Croissant French Toast Recipe

I don’t know about you, but breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. And if there’s one thing that can instantly make a morning feel luxurious, it’s croissant French toast.

Regular French toast? It’s great. But once you swap in buttery, flaky croissants, it’s a whole new game. The crispy edges, the soft, custardy center, the rich, buttery layers—it’s basically what would happen if a French pastry chef got really into brunch.

What makes croissant French toast so special? First, croissants absorb custard beautifully without getting mushy. Second, their high butter content means they caramelize perfectly when pan-fried. And third, they’re already halfway to being a dessert, so you don’t need to do much to make them completely irresistible. And if you love make-ahead breakfasts, you might also want to check out this Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole for another brunch-friendly option.

If you’re ready to elevate your breakfast game, let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best croissant French toast ever. And if you love learning about how French toast works on a scientific level, check out The Science of Making the Best French Toast for expert insights on custard ratios and cooking techniques.

Why Use Croissants for French Toast?

If you’ve never made French toast with croissants, you might be wondering what’s the big deal? I mean, regular bread works just fine, right?

Sure. But fine isn’t the goal here. We’re going for absolute breakfast perfection, and croissants bring something extra that regular bread just can’t match.

• Flakier texture → The multiple layers in a croissant hold custard differently, so you get a crispy exterior with a tender, custardy center.
• Richer taste → Croissants are already packed with butter, so they have more depth of flavor compared to regular bread.
• Better caramelization → The high fat content means croissants brown beautifully in the pan, giving you that perfect golden crust.
• More indulgent → Let’s be honest—croissants feel fancier, and that makes breakfast 10x more exciting.

If you’re into baking and want to understand why croissants have that perfectly flaky texture, check out Everything You Need to Know About Croissants. It’s a deep dive into how croissants are made and why they’re so uniquely delicious.

If you’re into buttery, bakery-style breads, you might also enjoy Soft Fluffy Buttery Rolls—another great bread option for rich, indulgent breakfasts.

The Best Croissants for French Toast

Not all croissants are created equal. If you want next-level French toast, you need to start with the right kind of croissant.

Should You Use Fresh or Stale Croissants?

If you’ve ever made French toast with super fresh bread, you might have ended up with a soggy mess. The same rule applies to croissants—slightly stale is better.

• Fresh croissants → Absorb too much liquid, making them fall apart while cooking.
• Day-old croissants → Hold their structure better and still soak up enough custard for flavor-packed bites.

If your croissants are too fresh, don’t worry. Just slice them and let them sit out overnight or toast them lightly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to dry them out.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Croissants

If you’re lucky enough to have a local bakery that makes fresh croissants, go for those. They’ll have a better texture and more buttery layers than most grocery store versions.

But if you’re using store-bought croissants, stick to butter-based ones (skip the ones made with vegetable oil—they won’t caramelize as well). Here are some of the best options:

• Whole Foods Croissants – Buttery and flaky, a great choice for French toast.
• Trader Joe’s Croissants – Their frozen croissants bake up beautifully.
• Costco Croissants – Slightly larger, great if you want extra fluffy French toast.

Essential Ingredients for Croissant French Toast

Now that we’ve got our croissants, let’s talk about what goes into making the perfect custard.

Eggs: The Backbone of the Custard

Eggs are what bind the custard to the croissant and create that rich, silky texture. But too many eggs can make your French toast taste too eggy.

• Use 2 large eggs per 4 croissants for a balanced flavor.
• Want extra richness? Add one egg yolk for every two eggs.

Milk vs. Cream: What’s the Best Choice?

This is where things get interesting. Your choice of milk or cream will affect the texture of your French toast.

• Whole milk → Light and creamy, great for a balanced texture.
• Half-and-half → Adds extra richness without being too heavy.
• Heavy cream → Makes the custard ultra-luxurious, but can be a bit too rich if you go overboard.
• Coconut milk → A great dairy-free option that adds a hint of tropical flavor.

For the perfect balance, I recommend ½ cup whole milk + ¼ cup heavy cream per 2 eggs.

Sweeteners: Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, or Honey?

Hate to break it to you, but regular white sugar is kind of boring. If you want deeper flavor, switch it up:

• Brown sugar → Adds a hint of caramel.
• Maple syrup → Natural sweetness with rich undertones.
• Honey → A light, floral sweetness that pairs well with fruit toppings.

For best results, I use 1 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp maple syrup per batch.

Flavor Boosters: The Secret to Next-Level French Toast

This is where you get creative. You can stick with the classics, or add a little something extra.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract → Adds warmth and depth.
• ½ tsp cinnamon → Essential for a cozy, classic flavor.
• A pinch of salt → Brings out all the other flavors.
• A splash of Grand Marnier or rum → Trust me, it makes a difference.

Butter vs. Oil: What’s the Best for Cooking?

This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. If you use just butter, it burns too fast. If you use just oil, you miss out on that buttery flavor.

The solution? Use both.

• 1 tbsp butter + 1 tsp oil → Butter for flavor, oil to prevent burning.
• Best oil choices → Neutral oils like canola or coconut oil.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Croissant French Toast

Now that we’ve got our perfectly chosen croissants and a rich custard ready, it’s time to cook. If you’ve ever struggled with soggy, burnt, or bland French toast, don’t worry—I’ve been there. But after a few trial-and-error mornings, I’ve found the best way to get that crispy, caramelized outside and soft, custardy inside.

Let’s break it down step by step.

If you start with fresh, super soft croissants, you’ll probably end up with a soggy disaster. Here’s how to prepare them properly.

• Whole croissants vs. sliced croissants – Leaving them whole creates a soft, creamy center, while slicing them in half gives more crispy edges.
• Dry them out – If they’re too fresh, toast them at 300°F for 5 minutes or leave them uncovered overnight to dry out slightly.
• Cutting for French toast sticks – Slice croissants into thirds for easy-to-dip pieces.

You don’t want just eggs and milk—that’s boring. A proper custard makes all the difference.

1. Whisk together 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk – This adds richness without making it too eggy.
2. Add ½ cup whole milk + ¼ cup heavy cream – The perfect blend of lightness and richness.
3. Mix in 1 tbsp brown sugar + 1 tsp maple syrup – This adds a caramel-like sweetness.
4. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt – Essential for depth of flavor.
5. Optional: Add a splash of Grand Marnier – Trust me, this takes it to another level.

This is where a lot of people mess up. If you soak croissants too long, they’ll turn to mush. If you don’t soak them enough, they won’t absorb enough custard.

• Whole croissants → 10-15 seconds per side is perfect.
• Sliced croissants or sticks → 5-10 seconds per side to avoid oversaturation.
• Pro tip: Give them a gentle press in the custard so it absorbs evenly.

Best Pan for Croissant French Toast

Your pan choice matters more than you think:

• Cast iron skillet → Best for even heat and crispy edges.
• Nonstick pan → Easier to clean, great for beginners.
• Griddle → Ideal if making French toast for a crowd.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Once done, serve immediately with your favorite toppings. If you want to try a baked version, check out Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole—perfect for meal prepping or holiday mornings.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Not a fan of pan-frying? No problem. Here are three other ways to make croissant French toast.

This is perfect for feeding a crowd or when you want a make-ahead breakfast.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a baking dish.
2. Tear croissants into large chunks and place them in the dish.
3. Pour the custard over the croissants, pressing down lightly.
4. Let soak for 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.

For a warm fruit topping, try making Cracker Barrel Fried Apples—it pairs perfectly with buttery croissant French toast.

For crispy results with less butter, the air fryer is a great option.

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Place soaked croissants in a single layer in the basket.
3. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Serve with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

This method creates super crispy edges while keeping the inside soft and custardy.

If you’ve got kids (or just love dipping food), try this version.

1. Cut croissants into thirds for bite-sized pieces.
2. Quick soak (5 seconds per side) to avoid mushiness.
3. Cook as usual, but reduce frying time to 2 minutes per side.
4. Serve with cinnamon sugar or maple syrup for dipping.

If you love cinnamon-flavored breakfast treats, you might also enjoy Cinnamon Crescent Rolls for another flaky, sweet breakfast option.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

I’ve messed up French toast in every way possible—so you don’t have to. Here’s what to avoid.

• Too much liquid makes them fall apart. Stick to 10-15 seconds per side.

• Too hot? You’ll burn the outside before the inside is cooked.
• Too low? The croissants soak up too much butter and turn greasy.
• Medium heat is best for even caramelization.

• Butter is key for a crispy, golden crust.
• Too little? Your French toast will stick to the pan and lack flavor.
• Use 1 tbsp butter + 1 tsp oil per batch.

Best Toppings and Serving Ideas for Croissant French Toast

Once your croissant French toast is crispy, golden-brown, and warm, it’s time for the fun part—toppings. While classic maple syrup and powdered sugar are always a good choice, let’s explore some creative ways to take it to the next level.

If you like to keep it simple yet satisfying, stick to these classic choices:

• Powdered sugar – Adds a delicate sweetness without overpowering the buttery croissant.
• Maple syrup – Go for real maple syrup for the best flavor. If you’re curious about how to pick the best syrup, check out How to Pick the Right Maple Syrup.
• Whipped cream – Light and fluffy, perfect for a creamy contrast to the crispy texture.

Want to elevate your croissant French toast into a restaurant-quality brunch dish? Try these gourmet options:

• Caramelized bananas – Slice bananas and sauté them in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a rich, gooey topping.
• Berry compote – Cook strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries down with a little sugar to make a sweet, tangy topping.
• Nutella + crushed hazelnuts – Because chocolate + croissants = perfection.
• Lemon curd + toasted almonds – Adds a bright citrus twist with a nutty crunch.

If you love cinnamon-spiced fruit toppings, try Cracker Barrel Fried Apples—they pair perfectly with buttery croissant French toast.

While croissants are naturally sweet and buttery, they also work surprisingly well in savory dishes. Here are a few ideas if you’re feeling adventurous:

• Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese – A salty-sweet combo that’s perfect for brunch.
• Poached eggs and hollandaise sauce – Think of it as a cross between French toast and eggs Benedict.
• Cream cheese and smoked salmon – A croissant-inspired version of bagels and lox.
• Avocado and hot honey – A modern brunch twist that’s unexpectedly delicious.

If you love sweet and savory breakfasts, you might also enjoy Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese—a high-protein side that pairs well with croissant French toast.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Croissant French Toast

French toast is best when fresh, but if you’ve made too much, don’t worry—you can store and reheat it without losing that crispy, golden texture.

How to Store Leftover French Toast

If you’re planning to eat leftovers within a few days, follow these steps:

1. Let the French toast cool completely before storing—this prevents it from getting soggy.
2. Stack slices with parchment paper between them to avoid sticking.
3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Freeze Croissant French Toast

Want to meal prep or save some for later? Freezing is a great option.

1. Cool completely, then arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. Freeze for 30 minutes to prevent sticking.
3. Transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container, and label with the date.
4. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Best Ways to Reheat French Toast Without Losing Texture

Reheating French toast the wrong way can make it soggy or rubbery. Here’s how to bring it back to life.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Place slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Pop a slice into a toaster on medium heat.
• Works best for halved croissants that won’t fall apart.

• Set air fryer to 375°F.
• Place slices in a single layer.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add a little butter or oil.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Are you ready to make the best croissant French toast of your life? Grab those croissants, whip up that custard, and make something worthy of a five-star brunch!

And when you do, don’t forget to drop a comment and let me know how it turned out.

Happy cooking, and may your croissants always be buttery, golden, and utterly delicious!

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