Are you looking for a quick and easy breakfast recipe that can be made the night before? If so, this is it. We are all busy, even in times of quarantine. We still have the kids, the house and everything else to take care of and keep us running around. The best way to make a delicious and comforting breakfast is to make it before you go to bed the night before.
Why French Toast Casseroles?
These are super simple, feed your whole family and can be made ahead. What can be wrong with made ahead, ummm… nothing! This will save you time in the morning and get an amazing breakfast on the table effortlessly. This is also a great recipe for a brunch or a brunch party.
Make it with the kids!
French toast casseroles are a great way to get the kids in the kitchen and keep them busy after dinner, before bedtime. You can make this with them if they are little or they can make it with limited supervision if they are older. Especially the day ahead part. They can measure and whisk everything for the custard, spread the croissants with the nutella and use a not so sharp knife to cut the pieces and fit them into the pan.
My 2 year old daughter helped me make this and she had a blast and we got to spend some extra time together in the kitchen. She also already knows about measuring and whisking and spreading. This is awesome! She can even crack the eggs all by herself already, without shells! Getting your kids in the kitchen at an early age is so beneficial for them and you! It also is a great way to spend time with them, even more so as they get older and you feel like they are never around.
Check out the video of us making it together!
https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.kuti.3/videos/10220706860874250/
Why use croissants?
I feel like I love buying croissants and having them in the house, but I also feel like we never go through the whole pack. DO NOT throw them out!! They make an amazing crispy, crunchy, slightly sweet and flaky french toast casserole. They soak up all of that yummy custard and give an amazing texture. You will not want to go back to “regular” bread!
Chef’s Tip- If you don’t have time to make this the night before or you were exhausted and forgot… it’s ok! You can still make it the morning of. You just need to let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes prior so that the croissants can soak up all the goodness. Dab tablespoons of butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar before baking and you will get the most amazing crust over the top! ENJOY!
Nutella Stuffed Croissant French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoons white granulated sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 large-sized croissants (about 1 1/4 pound) -- at least one day old croissants are best
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1/4 cup butter thinly sliced
- ground cinnamon and sugar to dust
- powdered sugar and strawberries to serve
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch-baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt.
- Halve croissants horizontally (like a sandwich) and spread them with a thin layer of Nutella. Arrange them snugly in the pan.
- Pour over half of the egg mixture.
- Add the remaining croissant sandwiches over the top and pour remaining egg mixture over the croissants. Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight. Making this the night before is perfect.
- When ready to bake, remove baking dish from the refrigerator and let stand for at least 15 minutes to get the chill off.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (175°C).
- Top croissants with thinly sliced butter and dust with cinnamon and sugar.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until croissants are golden. If the tops of the croissants begin to brown too quickly, tent the top of the pan with foil.
- Serve croissant french toasts warm with powdered sugar, and fresh sliced strawberries.
