Banana Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Banana Croissant French Toast Casserole is a delicious twist on classic French toast, combining buttery croissants with ripe bananas for a sweet and comforting breakfast. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 croissants, torn into pieces
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Step 2: Layer the torn croissants and sliced bananas evenly in the prepared dish.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and sugar until fully combined.
- Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the croissants and bananas, pressing down gently to soak the bread.
- Step 5: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the custard.
- Step 6: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the egg mixture before baking.
- Swap bananas for other fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a different twist.
- Use day-old croissants for better absorption and texture.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey on top when serving for added sweetness.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through, maintaining the casserole’s soft and custardy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning for a convenient and delicious breakfast.
Can I use a different type of bread instead of croissants?
Absolutely! Brioche or challah bread also work well for this recipe, offering a rich and tender texture similar to croissants.
PrintBanana Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Banana Croissant French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast dish combining flaky croissants and sweet bananas soaked in a rich egg custard, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions, it delivers a warm, comforting blend of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
- 6 large croissants, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Layer croissants and banana slices. Arrange half of the croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish, then layer half of the sliced bananas over the croissants. Repeat to create a second layer with the remaining croissants and bananas.
- Make the egg custard. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Pour custard over the layered ingredients. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the croissants and bananas, ensuring all pieces are well soaked. Press down gently with a spatula to help absorb the custard.
- Let it soak. Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes so the croissants can soak up the custard mixture thoroughly.
- Bake the casserole. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, or until the custard is set, and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Cool and serve. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream for a richer custard.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of rum extract elevates the flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free croissants.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before, covered, and refrigerated to bake fresh in the morning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast.
Keywords: Banana croissant casserole, French toast casserole, baked French toast, breakfast casserole, brunch recipe
