Why Make This Recipe
Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole is the perfect dish for breakfast or brunch. It combines the flaky goodness of buttery croissants with the creamy texture of cream cheese and the burst of freshness from blueberries. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for gatherings or a cozy family breakfast. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a delightful dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time!
How to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole
Ingredients
To make this delicious Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 buttery croissants, torn into pieces
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Blueberry sauce (optional, for serving)
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking as it bakes.
Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined and smooth. This mixture will help to create a custard-like base for your casserole.
Layer the Croissants: Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and layer them evenly in the greased baking dish. The pieces should cover the bottom of the dish.
Add Cream Cheese and Blueberries: Dollop the softened cream cheese over the croissant pieces. You can use a spoon to create little dollops, ensuring it spreads evenly across the croissants. Next, sprinkle the fresh blueberries on top of the croissant and cream cheese mixture.
Pour the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the croissants, making sure every piece is coated. This will ensure the croissants soak up all the delicious flavors.
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. You can drizzle blueberry sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired.
How to Serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole
Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole can be served warm or at room temperature. This makes it a flexible option for breakfasts or brunches. Consider serving it with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. You can also offer extra fresh blueberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful dessert twist. If you’re feeling generous, add some whipped cream for a creamy finish!
How to Store Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick breakfast.
Tips to Make Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole
Use Day-Old Croissants: For the best results, use day-old croissants. They are drier and will soak up the egg mixture better than fresh croissants, which may be too moist and lead to a soggy casserole.
Mix Up the Berries: Feel free to replace or mix in other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. Each fruit adds its unique flavor and can elevate your casserole.
Make it Ahead of Time: You can prepare the casserole the night before. Simply assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it in the oven!
Add Nuts or Spices: For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or other spices like nutmeg or cardamom. They can add an extra depth of flavor to your dish.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, consider trying:
Chocolate Chip Blueberry Croissant Casserole: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the mixture for a sweeter version that’s sure to wow the chocolate lovers in your life.
Maple Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole: Drizzle some maple syrup over the casserole before baking. This sweetness pairs beautifully with the blueberries and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
You can find more delicious recipes, including this one, on my Pinterest page. Click to check out more delightful dishes!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen blueberries can be used in this casserole. Just be sure to let them thaw and drain any excess liquid to prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy.
2. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a knife placed in the center comes out clean. If there’s a lot of custard on the knife, you may need to bake it for a bit longer.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free croissants or bread. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, including the cream cheese and milk, are also gluten-free.
With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. Enjoy making and sharing this treat with family and friends!
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese Croissant Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful casserole combining buttery croissants, creamy cream cheese, and fresh blueberries, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 6 buttery croissants, torn into pieces
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Blueberry sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and layer them in the greased baking dish.
- Dollop the softened cream cheese over the croissant pieces and sprinkle the blueberries on top.
- Pour the egg mixture over the croissants, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with blueberry sauce if desired.
Notes
Use day-old croissants for the best texture. You can prepare this dish the night before and bake it in the morning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: casserole, blueberry, breakfast, brunch, cream cheese, croissants
