Why You’ll Love Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

It’s wonderfully easy — just a few minutes of prep and the oven does the rest.
The combination of buttery croissants and gooey chocolate gives both texture and richness.
It’s flexible — you can adapt it with fruits, nuts, or alternative milks.
It’s crowd‑pleasing — perfect for family breakfasts, brunch guests, or a cozy morning treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Croissants (preferably day‑old)
Semi‑sweet chocolate chips
Eggs
Whole milk
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Salt
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish (or equivalent).
Tear the croissants into bite‑sized pieces (about 1‑inch chunks) and spread evenly in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the croissant pieces.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant and chocolate layers, making sure all croissant pieces are moistened.
Gently press down on the croissant pieces (using a spatula or your hands) so they soak up the custard.
Allow the mixture to rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid thoroughly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Fruit‑infused: Replace or mix in fresh berries or sliced bananas in place of (or alongside) the chocolate chips.
Nutty addition: Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch.
Spice it up: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture.
Gluten‑free: Use gluten‑free croissants.
Dairy‑free: Substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or another plant milk, and use dairy‑free chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep for up to 3 days.
Freezing: After baking and cooling, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a moderate oven until heated through.

FAQs

What if my croissants aren’t day‑old?

Fresh croissants work in a pinch, but day‑old ones absorb the custard better and yield a better texture.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Yes — you can assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake directly from the fridge (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).

Can I substitute a different bread?

Yes — brioche, challah, or even slightly stale brioche rolls can work. The texture and flavor will differ slightly from croissants.

What type of chocolate should I use?

Semi‑sweet chocolate chips are classic, but you can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate — whichever you prefer.

Can I add other mix‑ins?

Absolutely — chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even shredded coconut are great additions.

Does it reheat well?

Yes — it reheats nicely in the microwave or oven. The texture remains satisfying.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown, and the center should be set (not jiggly).

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes — it contains no meat or gelatin, so it’s vegetarian‑friendly.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You may reduce the granulated sugar slightly, but too little may affect how the custard sets and the overall flavor.

Can I make individual servings?

You could use smaller ramekins, adjusting bake time accordingly (they will bake faster).

Conclusion

This Chocolate Croissant Breakfast Bake is a cozy, indulgent way to begin your day. Easy to assemble, flexible in variations, and delightful in flavor, it’s a recipe that feels special yet is simple enough for everyday weekends. Give it a try — your mornings will be that much sweeter.