Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole (Printable)
Buttery croissants baked with velvety cream cheese swirls and sweet blueberries for a rich breakfast treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Croissants
01 - 6 large croissants, preferably day-old, cut into large cubes
→ Cream Cheese Mixture
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 cup whole milk
06 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
07 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
→ Blueberry Layer
08 - 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
09 - 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for tossing with blueberries)
→ Topping
10 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting after baking)
11 - Maple syrup or whipped cream for serving (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Scatter half of the cubed croissants evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until fully combined.
04 - Toss the blueberries with the all-purpose flour in a small bowl, especially if using frozen berries, to prevent them from sinking during baking.
05 - Sprinkle half of the flour-tossed blueberries over the first layer of croissants. Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the croissants and berries. Layer with the remaining croissants and blueberries, then pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the top. Press down gently so the croissant cubes soak up the custard.
06 - Let the assembled casserole rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the croissants to absorb the custard. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.
07 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
08 - Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup or whipped cream, if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It turns day old croissants into something so indulgent that guests will assume you spent hours preparing it.
- The cream cheese custard seeps into every golden nook and creates pockets of sweetness that feel almost dessert like for breakfast.
02 -
- Do not skip the resting time because the custard needs those minutes to truly soak into the croissants for the right texture.
- If using frozen blueberries without the flour toss, they will bleed purple streaks everywhere and sink straight to the bottom.
03 -
- Substituting half the milk with heavy cream transforms this from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Tearing the croissants by hand instead of cutting with a knife creates more nooks and crannies for the custard to pool in.