Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Lemon Curd and Berries

If you’re looking for the perfect breakfast or brunch dish to wow your guests (or just yourself), let me introduce you to this Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Lemon Curd and Berries. Imagine soft, buttery croissants soaking up a rich, creamy custard, topped with bright and tangy lemon curd and fresh, juicy berries. This casserole is the perfect balance of indulgent and refreshing—a decadent way to start your day, whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion. You won’t believe how easy it is to put together, but trust me, it tastes like a five-star dish!

Why You’ll Love Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Lemon Curd and Berries

Let’s talk about why this casserole is a winner:

• Delicious Layers: The croissants soak up all the custard goodness, creating the most delightful texture. Add the tangy lemon curd and fresh berries, and you have layers of flavor that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a brunch, or just making a weekend treat, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. Everyone loves it, and it always disappears quickly!
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you want a comforting, satisfying breakfast without the hassle.
• Bright and Sweet: The lemon curd adds a wonderful burst of citrus that pairs perfectly with the buttery croissants and sweet berries. It’s a little bit of sunshine on your plate.
• Customizable: You can swap out the berries for whatever fruit you have on hand. Think peaches, strawberries, or even a mix of tropical fruits. It’s versatile!

Ingredients for Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Lemon Curd and Berries

Here’s what you’ll need to create this breakfast beauty. Most of these ingredients are simple staples, but together, they create something truly special.

• Croissants: Buttery, flaky croissants are the heart of this casserole. They soak up the custard and bake to perfection.
• Eggs: You’ll need eggs to create that rich, custardy base. They make the casserole creamy and give it structure.
• Milk and Heavy Cream: These two add richness and create that perfect custard texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Sugar: A little sugar for sweetness is just what the custard needs to balance out the tang of the lemon curd and berries.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs so well with the other ingredients.
• Lemon Curd: The star of the show—tangy, smooth, and luxurious. You can make it yourself or use store-bought for a quicker version.
• Fresh Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries—whatever your favorites are! Fresh berries add a refreshing sweetness that brightens up every bite.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to create a breakfast masterpiece? Let’s dive into the steps!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). We want that perfect golden top to your casserole, so make sure the oven’s nice and hot before you pop it in.

Prepare the Croissants

Tear the croissants into large chunks and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Don’t worry about making them neat—this is a rustic, cozy dish, so embrace a little mess!

Make the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. This custard mixture is going to soak into the croissants and create that perfect creamy texture. Whisk until everything is well combined.

Assemble the Casserole

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants. Use a spoon to gently press the croissants down so they soak up all the custard. Let this sit for 10 minutes to give the croissants a chance to soak in the flavors.

Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set. You should see it puff up beautifully and become all golden and delicious.

Add the Lemon Curd and Berries

Once the casserole is out of the oven, spoon a generous amount of lemon curd on top of the casserole. Then, scatter fresh berries all over the top. The heat from the casserole will melt the curd slightly, creating the perfect balance of creamy and tart.

Serve and Enjoy

Cut into that warm, buttery casserole and serve it up! Enjoy it while it’s still hot, and maybe add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 350
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 155mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 7g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Lemon Curd and Berries

This casserole is a showstopper on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more memorable:

• Mimosas: Serve alongside a refreshing mimosa to bring a little sparkle to your brunch spread.
• Bacon or Sausage: A side of crispy bacon or savory sausage balances the sweetness of the casserole for a well-rounded meal.
• Fresh Juice: A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice is the perfect complement to this breakfast treat.
• A Light Salad: A light, fresh salad with arugula and a lemon vinaigrette would add a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Just bake it the next morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
• Use Day-Old Croissants: If you have stale croissants, they work beautifully in this casserole! They’ll soak up the custard even better.
• Berry Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh berries, you can use frozen berries (just thaw and drain them first). Or swap for other fruits like sliced bananas or peaches!
• Lemon Curd: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own lemon curd. It’s easier than it sounds and adds a homemade touch to the casserole.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?
A1: Yes! You can use brioche, challah, or any other soft, buttery bread. Croissants are just a fun, extra indulgent choice.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake. It’s a total time-saver.

Q3: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A3: Yes! Use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream. The results are still delicious.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to enjoy later.

Q5: Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
A5: Yes, you can totally use store-bought lemon curd. If you want to get a little extra fancy, you can warm it up slightly before adding it on top.

Q6: Can I add nuts to this casserole?
A6: Yes, chopped almonds or pecans would be a great addition. Just sprinkle them on top of the casserole before baking for a nice crunch.

Q7: Can I freeze this casserole?
A7: Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just assemble it, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.

Q8: Can I use other fruits instead of berries?
A8: Absolutely! Sliced bananas, diced peaches, or even poached pears would work wonderfully. Feel free to get creative!

Q9: How can I make this casserole even more decadent?
A9: You can add a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone between the croissants for extra creaminess. Or drizzle with a bit of maple syrup after baking!

Q10: What’s the best way to serve this casserole?
A10: Serve it warm with a dollop of extra lemon curd and a sprinkle of fresh berries on top. Add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness!

Conclusion

This Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Lemon Curd and Berries is everything you could want in a breakfast dish—luxuriously creamy, buttery, and full of fresh, bright flavors. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s perfect for any occasion that calls for something a little extra special. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this casserole is sure to make your breakfast unforgettable. Enjoy every bite!

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