Imagine waking up to a heavenly aroma of buttery croissants, sweet ripe pears, and warm cinnamon that transforms your ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Pear Croissant Breakfast Casserole is not just a meal—it's a French-inspired morning masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. Perfect for lazy weekend brunches, special occasions, or when you simply want to elevate your breakfast game, this recipe combines the luxurious richness of croissants with the delicate sweetness of pears in a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 croissants, torn into pieces
- 2 ripe pears, sliced
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Tear the croissants into rustic, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size. Spread these pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Wash and core the ripe pears, then slice them thinly into uniform half-moon shapes. Arrange the pear slices over the croissant pieces, distributing them evenly across the dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the croissants and pears, making sure to saturate all the bread pieces. Gently press down on the croissants to help them absorb the liquid.
- If using, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the casserole for added crunch and flavor.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The casserole should be slightly puffy and have a custard-like consistency.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup. Can be accompanied by additional fresh fruit or a side of bacon.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears to ensure they maintain their shape during baking.
- Use day-old croissants for better absorption of the custard mixture.
- For extra indulgence, consider adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- If you want a more decadent version, substitute some milk with heavy cream.
- Experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts instead of pecans.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven to maintain the casserole's texture.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and reduce the sugar slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 130mg
