If you’re craving a cozy, indulgent brunch treat that feels like a special occasion without the fuss, this Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe is pure magic in a pan. Picture flaky mini croissants soaking up a luscious, creamy custard studded with melty chocolate chips and swirls of tangy cream cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Every bite is a harmonious blend of buttery, sweet, and rich flavors that’ll make your kitchen smell irresistible and your family ask for seconds. Trust me, this is one brunch bake you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A golden-brown croissant sits on a simple white plate, showcasing its flaky, layered texture with a glossy, slightly crisp outer crust. The pastry is curved into a crescent shape with visible folds and a soft, buttery interior peeking subtly at the center where the layers slightly separate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, which adds a clean and elegant background to the warm tones of the croissant. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor—from the buttery croissants that provide a light, fluffy base, to the cream cheese that adds silky richness, and the chocolate chips that bring bursts of sweetness with every bite.

Mini croissants (10 to 13 oz): Chopped into bite-sized pieces, these give the bake its signature flaky texture and buttery flavor.
Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, room temperature): Smooth and tangy, it blends into the custard for a velvety richness.
Sugar (1⅓ cup): Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the cream cheese and chocolate.
Large eggs (4): They act as the binder, setting the custard and giving the dish its creamy consistency.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Brings warmth and depth of flavor that lifts the entire dish.
Milk (2 cups): Combines with eggs and cream cheese to create the luscious custard that soaks into the croissants.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Scattered throughout for melty, gooey chocolate surprises in every forkful.

How to Make Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Croissants

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This keeps the bake from sticking and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust. Next, chop your mini croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared pan, laying the groundwork for that perfectly textured breakfast bake.

Step 2: Add the Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips generously over the croissant pieces. This ensures chocolate throughout every layer, creating delightful pockets of melted goodness that complement the creaminess of the custard.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Custard

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese using an electric mixer until it’s silky smooth—no lumps allowed! Then, add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, blending well until fully combined. Finally, pour in the milk and mix gently until the custard base comes together, silky and rich. This custard is the heart of your Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe, infusing every bite with creamy indulgence.

Step 4: Pour Custard Over Croissants

Pour your luscious cream cheese custard evenly over the croissant and chocolate chip layer. Make sure every piece gets soaked—this turns the croissants into a custardy delight once baked. Let it sit for about 20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb as much of the custard as possible. If you’re prepping ahead, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to enhance the flavors and texture even more.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Resist the urge to overbake—this dish should remain creamy and tender in the middle, with just enough firmness to hold its shape.

How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish in a clear glass square baking dish sitting on a white marbled surface. The dish has several layers of toasted, golden-brown bread chunks with a soft, fluffy inside. These bread pieces are covered with many small, round, dark chocolate chips that look melted and shiny in some spots. The top layer is uneven with bread pieces poking out through the chocolate chips, giving a rich and textured look. Light reflects off the glass dish edges showing the warm baked colors inside. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To up the wow factor at your brunch table, sprinkle the bake with a dusting of powdered sugar right after it comes out of the oven. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries add a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet richness. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream can turn this breakfast bake into a decadent treat that feels like you’re at a fancy café.

Side Dishes

This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a light green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette. If you want to keep things cozy, a side of crispy bacon or sausages brings a salty punch that balances the sweet, creamy bake perfectly. For drinks, a strong cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice is just right to complete your morning feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch, bake individual portions in small ramekins or muffin tins. This makes serving easier and creates charming personal-sized desserts. You can also layer the bake in a trifle dish with extra cream cheese dollops and chocolate chips between layers for a stunning presentation that doubles the indulgence. Playing with toppings like chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add exciting textures and flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making next-day servings just as delicious, if not better. Just cover tightly to prevent the custard from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

This breakfast bake freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings. Wrap the fully cooled bake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to two months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds until heated through. For a crispy edge, reheat in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Just be sure not to overcook, as the custard can become tough. Enjoy warm for the ultimate comforting breakfast experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular croissants instead of mini croissants?

Absolutely! Just chop regular croissants into smaller, bite-sized pieces. The texture might be slightly different since mini croissants bake more evenly, but the flavor and decadence remain fantastic.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?

You could try ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor profile, but cream cheese provides the perfect tang and richness that defines this dish. Using other cheeses might alter the texture and balance.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping cream cheese and milk for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and almond or oat milk, you can create a delicious dairy-free version. Make sure to choose vegan chocolate chips to keep every bite dairy-free.

How long can the bake sit before baking if refrigerated overnight?

It’s perfect to prepare and refrigerate overnight for up to 12 hours. This resting time lets the custard soak fully into the croissants, intensifying flavor and ensuring a moist, tender bake.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the bake?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit like cranberries add wonderful texture and flavor contrast. Just sprinkle them alongside the chocolate chips before pouring the custard over the top.

Final Thoughts

This Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines ease and elegance in one heartwarming dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, celebrating a weekend brunch with friends, or just treating yourself to something special, this bake is guaranteed to delight. So grab those croissants and cream cheese, and get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and smiles. Trust me, once you try it, this will become your new favorite breakfast tradition!

Croissant Breakfast Bake with Chocolate Chips and Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.3 from 3 reviews

Author: Chef
Total Time: 45 minutes plus optional overnight refrigeration
Yield: 8 servings

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Description

A deliciously rich and comforting Croissant Breakfast Bake featuring mini croissants soaked in a creamy custard with chocolate chips, perfect for an indulgent brunch or breakfast gathering.

Ingredients

Base

1 (10 to 13-oz) package mini croissants, chopped
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Custard Mixture

2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1⅓ cup sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups milk

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Instructions

Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Assemble Base: Place the chopped mini croissant pieces evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips uniformly over the croissants.
Mix Custard: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract and continue mixing until well blended. Finally, add the milk and mix until fully combined to form the custard mixture.
Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant pieces and chocolate chips in the baking pan, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Rest and Refrigerate: Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow croissants to absorb the custard. Alternatively, cover the pan and refrigerate overnight for a more thorough soak.
Bake: Bake the uncovered dish in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

Allowing the bake to refrigerate overnight improves texture as croissants fully absorb the custard.
Use fresh mini croissants for best flavor; day-old croissants work well for better absorption.
For a variation, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips.
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth custard mixture without lumps.
Serve with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an added touch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Breakfast Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American