. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy family breakfast, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game and make every morning feel like a special occasion!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 croissants, torn into pieces
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Tear the croissants into roughly 1-inch pieces. Spread these pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a rustic, uneven layer.
- Wash and slice the fresh strawberries into thin, uniform pieces. Distribute the strawberry slices evenly over and between the croissant pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the croissants and strawberries, making sure to cover the entire surface. Gently press down on the croissant pieces to help them absorb the liquid.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The dish should be slightly puffy and have a custard-like consistency.
- Remove from the oven and let the breakfast bake cool for 5-10 minutes. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Dust the top generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. Serve warm, directly from the baking dish.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for ripe, fresh strawberries. Their natural sweetness will enhance the dish and complement the buttery croissants beautifully.
- Let it Soak: After pouring the egg mixture over the croissants and strawberries, let it sit for about 10 minutes before baking. This allows the croissant pieces to soak up the custard, resulting in a richer texture.
- Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar: A generous dusting of powdered sugar not only adds a touch of sweetness but also makes for a stunning presentation. Use a fine-mesh sieve for even coverage.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture for an extra layer of flavor, or swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
- Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm from the oven. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 130mg
