Croissant French Toast

This Croissant French Toast is a twist (pun intended) on the classic breakfast dish!

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When I invite friends over for the weekend, I love to go all out! But with all the busy schedules, finding a time that works for everyone can be tough. So when we finally manage to get together, I want to make it special! This croissant French toast recipe is perfect for that – it’s super impressive but surprisingly easy. No need to fuss over bread choices, just grab some store-bought croissants and whip up a delicious breakfast in under thirty minutes.

The richness of the croissants is contrasted with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, and the dish is finished with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup. The texture is light yet indulgent, with a crisp exterior and soft, luscious interior that feels like a luxurious twist on a classic breakfast favorite.

Perfect for brunches, holiday mornings, or simply uplifting an ordinary day, this recipe fits well into most diets. While it’s not exactly keto or vegan, it’s a dream for anyone seeking a treat-yourself kind of morning. Pair it with fresh fruit for balance, and you have a dish that’s both elegant and approachable.

Is Croissant French Toast Healthy?

The croissants themselves are rich in butter, which is part of their irresistible flavor and texture, so it’s best to enjoy this recipe in moderation, and alongside a balanced diet. If you’re aiming to make this recipe a bit healthier, consider using whole-grain croissants (yes, they exist!) or even halving the portions and pairing them with a hearty side of fresh fruit.

For the custard, you can swap the whole milk for a lower-fat option like almond milk, oat milk, or skim milk. You could also reduce the sugar slightly or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a more wholesome sweetness. The key is balance: this dish is meant to be a treat, but with a few thoughtful changes, it doesn’t have to compromise your diet.

Croissant Substitutes

If your local bakery is fresh out of croissants, don’t worry! While croissants add a special richness, you can substitute them with a variety of other bread-like options that hold their own in French toast form. Brioche is a natural swap, offering a similar buttery decadence. Challah works beautifully, too, with its slightly sweet, soft texture.

Feeling adventurous? Try using cinnamon rolls for an ultra-decadent twist or thick slices of pound cake for a dessert-like take. Even sturdy cinnamon and raisin bagels can be soaked in the custard and cooked to golden perfection. For a fun seasonal variation, thick slices of panettone or hot cross buns would also be divine.

INGREDIENTS

4 large eggs
3/4 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
4 large day-old croissants, halved lengthwise
Butter, as needed
Powdered sugar or maple syrup, for garnish
Fresh berries, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare

Soak croissants in custard.

Cook

Cook croissants until golden.

Serve

Garnish with berries and syrup or powdered sugar.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Croissant French toast is best served warm and fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For long-term storage, arrange your cooled croissants in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.

Why Day-Old Croissants?

Using slightly stale croissants allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture better. If you don’t have time to wait for your croissants to dry out overnight, you can toss them in the oven for about 15 minutes at 200°F to dry them out in a pinch.

What’s The Best Pan For Cooking?

A nonstick skillet is ideal for ensuring an even, golden crust without sticking. If you’re cooking for a crowd, use a griddle to make multiple pieces at once.

Can I Make This Dairy-Free?

Yes! Substitute the milk with your favorite non-dairy option like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, and you’re good to go. And don’t forget to make sure your croissants are dairy-free, too!

Serving Suggestions

Like its classic counterpart, this croissant French toast makes a sweet addition to any breakfast spread, and pairs well with all the staples! In fact, if you’re hosting a brunch anytime soon, serve it with lots of topping options like fruits, syrups, and jams, plus shareable sides like Air-Fryer Breakfast Sausages and Bacon, Fruit Salad, and Ham and Spinach Quiches. Don’t forget the Mimosas!

Recipe